Why is the car air conditioning cooling but not draining water?
3 Answers
Car air conditioning cooling without drainage may be due to a blocked drain hole, resulting in poor cooling effect. Additional information: 1. Inspection method: Check if the air conditioning drain hole is blocked; Lift the floor mat to see if there is water accumulation under the passenger seat; Use a thermometer to measure the air outlet temperature to see if it is normal. 2. Common causes of blockage: After disassembling and reassembling the dashboard at a repair shop, the drain pipe may not be installed correctly, causing water to flow into the car, with the common symptom being water marks on the carpet. If it is a new car, the evaporator core may be internally blocked, or the drain outlet of the evaporator core may not have been properly treated during production; The connection between the drain outlet of the evaporator core and the rubber drain pipe may have come loose or is not properly connected. 3. Solution: If you encounter the problem of the air conditioning not draining, immediately go to a 4S shop or repair point to find a professional technician to handle it.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have encountered many cases where the AC cools but doesn't drain water. It's mostly due to a clogged drain hole. When the AC cools, it condenses water droplets that collect in the drain pan beneath the evaporator, then exit the car through a small tube. This tube often gets blocked by leaves, dust, or mud, causing water to accumulate inside. Over time, the water may seep into the floor mats, leading to mold, musty odors from the vents, and even bacterial growth. The solution is to check the drain hole under the chassis after parking, using a thin wire or air gun to gently clear it. If the pipe is cracked or the drain pan is damaged, professional repair is needed. Make it a habit to clean it regularly, like during car washes, to prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches.
My car's air conditioning is cooling well, but it's not dripping water, which had me puzzled. After asking a friend, I learned it's likely due to a clogged drain pipe with debris blocking the outlet, trapping water inside. I popped open the hood, found that little tube, and gently poked it with a small wooden stick—water gushed out immediately. Now I understand this water is produced inside the AC but can't drain out. Over time, it leads to dampness, soggy floor mats, even mold, and the blown air gets dirty, affecting health—especially bad for kids and the elderly. So now, during maintenance, I always check the drain outlet, using small tools to keep it clear and avoid trips to the repair shop.
