I had my mechanic try to find it yesterday
I have a 97 es300 with 230,000 miles and AC only works some times.

I had him take off the glove box and there was a bunch of computer boards but no expansion valve.

So he said it was not there... he said it might be under the hood. I checked forums and see that man people confirm the expansion valve under the glove box for this year and model.

I hate to post repeat questions but I am lost here.
my car is getting hot.

 

It's not under the glove box. It's accessed through that opening where he was, but it's in the center of the dashboard. Think of it as being on the floor behind the radio. It's very hard to get to.

As a reference, watch a Scotty Kilmer video for Toyota Expansion Valves on YouTube.

 

Thanks I saw the video very helpful. When I took of the glove box I saw a bunch of computer boards.
probably amp for stereo. I will check for the opening again.

 

Do you have to remove freon to replace the valve?

 

Yes, the expansion valve uses "freon" (refrigerant) in order to cool down the air, so once you open the system to replace the valve, it has to be vacuum dry and will need to be refilled.

 

any one in the VA Beach/Norfolk VA area able to help me with this?