Passenger side floor wet

Tiny
ASHMO85
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
The AC is working fine. A few days ago I noticed a wet spot on my floor mat on the passenger side. I pulled it out and the carpet was soaked. I pulled the carpet back and there was a puddle of water about half inch to one inch deep. I had the AC checked and the mechanic said it is working fine. It still blows really cold. We have gotten a lot of rain but it seems like the water was coming from up under the dash. What could this be?
Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 AT 6:50 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
That's a common problem when the condensate drain tube becomes plugged. The humidity in the incoming air condenses on the evaporator in the dash, then that water drips into a pan on the bottom of the housing. From there it drains onto the ground just inside of and behind the right front tire. When that drain tube becomes plugged, water builds up in that pan, then overflows onto the floor.

Look under the hood on the passenger side of the firewall for a four-inch rubber hose with a 90-degree bend in it hanging down. The end is slotted until you squeeze it, then it becomes round. Squeeze that tube to see if any debris dislodges. If nothing comes out, that hose is held on to the plastic spout with a wire ring. Squeeze the ends of that ring together, then pull the hose off. If water comes gushing out, clean out the hose. If nothing is draining out yet, carefully stick a pencil into the spout to dislodge whatever is in there, then slide the hose back on.
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 AT 9:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Under the hood on the passenger side of the firewall is the drain for the AC. There was a technical service bulletin related to this problem sent out years ago. What ends up happening is the drain leaks back into the vehicle because the gasket between the firewall and HVAC system fails. With that, if the drain isn't plugged as mentioned by Caradiodic, and that can very well be the issue, this is what you will need to do. I will tell you it is very tight to access. I found it easier to do it from under the vehicle, but that is on a lift. It is behind the passenger side cylinder head.

Here is the fix;

Locate the evaporator hose and drain tube opening in bulkhead at the rear of the engine compartment. Apply a bead of RTV sealer, p/n 04467708 or equivalent, to the perimeter of the opening to seal the joint between the bulkhead and the HEVAC housing.

Let us know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Thanks, Joe. Gotta add that to my memory banks.
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Thursday, June 13th, 2019 AT 5:13 PM

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