A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (long)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 7
From: Kissimmee, FL
A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (long)
Most C5 owners here have read the hints on how to fix the A/C drain - snip off the end to prevent clogging. I have been planning to change the differential fluid in my wife's 2000 vert for a couple of months and do it then. We bought it in September with 8,000 miles on the odometer. Well,the first thing I did was swap out the non-AGM battery and check the passenger side carpet for the tell-tale wet spot - and have done so weekly - always dry. Today, while I had the car elevated to drain the differential I proceeded with my plan to pull the elbow and snip off the end. I slid uderneath and as I grabbed it to twist it loose, water POURED out of it - a gusher. As soon as it started running down my arm I thought - at least the carpet and electronics are ok! When I checked last Saturday - they were - but a different story today - soaked! Thanks to clean living and dumb luck the electronics were dry but another week and who knows? I encourage everyone to get to that elbow and snip the tip. I did hers from underneath and mine from the top. The underside approach is much easier. Do not wait - do it now and save yourselves a BIG problem because it will clog - even in the winter as the A/C is on even when heating in the "auto" mode. :thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (jojog)
This is excellent advice. My AC drain hose pluged and the Body Control Module was soaked with water and had to be replaced (car would not run).
It is an extremely easy fix for a potentially large problem. :yesnod:
Jim
It is an extremely easy fix for a potentially large problem. :yesnod:
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 0
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (jojog)
This is the first I've read about this issue. Is this a problem for all C5's, or just certain years? Got any pix of the proceedure? I this something you sniped under the dash on the passenger side or something?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (dads01dream)
This is the first I've read about this issue. Is this a problem for all C5's, or just certain years? Got any pix of the proceedure? I this something you sniped under the dash on the passenger side or something?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (dads01dream)
the AC condensate drain hose comes through the firewall behind the engine. It is about 12 inches inboard of the battery. to reach it you really should take the battery out and remove that plastic partition between the battery and the engine, then you can snake you hand behind the engine and cut off the end of the hose with a razor blade.
The problem is the hose is probably 3/8" in diameter, but for some reason it squeezes down to a very small opening at the end of the drain hose, and this little hole gets pluged up and causes the condensate to overflow inside the car and get everything wet, including all the electornics in the passenger foot well area. You can also get to the hose from the bottom of the car, which may be the easy way to cut off the end of the hose. Good luck it is really tight quarters behind the engine. :D
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 13
From: South of Boston MA
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (Jim 47)
Someone mentioned something about a drain hose under or near the master brake cylinder. Is this another trouble spot? I have a '01. I'll be checking the passenger side hose next warm day when I can get it up on the ramps. :chevy
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 7
From: Kissimmee, FL
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (jojog)
As far as I know, all C5s have the same set-up. The drain "udders" such as the one under the wiper motor are larger and have a clamshell configuration on the end. While these can get plugged with debris I don't think they are as big of a problem as the A/C drain. I think there are 3 udders - one on each side near the bottom ofthe gills (under / inside the fender) and the wiper motor area. I never checked the wiper motor one so I am not sure about that position. I don't have any pics but the instructions above are as much help as you should need. To find the A/C drain - in case you can't locate it easily- you could always trace the flow of condensate visually with the A/c on. Wish I could be more help. :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Re: A/C Drain Fix - DO IT!!! (jojog)
Mined clogged this past summer. St Louis is very humid so the system pulls a lot of moisteture out of the air. Luckily I have rubber floor mats to catch and hold all the leaking/dripping water. I have one of the best Chevy service departments any where. I took the car in and while I hung out with the guys and drank free coffee they fixed my problem. Not only was the drain hose clogged but it it was crimped. They replaced it. When I asked how much they said smiled and sent me on my way.
But this is a common problem on all C5's so take this advice.
That's Chevy service above and beyond.
Tom
But this is a common problem on all C5's so take this advice.
That's Chevy service above and beyond.
Tom
