Cap'n,

Peter described an expansion valve that fails by closing off and his explanation is good and is valid.

I have also seen an expansion valve fail open. In this case your high side pressure will be very low and the the low side pressure will be high. This is because there is no restriction in the system.

LEADFOOT,

The sweet smell is the smell of antifreeze. To know what to smell for, just open the radiator while the engine is cold and take a whiff. That is what you're smelling for. I don't really understand your problem because the a/c SHOULD be putting out cool or cold air from the vents. Please elaborate.

Have a great day,