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ccsmith
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Sep 3, 2008, 7:52 PM
Post #1 of 9
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AC leaking into cab
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Howdy all, Thanks to anyone with leads on this fix.
I have a jeep liberty 2002. The ac is leaking into the passenger side front. It's hot here and it's making several cups of condensation per day. We removed the carpet.
What are the typical causes for this if any?
Where should I start to address the problem?
Thanks in advance.
Correy
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2008, 9:00 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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Hi Correy,
This should be fairly straight forward - just clean water - right? There should be a drain for the condensate - usually a rubber elbow or sometimes like an elephant nose that allows water to drain to ground that is plugged. If you can located that just squeeze on it and it may clear or CAREFULLY clear it out with wire or preferred plastic wire tie type probe as to not damage the evaporator inside there. It's located either on firewall center to passenger's side or from inside same place - low on distribution box.
Debris can clog those or sometimes I find a "mud wasp" has built a home there plugging it solid,
T
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ccsmith
New User
Sep 3, 2008, 10:36 PM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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Hello Tom. Thank-you for the response. Yes the ac leaks just clean water. Yup, there is a drain center on the passenger side fire wall in the engine cavity I will probe that in the morning. Amazing how much water it will generate in a 60-70 mile trip. Several cups!!!!!
We removed the carpets. Has taken about four days to dry with fans on!!!
I guess I should get them dry cleaned?
What is this evaporator? And will I feel it while probing? Is it extremely delicate?
Thank-you again. Will post back tomorrow with results.
Correy
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2008, 11:17 PM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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Hi again,
Condensate can be gallons! Depends on humidity but it is just plain water and will dry. The evaporator is the cooling radiator where liquid refrigerant under pressure is "nozzled" to expand/boil/evaporate which makes the cool for heat transfer. Just like anything cold in humidity it also takes the moisture out of the air.
The idea is kinda the reverse of a heater core and the warning is not to damage the delicate fins of it which can be close to the drain tube. If you go nuts with a coat hanger you can destroy it.
Pollen, dust, insects as said or anything that can prevent passive water from draining out of this tube will allow the water to spill to the next handy spot which is your floor
To add: Some of these hoses are closed rubber ended such that they are not just an open hose. GMs did more of that to prevent any air exchange or cooling loss thru that small hose/hole and those can clog more easily. If that type they can be snipped off with no measureable loss of cooling force and won't be a routine pest to clear out.
If you can find and see this hose - just use what works to clear it. Compressed air, squeeze, remove if practical and re-install. It's just junk plugging it like a downspout of a gutter idea.
There may be a bit of water now even before you get it unplugged and rush out as proof you got it. If it gives you a hard time we can think up some tricks to clear it,
T
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ccsmith
New User
Sep 4, 2008, 8:45 PM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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10-4 on the gallons of juice.
So Tom, I carefully probed the exhaust of the ac with a length of 14 ga. electrical wire. I slid it in until i felt it contact something , that was as deep as i went. There seems no clogging going on.
There is very little water coming out this end. Still plenty building up in the cabin side.
I figure next is to disassemble the trim under the dash?
I must go deeper I fear... And words of moral support or encouragement?
Many thanks,
Correy
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2008, 4:05 AM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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Hmmm - that should have been the end of it
Ok: Let's dream up some tricks. You seem pretty sure you've found the correct drain tube/spot - right? It this somehow has an abundance of pollen or some funky shaped seed pod that can be that sneaky we have to outsmart it.
I'd do lots of things before I'd split open the distribution box as it would likely have to come completely out which is the nightmare of A/C in most repair jobs and the most bucks!
How about a tube attached to the end of like a turkey baster (fav tool never used to baste turkey ) that would fit in the drain tube. First just let air in and out if you can get a good fit. I'm toying with the though of using compressed air but don't want to overdo this or cause a problem either. That has to be done with loose connections so you don't really get shop air pressure in this!
If that proves or seems to be air tight then it's back to probing - this time with a plastic, zip type wire tie and leave the feathered end on as to no damage that evaporator. It may give a better sense that it's not just winding up out of your sight.
Still nothing? I think I'd brave it and fill the turkey baster with water and put water in that hole as a flush/test. It either dissappears, comes back out the same hole or adds to what drips inside - either that works or is informative if not.
Another idea: See where blower motor is mounted and take it out. You can likely get the best possible view in there with the least screaming that way. Then I'd go for the compressed air and you may get covered in junk doing that and clear this up.
****************
This is just mindless drain clearing and not high tech A/C repair as I think you know but important of course. Reminds me of clearing drain holes in boats/yachts where every cavity drains back to the bilge to be pumped overboard. Doesn't the one I get (real story) have a history of someone sawing/drilling things and letting assorted saw dust of wood, plastic, foams, get all in the thing and make the nightmare of the century!
Keep at it,
T
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2008, 12:03 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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Just passing this along.....
NUMBER: 24-003-05
GROUP: Heating & A/C
DATE: February 04, 2005
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 24-007-03, DATED AUGUST 15, 2003, ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE CHANGES TO THE TJ MODEL YEARS AND TO THE PART REQUIRED.SUBJECT:
HVAC Drain Water Leaks Inside Vehicle And Under Passenger Side Front Carpet
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a HVAC drain hose.
MODELS:2002 (KJ) Liberty (Domestic Market) 2002 (KJ) Cherokee (International Market) 1997 - **2005** (TJ) Wrangler
NOTE :This bulletin applies to LHD Liberty vehicles built prior to August 10, 2001 (MDH 0810XX), and to Wrangler vehicles built prior to March 01, 2005 (MDH 0301XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a wet front passenger floor or floor carpet. This condition may occur due to water (A/C condensate) from the HVAC assembly drain tube. As A/C condensate leaves the HVAC drain tube, it may run back along the outside of the HVAC drain tube, enter the passenger compartment, and run under the front floor carpet on the passenger side. This condition may occur most often while the vehicle is being driven.
DIAGNOSIS:
Inspect for the source of the water leak. Determine if the passenger side of the front floor carpet is wet because of air conditioning condensate from the HVAC drain tube. Inspect the HVAC assembly drain tube for the presence of a drain hose. If a HVAC assembly drain hose is not present, and the A/C condensate from the drain tube is the cause of the water leak, then perform the Repair Procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE: 1. Inspect the HVAC drain tube. Clean out any debris or other restrictions in the drain.
2. Install a HVAC drain hose onto the HVAC drain tube. Once assembled to the HVAC drain tube, make sure the open end of the drain hose is facing towards the ground.
3. Install a tie strap around the drain hose to secure the hose to the HVAC drain tube.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2008, 12:40 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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WOW! Thanks for that Jim. I wouldn't have any clue of a TSB on this and this is the first "Jeep Liberty" with the complaint that usually is just so simple. It very well could need this but I wonder why it waits so long from new to develop the problem if a flawed design??
Awesome for archives. What do I know about Jeeps with wet floors anyhow? Last one I dealt with was a spilled Martini from Allan Alda buzzing around with Hotlips Houlihan in an old Willys on the M.A.S.H. set!
T
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2008, 12:52 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: AC leaking into cab
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As said Tommy,just passing it along.I know its an older bulletin,reissued in 05..thought ,why not..you never know..
That Alan Alda was great in that show...Talk about some great comedy one liners.....
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