At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.
Air Conditioning drain is plugged. When I am driving, it sounds
Air Conditioning drain is plugged. When I am driving it sounds like there is water in the passenger side area down under the dash. I assume there is a drain that is pliugged, but I can't find it.
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
air conditions work by removing water vapor from the air
that water is collected in a tray to be drained out
if the drain is blocked then that water will run out onto the floor
leaks Where? under the car, in the hot sun? from the top of door driving in the rain? close yr windows. or its condensation from the air conditioning system....both are normal.
there is a drain for the heater air box to drain moisture onto the ground. it should drain water when your using your air conditioning as well. its located outside on the passenger side on the lower firewall under the hood. they do get plugged from time to time. you will need to check and make sure its not plugged and can usually only see it from under the car. also make sure your air intake screen by the wipers is not plugged with debris.
The air conditioning coil that cools the car should be in a tray that collects the condensate and drains under the car or perhaps down through the engine compartment. After running the air if you pull into your driveway and stop you should see water dripping. If the drain gets plugged it will overflow the drain pan and drip in the car. This may be what is happening. Look around near the firewall for the drain pipe/hose. Be careful if the engine has just been run.
A/C condenses water out of the air. That water is supposed to drain through a hose that leads from the A/C heater unit. If it gets plugged, the water will stand and eventually molds.
You need to find the drain tube and clear it. If you can find the tube, get some mechanics wire (thinner than a coat hanger), bend the end into an eye, so it will NOT catch on anything, then clean out the tube.
If you can, run the air conditioning for a while to ensure that some water exists. This can help find the tube if it leaks a little, and will definitely help if you do clear the plug, since it will begin to drain when you clear the plug.
You can check your drain plug, but also consider your coolant system. It may have be be bled. The coolant systems are closed and if they get an air pocket it will move around and make that kind of noise at times. If you had it flushed, which at this age you should have by now, they may not have filled it up all the way. It can be tricky.
do you get the water only when you are driving in wet conditions or is your air conditioning condensation leaking into the car instead of draining outside ( does the vehicle even have air conditioning ) if it is from outside, most likely it is splashing up at the wheel well or firewall and finding it's way in.
NOTE: This procedure may be easier if the radiator and shroud is removed. If the radiator is not removed, place cardboard in front so not to damage the radiator core
Open the hood and disconnect the battery. Remove the lower engine cover.
Drain the cooling system.
CAUTION When draining the coolant, keep in mind that cats and dogs are attracted by ethylene glycol antifreeze, and are quite likely to drink any that is left in an uncovered container or in puddles on the ground. This will prove fatal in sufficient quantity. Always drain the coolant into a sealable container. Coolant should be reused unless it is contaminated or several years old.
On cars without air conditioning, remove the fan.
On cars with air conditioning, remove the air pump and generator mounting bolts, then remove the fan and air pump drive belt (pivot the generator and air pump in toward the engine). Remove the fan and pulley with set plate. Remove the hoses to the pump.
Remove the 6 bolts attaching the water pump and remove the water pump assembly. Clean all gasket surfaces carefully.
To install:
Install the 6 bolts attaching the water pump with a new gasket.
On cars with air conditioning, install the air pump and generator mounting bolts, then install the fan and air pump drive belt (pivot the generator and air pump in toward the engine). Install the fan and pulley with set plate. Install the hoses to the pump.
On cars without air conditioning, install the fan.
Refill the cooling system.
Connect the battery, start the engine and check for leaks.
You are correct. The water that you are seeing is the condensate that is drained out on the street when the A/C is on. Look at the passenger side of the car, under the dash, close to the center. You will see a black rubber tube coming out of a box, and it will poke thru the firewall, towards the front on the passenger side. Remove it, expect to see water drain out on your floor. Clean it by running water thru it with a garden hose or something like that. Reinsert it and poke it back thru the firewall. This is very common for the drains to plug up.
×