I know one common problem with the 2005 Dakota was water will pool from the AC drain into the passenger floor. Well, mine decided to start doing that. Anyone got a good fix for this issue? Preferably a good long term fix.

 

It's even more common for rain to pool there.

 

There's hasn't been any rain lately. This issue comes around each summer while I'm using the AC heavily ever since I've had the truck. Just getting sick of drying the damp floor, doing damage control and hoping for the best. But since you've mentioned it, what causes the rain issue? So I can keep an eye on it before it happens. Aged door seals?

 

I just got this issue on my 2011 and will be fixing it tomorrow.

There is a foam seal around the evaporator drain tube where it passes through the firewall. If you pull the passenger side carpet back from the firewall you can see it and it will probably be wet.

The seal degrades over time. When the condensate pours over it on the outside of the firewall, some of the water wicks through it and into the passenger carpet.

Official fix is to remove exhaust heat shield and smear RTV all over the outside of the seal. This is a bit of a pain in the a$$.

I'm going to RTV the gasket on the inside and add a second piece of foam tape over the RTV after it dries. I'll take a picture and let you know if it fixes it.

 

Thank you! I think I know the area you're talking about. Pictures would be greatly appreciated!

 

I've left the carpet pulled back overnight to help dry out and let the RTV cure. This may require a second second dose to fully seal.

I'm taking a road trip to NC today and will see what happens.




Passenger floorboard with carpet pulled back.

Where drain passes through firewall.

Lift rubberized insulation for better access to drain. Gasket is visible between drain and firewall. Coat the foam gasket and joints between drain and firewall liberally with RTV.

 

Thank you! The pictures helped a lot. I found the same spot in my truck and it's drenched. Definitely has to be where the water is coming from. How do you suppose would be the best way to get RTV around to the top of the seal?

 

I just squeezed the bejeezus out of the tube near the top sides of the gasket to force it into the gap at the top of the gasket. I bought RTV that included the extended applicator tip to help get near the top. Poked with my pinkie as far as I could reach to smear it in.

Ended up not driving the truck to NC. Will smear some more when I get back and see how it goes.

 

I just coated mine up. I don't believe the water is completely dry yet, so I'll see soon. A little messy, but it's on there.

 

I drove around a lot over the weekend and so far no leaks. I did leave the carpet pulled back to watch for drips and everything is staying dry.