95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

TONS of condensation dripping from A/C Condenser - Why?

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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:22 AM
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From: Roseville, CA
TONS of condensation dripping from A/C Condenser - Why?

The last few days I have noticed a LOT of water beneath my passenger side floorboard; there's no coolant or anything else in it, just water so I'm sure it's Condensation from the A/C Condenser. The thing is I haven't been running the A/C. Here are a couple pics from this morning. It was around 60 degrees this morning when I drove to work (about a 10 minute drive), and this is the puddle left after sitting for about 45 minutes (and STILL dripping). Does anyone else's Tacoma/4-Runner drip this much condensation when not running the A/C?

I'm concerned this means the condenser may be starting to crap out - anyone know?

PS: Feel free to flame me if there is already a thread about this - I searched but came up blank... But most likely I searched every word except the obvious one that the thread is under...



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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:26 AM
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Do you have your defrost on by chance when this happens? The defrost mode cycles the AC compressor and uses it to dry out the air, so even if you aren't "using your AC", your truck might be anyways. Just an idea.
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:30 AM
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it's normal. don't worry, it's just doing it's job. mine is like that, too. i added an extension so that it wouldn't drip onto my frame

air conditioning drain extension
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianrab/4891769346/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianrab/4891769350/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianrab/4891769352/

Last edited by irab88; Oct 21, 2011 at 07:31 AM.
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:54 AM
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From: Roseville, CA
Originally Posted by IanB
Do you have your defrost on by chance when this happens? The defrost mode cycles the AC compressor and uses it to dry out the air, so even if you aren't "using your AC", your truck might be anyways. Just an idea.
I did this morning, yeah. But there have been times where I didn't run it that it still drips.

Originally Posted by irab88
it's normal. don't worry, it's just doing it's job. mine is like that, too. i added an extension so that it wouldn't drip onto my frame

air conditioning drain extension




Good to know and I like that idea; might have to copy you. Thanks for the info!
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 08:01 AM
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on some vehicles the compressor runs when the defrost setting is chosen.

the accumulated condensation usually runs out of the hose that's been pictured.

but i guess sometimes the water doesn't drain until you move the vehicle a certain way. this happened to me just the other day in my honda. i backed out of a spot and saw this trail of liquid. i got out and tasted it to see if it was sweet like antifreeze because i'm paranoid and kooky like that. it wasn't.

blast some compressed air through there if you want to be sure the drain is clear
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 08:03 AM
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shoot, i didn't read all the way through

if it's draining all the time, then your compressor clutch is engaged. some culprits could be:
-stuck switch
-stuck/dirty clutch
-faulty wiring

if you can, pull the a/c switch out* and run the truck. if it's not dripping anymore, then your switch is bad. if it is dripping, i'd say pull your a/c clutch pulley off and inspect it.

hope that helps

*(it just pulls straight out, might need a bit of force)
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Old Oct 21, 2011 | 08:24 AM
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From: Winnipeg, MB
Originally Posted by irab88
shoot, i didn't read all the way through

if it's draining all the time, then your compressor clutch is engaged. some culprits could be:
-stuck switch
-stuck/dirty clutch
-faulty wiring

if you can, pull the a/c switch out* and run the truck. if it's not dripping anymore, then your switch is bad. if it is dripping, i'd say pull your a/c clutch pulley off and inspect it.

hope that helps

*(it just pulls straight out, might need a bit of force)
You should be able to visually confirm if the clutch is engaged without removing any wiring and watching for drips, but this is another good suggestion.
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