Parts for your 2020 Honda Cr-v-Tx valve

2020 Honda CR‑V TX Valve: What it does and when to sort it

Yes, the 2020 Honda CR‑V uses a thermal expansion valve (TX valve). Honda’s Service Information for the 2017–2021 CR‑V (RW/RT) includes an “A/C Expansion Valve Removal/Installation” procedure, and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists “Valve Assy., Expansion” (commonly cited as 80220‑TLA‑A0x) for this model. Denso, the OE HVAC supplier, documents the TX valve’s role in metering refrigerant by superheat control—exactly how the CR‑V’s system is engineered to operate.

A TX valve sits at the evaporator inlet, regulating how much liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator based on outlet temperature. That keeps the evaporator from freezing, stabilises cabin temps, and improves efficiency. Whether it’s the 1.5‑litre turbo petrol or the hybrid variant, the CR‑V relies on a TX valve to match refrigerant flow to heat load and compressor output.

There’s no routine maintenance for the valve itself. Sensible care is about keeping the system clean and sealed: replace the cabin filter on schedule so airflow over the evaporator stays healthy, run the A/C regularly to circulate oil, and keep the condenser face clear of debris. If there’s oily residue at the A/C line joints at the firewall or inside the HVAC case, get it checked—oil traces often point to refrigerant leaks.

Replacement is typically on condition, not by time. Telltales of a sticking or restricted TX valve include weak or fluctuating cooling at idle and cruise, icing at the evaporator outlet, hissing followed by warm air, and abnormal gauge readings (very low low‑side with high high‑side, or hunting pressures). A tech will compare temperature drop across the valve and evaluate superheat with manifold gauges to confirm.

When replacement’s needed, it’s a licensed A/C job: recover the refrigerant, remove the evaporator connections, swap the valve and all O‑rings (HNBR), torque to spec, evacuate to deep vacuum, and recharge precisely by weight per the under‑bonnet label. It’s good practice to renew the receiver/drier desiccant (integrated in the condenser on this model) if the system has been open or contaminated, and to add the exact Honda‑specified compressor oil type and quantity. Hybrid CR‑V variants use non‑conductive electric‑compressor oil and must be serviced with high‑voltage‑safe equipment—don’t mix oils.

After re‑charge, a leak check and performance test (centre vent temps, pressure stability, blend door operation) wraps it up. Done right, a new TX valve restores crisp, consistent cooling and protects the compressor from liquid slugging.

• Watch for fluctuating vent temps, icing, or hissing—classic TX valve clues.
• Always replace O‑rings and evacuate/recharge by weight after opening the system.
• Consider renewing the condenser desiccant if the system’s been open to air.

Popular questions about a 2020 Honda CR‑V TX valve

Where is the TX valve on a 2020 CR‑V?
It’s mounted at the evaporator inlet inside the HVAC case, essentially behind the dash near the firewall. Access generally involves removing trim and the glovebox area for RHD/Australasian models, then separating the A/C lines at the bulkhead and the evaporator case to reach the valve.

What symptoms point to a failing TX valve?
Expect weak or intermittent cooling, noticeable temperature swings, icing or frost near the evaporator outlet, and odd pressure behaviour on gauges. Sometimes there’s a rapid hiss followed by warm air. These signs overlap with other faults (low charge, condenser restriction), so gauge and temperature diagnostics are key.

Is the hybrid CR‑V’s TX valve different to the petrol model?
Functionally similar, but the hybrid uses an electric A/C compressor with specific non‑conductive compressor oil. That means service procedures, oil type, and contamination control are stricter. Always follow Honda’s oil spec and use equipment rated for high‑voltage A/C systems.