Parts for your 2009 Subaru Impreza-Tx valve

2009 Subaru Impreza TX Valve (Thermostatic Expansion Valve)

Technical sources confirm the 2009 Subaru Impreza is fitted with a thermostatic expansion valve (TX valve). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2008–2011 Impreza (GE/GH/GR) shows an expansion valve mounted at the evaporator. Subaru’s genuine parts catalogue lists “Valve – Expansion” for this model range (common listings include 73520FG000/73520FG010). DENSO HVAC service materials also describe Subaru’s use of a block‑type TXV in R‑134a systems. So, a TX valve is absolutely relevant to the 2009 Subaru Impreza’s air‑conditioning system.

In this Impreza, the TX valve is the small but crucial brain of the air‑con. It meters refrigerant into the evaporator based on temperature sensed at the outlet, holding a steady superheat. That keeps the evaporator cold without icing, stops liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor, and delivers stable cabin temps even when the weather’s doing its worst across Australia and New Zealand. When it’s working right, the car cools quickly at take‑off, stays consistent at idle, and avoids fogged‑over pipes or lukewarm vents.

It’s not a regular maintenance item, but it benefits from a healthy system around it. If the air‑con is opened for any reason, fresh O‑rings should be fitted and a new receiver‑dryer or desiccant (often integrated in the condenser on late‑2000s Subarus) is a smart move. The correct PAG oil and the exact R‑134a charge shown on the under‑bonnet label matter more than anything. A proper evacuation, nitrogen pressure testing, and an accurate recharge keep the TX valve happy for the long haul.

• Common signs a TX valve is struggling: warm air at idle but cooler on the highway, frosting at the evaporator pipes, erratic vent temps, a noisy hiss at the dash, very low suction pressure, or sky‑high head pressure from a restriction.
• If contamination’s present (blackened oil, metal flakes), the valve can stick or clog. That’s a bigger warning that the compressor and condenser may also need attention.

On the 2009 Impreza the TX valve mounts at the evaporator, typically accessed from the passenger side near the glovebox area. Access can be fiddly and labour‑heavy. Replacement should include new O‑rings lightly lubricated with the specified oil, careful torque on line fittings, a leak check, and a precise recharge. It’s worth fitting a fresh cabin filter and clearing the condensate drain at the same time to keep airflow and evaporator health in top nick. Because handling refrigerant requires recovery equipment and licensing, most owners leave this job to a qualified air‑con technician.

Popular questions about the 2009 Subaru Impreza TX valve

Where is the TX valve located on a 2009 Subaru Impreza?

It’s mounted at the evaporator, typically behind the dash on the passenger side near the glovebox area, where the refrigerant lines pass through the firewall. On many cars in this generation, you can see the line connections in the engine bay, but the valve itself is on the cabin side.

Access often involves removing the glovebox and trim panels, then working at the evaporator housing. Because it’s tight and involves refrigerant handling, most workshops treat it as a professional job.

How often should the TX valve be replaced on a 2009 Impreza?

There’s no fixed interval. The TX valve is replaced when it’s proven faulty or contaminated, or whenever the system has suffered a major failure that may have sent debris through the lines.

If the air‑con is cold, pressures are stable, and there’s no sign of restriction or flooding, it’s fine to leave it alone. Focus on correct charge, clean condenser fins, and a fresh cabin filter to keep the system happy.

Can a bad TX valve damage the compressor?

Yes. A stuck‑open TX valve can let liquid refrigerant reach the compressor, risking damage. A stuck or restricted valve can starve the evaporator, driving up discharge pressure and heat, which is also rough on the compressor.

If there are symptoms like erratic cooling, line frosting, or odd pressures, have a licensed air‑con tech diagnose it promptly to protect the compressor and avoid a bigger repair bill.