Which of the following conditions will occur if the power element of the thermostatic expansion valve shown in the illustration loses its charge? GS-RA-07 Illustration GS-RA-07: the U.S. Coast Guard has not released this illustration.

Correct Answer: Option D — The valve will fail closed, providing no cooling capacity.

The thermostatic expansion valve power element relies on bulb pressure to open the valve against spring pressure. Losing its thermal charge eliminates the opening force, causing the spring to drive the valve fully closed and halting refrigerant flow entirely.