Toyota Repair: 1995 Celica A/C system, metal particles, diagnostic fee

Question
QUESTION: My girlfriend's mechanic told us that the expansion valve is stuck closed in her car.  He's informed me that it's a lot of labor to disassemble the dash and replace it, so I told him I would do it and bring it back.  Is there any chance of flushing the system or doing anything that may get the valve working without replacement because I would rather pursue another avenue then rip this car apart for a couple days if possible.

If this has to done, do you have any links for how-tos or manuals to assist me with this project?  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: If the valve is the problem then it should be replaced but I have no idea whether that's the problem or not, if I were you I would get another opinion from another shop or maybe even the toyota dealer, it will cost the diagnostic fee but you may save hundreds of dollars because expeansion valves just don't fail unless there is another problem in most cases. Most of the time A/C systems are not working because of freon leaks which cause low pressure readings, I would definetely have somone else check the system and see if you get the same answer as your girlfriend's mechanic.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well the compressor had been seized for several months so the mech told me from the beginning that the expansion valve and dryer would likely have to be changed also.  I told him to just change the compressor and charge it up and see what happens.  I think the guy probably knows what he's doing but I'm still thinking of checking with someone else.  Is there any chance that a clogged dryer will give similar readings/symptoms as a stuck expansion valve?  I think the dryer is a bit easier to change.

Answer
If the compressor is seized then there is a good chance that metal particles from the compressor rotating parts got into the system, this is why he's recommending these parts, makes sense to me. You can just replace the compressor but if there is enough metal in the system the new compressor will fail in a short time, the right way to do this is to remove the evaporator unit and replace the expansion valve, clean out the evaporator, clean out the condenser and the lines and replace the receiver drier.