Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The evaporator inlet and outlet manifold incorporates the Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX) and is serviced as an assembly. The Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX) combines a section of the A/C suction and liquid refrigerant lines into one component. It uses the cold vapor from the evaporator to cool the hot liquid from the condenser before it enters the Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV). After the Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV), more liquid refrigerant is available for absorbing heat in the evaporator. The result is an increase in cooling and operating efficiency of the HVAC system.