Water Build-Up

["Al Powell" <apowell@agcom.tamu.edu>]

After re-visiting a problem for the second annum (one spring service 
per year, thanx...) I have a comment about "How to tell when your AC
condenstation drip tray isn't draining".

What I have noted is that in the 5K/100/200 series, when you have 
thbe AC running and you turn a sharp corner (esp. to the right) you 
may hear a change in the sound of the ventilation fan...it sounds 
like it's loading down momentarily, then speeds back up.

If you REALLY have a drain problem, you may feel a watermist spraying 
out the vents.

This indicates that your condensation pan drain is partially or fully 
plugged.  I say partially, because mine HAS been dripping 
(slightly) both times this happened to me...

Da fix:

1)  Jack up RF corner of car.  Brace with jackstand.

2)  Find 2 ft. length of moderately flexible wire; bend one end over 
tightly so it's not sharp (and won't puncture things).

3)  Slide under car; position face under any dripping to assure you 
will find the drain tube.

4)  Insert bent-over end of wire up drain tube - push upward until 
you feel slight resistance; jiggle around; withdraw.

5)  POP QUIZ: 

Q: were you alert enough to realize what would happen when 
you pulled the wire (now the only plug in the system) OUT of the 
drain tube?

A:  If YES, watch the water streaming onto ground and be glad you're 
not under that stinky mess.
B:  If NO, stagger into house for a shower.

PS:  Yes, you gotta take it off the jackstand, too....

I thanks yez.


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Al Powell                        Voice:  409/845-2807
107 Reed McDonald Bldg.          Fax:    409/862-1202
College Station, TX 77843      
Http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/alpage.htm
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