What Causes a Car Air Conditioner Not to Drain Water?
2 Answers
The reasons why the air conditioner does not drain water during cooling are as follows: 1. Air humidity: Whether the outdoor unit of the air conditioner drains water is related to the indoor air humidity. When the air conditioner is cooling, the air from the guide plate is very cold, causing water droplets to form on the indoor air there. When there are enough droplets, they will drain out through the outdoor unit's drainage pipe, especially during hot and humid conditions or in the afternoon when the outdoor unit drains the most. 2. Internal unit connecting pipe: Another issue could be with the internal unit's connecting pipe, such as blockage, preventing water from draining. Check if the internal unit is leaking. If it is leaking, this is the problem. If it is not leaking, it could be due to dry indoor air where water droplets do not form, making it normal not to drain. 3. Drain pipe: Lastly, consider whether the air conditioner's drain pipe is higher inside and lower outside or if it is blocked, etc.
I've been driving for many years and often encounter issues with the air conditioner not draining water. The main reason is a clogged drain pipe, just like what happened to my car last week. In summer, the air conditioner is used more frequently, leading to more condensation. The pipe outlet got blocked by dust and leaves, causing water to accumulate in the evaporator box, which resulted in mold and odors inside the car. Later, I asked a friend for help. We used a thin wire to poke the drain pipe outlet and cleared out a bunch of dirt, which fixed the problem. Additionally, if the pipe is bent or damaged, water won't drain properly, a common issue in older car models. If not addressed in time, the water can leak into the cabin, causing electrical problems or odors. I recommend checking the drain hole during regular maintenance and using a simple air blower tool to clean it yourself—it's both cost-effective and hassle-free.
