2004 Corolla No Cold A/C (EXP valve?)

So my gf's corolla is having problems with cold air from the A/C. First she said it would come and go (that was about a month ago) and now no cold air at all.

She took it to a shop and they told her its a $25 part but its way in there making labor cost $300-$400..

So i'm thinking its the expansion valve. I checked the freon, pressure is good. Compressor is engaging, blower motor working.

Now i have the repair manual and it says i've basically got to remove the entire dashboard to access the A/C Unit Assembly.
Is this really the case or anyone know of an easier way to go about changing the expansion valve?

So i fixed her a/c by switching the MG/CLT relay with the Horn relay! just wanted to post it here so if anyone ever has the same issue and they search and come up on this, try switching the relays first before you spend 3 or so hours taking out the dashboard to access the a/c unit assembly.