What could cause water to leak inside my 2008 Dodge Challenger, when I run the air conditioner?

Question

I just bought a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. After driving in the rain on a road trip, with the air conditioner on the whole time, I noticed quite a bit of cold water under the passenger seat of the car. There is a very flat hose that is under each seat, presumably to vent air to the back seat passengers. I think the water condensated there and leaked out, but the dealership is totally stumped! They have checked the obvious, the evaporator coil, but that's not it. They say they are unable to duplicate the problem, and after spending as much money as I did on this car, I can't accept that I have to live with MILDEW!! Can anyone please help?

Answer 1

AV evaporator drain is restricted or plugged if you can find it, you can try to clear it yourself with a wire but best bet is take to shop and have them do it. What happens is the moisture in the air sticks(freezes) to the evaporator when AC compressor is running, the comp will shut off and allow the ices to melt, they are supposed to drain out the hose... yours sound like its not and is leaking into pass compartment. Hope this helped.

Answer 2

If your dealship is stumped, tell them to call the factory rep, and suggest they hire new mechanics.....you can go to another dealership too.

Answer 3

My friend all I can tell is you have a warranty use it if they don't fix it make them give u a new car for real I find that problem unacceptable since u just got the car off the assembly line.

Answer 4

I had the exact same problem with my 06 Charger

The issue was that the sunroof leaked when shut (if you have a sunroof that is where I would start)

The water came in around the front passengers side floor

They need to check the tubes that drain the water from around the sunroof and make sure the roof panel is aligned around the sunroof to keep the drains open

Answer 5

Have the dealer check the evaporator drain, then check with chrysler for an update and make them replace the carpet too.

Answer 6

are all the body plugs under the seat on the underside of the car there?...did this also happen when its not raining ?

Answer 7

If this only happens when the A/C runs it has to be the drain tube from the evapotator under the dash.  Just like a glass of ice water "sweats" on the outside of the glass, air flow across the cold evaporator coils with draw moisture from the air and the "sweat" must drain outside the car.  This tube runs between the heat/AC plenum and the floorboard.  This tube can become kinked or disconnected if somebody stretches and kicks it with their feet.  Or perhaps it was kinked or left off during assembly at the factory.

Inspect the floorboard area on the passenger side, find this hose, and be sure it is connected between the plenum and the hole in the floor board.  If it's OK, check to be sure it is clear and dripping water outside the car near the firewall when the A/C is running.  

Answer 8

I got no idea, but i just must comment on that.

You got one h**l of a car. :-)

Answer 9

if they cant fix it then  tell them to  give you another one.  call customer service and chew them out.

but sounds liek the ac drain  tube is clogged. this is a common problem on the dodge dakota for awhile now and seems like it found its way to the challenger.  take it to another dealership is another option.  just dont settle for the cant duplicate it answer.  

Answer 10

I'm not sure what it is sweetie, but that is a bunch of bull... "oh we don't know what it is, sorry"  no, that doesn't cut it.  You tell them you want a new truck that doesn't do that, if they can't fix it and if you don't get one, you will call the BBB (better business burro) or news media if you have to.  Go to the Corporate office, that is ridiculous, don't stand for that!

Answer 11

when you bought an american car...you should've expected something like this...

that really sucks...

take it to an independent automechanic...not your dealership and see if they can figure it out...if there results are the same, then your going to have to live with the problem. but if they figure it out what it is, and can prove it, then bring to the dealerships's attention...if they don't help you out, you're going to have to hire a lawyer or just live with the problem...

hope this helps

Answer 12

Did they check the most obvious thing, -- the drains in the heater plenum box??  If water builds up there, it could be blown down this tube with air to rear seats!

Next thing is does it require frequent topping up of water reserve reservoir? It could have minor leak in heater core or fittings!

Also don't discount possibility of water leak from rain!  Most modern cars are not well equipped with rain leak prevention (in trade for stylish bodies)!

Does car have "scuttle plugs in floor pans",- you could try removing one of those and putting a piece of tin over hole (leaves room for water to seep out easily, but not splash in too easily!  I have had leaky cars that I just drilled a small hole in floor at lowest place,- so water could drip out!

Answer 13

Your first problem is that you bought a Chrysler Motors product.  Daimler ruined the company before they got rid of it.  As for your problem, you are having a condensation problem.  If you have any sensors underneath your seats you will be having problems with them when they get wet, so get ready for THAT!  Otherwise, there's not much you can do, other than go to the sporting goods store and buy a couple of rosin bags to toss under the seats to draw the moisture away from the hoses.

Answer 14

the a/c condensation tube is clogged up, and water is dripping on the passenger side carpet.

Answer 15

The air conditioner rad below the dash inside the car might be leaking. If it's water then  the vent hose is leaking. Cut the vent air to the back seat.