Possible Clogged Air Conditioner Drain

H

Hermittao

Inactive
Please, I need help. When my wife uses the air conditioner in her 2000 Eclipse, the driver side floor mat gets wet. I believe the drain for the air conditioner has become clogged, causing the water to back-up and somehow reaches the carpet. There is no noticeable drip on the inside of the passenger compartment, but I saw a small amount dripping from beneath the car on the driver side.

Does anyone know how to flush the drain pipe?

Thanks!
 
F

FireDance

TB Fanatic
Oh man. I had this same problem in my 93 Eclipse. I took it in for repair and essentially the guy rammed a rod down the hose and cleaned it out. Stayed that way for a summer and then wham - again. I finally got rid of Mr. Mold. Great car other than that.

If you're going to keep this car, I would find someone that can truly repair it because mold eventually becomes a hazard if you don't do a through clean up. Of course, mine would save up and then dump a bucket of the cold cold water on my feet when I took a turn. Your problem may not be that bad yet. Do tend to getting the water cleaned up and dried pronto though (rather difficult if you run the a/c though).

I will say this, cleaning out the drain hose that is currently there is not a big deal. I would try to find someone that can figure out how to actually fix it. I don't know what it clogs with, but I have my suspicions and have to say "yuck". You might also check and see if there's not some recall on this too. I can't imagine that this would still be going on with no fix by Mitsu!

p.s., Personally, I would not try to clean this out myself (with a rod) in case of drain tube rupture. It's inexpensive to take it somewhere and have someone else take the responsibility.
 
H

Hermittao

Inactive
FireDance, thank you for the information.

I'd like to try clearing the line myself, any advice on "How TO"? Would I have to remoce the carpet?

Also, is there any way to keep the line clear by pouring bleach down the system?
 
buttie

buttie

Veteran Member
A lot of times these drains will plug up due to debris falling through the cowl vent. You might try clearing the pipe while flushing with water from a garden hose down the cowl vent. Keep probing the drain pipe until all the debris comes out.

Then cover the cowl vent with fiber glass window screen. If you already have a mold problem you might try some bleach water down the cowl vent. There should also be drains in the vicinity of each front tire down near the bottom of the cowl. Clean these too.
 
tech

tech

Veteran Member
Generally good suggestions above, but many times the situation is bad enough that it requires removing the HVAC box, disassembling it and cleaning all of the debris out of the box.

Not a job for the typical DIY'er, as it requires evacuating and recharging the ac system.
 
H

Hermittao

Inactive
Folks, I've looked and can't find the drain. Any suggestions as to where the end of the drain may be?

Thanks,
 
H

Hermittao

Inactive
Buttie, I ran the air conditioner and looked for the drip, but no luck. It's like a leak in a roof, the drip doesn't appear to coincide with the drain line.

FireDance, I bought a manual 2 weeks ago. To correct the problem it says to unclog the line; but doesn't tell me how to do that.

I'm taking it into the shop next week.

Thanks,
 
F

FireDance

TB Fanatic
When I had mine done it was simply at a gas station (I'm not sure why as I don't normally have service done at one of these). It wasn't very much cost wise, but then it didn't last long either - just that season. I'm not sure if I would do the dealer thing or not. But it certainly made my car a very unpleasant vehicle so the extra $ for a long-term fix is good. I think I would quiz them about HOW they are going to fix first. The good thing about a station type situation is that you can ask questions and watch them fix it (sometimes). Your wife will be happy. Be sure to use this to your advantage - LOL!
 
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