300E Clogged AC condensation drain tube

[jps300E]

My car is flooding due to clogged drain tube on the drainage pan(?); haven't found it underneath the car yet; was told to use low pressure compressed air to clear it. Will that work? How difficult is it to gain access to the pan in the dashboard?

Thanks.

The condensation drain on these cars is a spring wrapped with foam. Compressed air would almost certainly blow out the foam. I would use something stiff but soft like a thin twig and push through carefully from the bottom.

To access the drain tube for replacement you have to remove the forward console side pieces.

Good luck,

[jps300E]

Larry, thanks for the information. I would prefer to access it but wasn't sure how much I had to disassemble to remove the side panels. Does the center console need to be removed?

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

Jim

[deanyel]

My recollection, which may not be that good, is that you just have to peel back the carpet on the drivers side of the console, right under the dash. As Larry indicated it's an unusal hose, quite frail, with a ridiculous price from the dealer I'm sure. I don't know why you couldn't replace it with a rubber hose from the hardware store. There could be some reason why it needs to be an expensive spring covered with foam - but you could be the test case!

[jcyuhn]

You can replace it with a rubber hose from the hardware store. BTDT, works fine. I *think* I used 3/4" ID, and its a good friction fit over the drain on the evaporator case.

Be advised there are two drain hoses, one on the drivers side and another on the passenger side.

The fancy foam hoses are insulated to prevent condensation from formin on the exterior as the chilled water drains through. Clever, but probably not necessary. Someone should price these from the dealer just for laughs!

- JimY

Originally Posted by jcyuhn

You can replace it with a rubber hose from the hardware store. BTDT, works fine. I *think* I used 3/4" ID, and its a good friction fit over the drain on the evaporator case.

Be advised there are two drain hoses, one on the drivers side and another on the passenger side.

The fancy foam hoses are insulated to prevent condensation from formin on the exterior as the chilled water drains through. Clever, but probably not necessary. Someone should price these from the dealer just for laughs!

- JimY

Jim,

You mean just for tears don't you?

Have a great day,