No puddle of water under my car??

[midnightblue328]

I just put on my A/C belt back a month or so ago and noticed that there’s no water dripping out. I remember that before I took the A/C belt out there’s always water dripping out creating a puddle. Does this mean something is wrong with my A/C system? I do get cold air so is it something I should ignore?

[-Matt-]

I don't think there is supposed to be anything dripping from underneath your car. My guess is that whatever was leaking has now run out of fluid. You need to find out where the leak was coming from and fix it. eg. do you have any washer fluid left?

[E36 Phantom]

Matt, that's incorrect. After running the a\c there should be water dripping.

Midnight, the condensor drain is likely plugged. I'm not really sure where it is on E36s, but check the Bentleys or elsewhere to find it. You definitely wanna unplug it.

[-Matt-]

Where does it come from - is it ice forming on parts of the ac which then melts?

[Just Bryce]

It's condensation caused by cooling the warmer air. To see this phenomenon in action go to your grocery store freezer aisle and open a door, hold it open for 10 seconds the let it close. Did it become cloudy and you can't see through it ? You just witnessed condensation, natural moisture content in the air :thumbup:

The drain is clogged more than likely or you experienced extremely dry air yesterday

[Chris S]

if your washer fluid is low you should get a warning on the OBC so it probably isnt that

[midnightblue328]

Thanks guys! I checked REALOEM.COM to find the condenser. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD43&mospid=47501&btnr=64_0797&hg=64&fg=55 It doesn't show the condensor drain but I'll take a look at the condensor to figure it out.

[WhoNew]

I REALLY hope the washer fluid guy was joking.

[midnightblue328]

Does anyone have a picture of where exactly the drain is located? I looked into the hood and followed the A/C refrigerant line but it disappears into where the radiator is.

[woody underwood]

I just put on my A/C belt back a month or so ago and noticed that there’s no water dripping out. I remember that before I took the A/C belt out there’s always water dripping out creating a puddle. Does this mean something is wrong with my A/C system? I do get cold air so is it something I should ignore?
Your drain is plugged, that happens. Bet you have a puddle on the passenger floorboard though...

[midnightblue328]

Does anyone know where the drain is? I looked hard but I can't locate it. Also, if I'm not getting water into the passenger floorboard so I don't know where the water is going? Does any have an explanation?

[oakley]

Iv never had a puddle and my aircon works fine..also never had a wet floor! Plus the underside of my car is covered as I have the plastic shields\ protection bits so cant see how they would design it to drip if it has no where to go!??
But in fairness I live in the UK (its always cold!) and Im tight with my cash so I dont run it for long periods of time which also might explain lack of puddles!!

[PhilipWOT]

Where does it come from - is it ice forming on parts of the ac which then melts?

Condensation.

[Corey Milne]

If your not getting a puddle the drain is clogged, and your ventilation system will eventually get moldy, take it to a shop they can clean out your entire ventilation system.
Oh and the drain is on the bottom of the evaporator box.

[midnightblue328]

I solved the problem, and the solution was a very strange one. My friend insisted on me charging the a/c system even though I was getting cold air. We added a full can of the recharging canister and guess what; suddenly I see condensation water dripping under my car. I guess the a/c system was not fully charged and for some reason when its not fully charged it doesn't make enough condensation.

[oakley]

Any one know what temp it should be? Mine does pump out cold air but its not eactly freezing and not really that different when it is on..Maybe I should charge mine too...

[midnightblue328]

After the charge my air did get colder a little. I'm planning to use another charge to see if gets even colder next weekend.