Hello--

I'm confused on what might be wrong with my 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T. Using the heat last winter, there was a couple of times it would go from hot to cold then back to hot again. I really didn't think anything about it, until now. Around May I started noticing a bit of what I would call condensation or dampness on the driver's side floor board, but it only happened when it rained. So I thought I had a leak somewhere, I've checked all the places I know for a leak, and nothing. The condensation has gotten much worse, and now the floorboard has become heavily saturated, mostly under the gas pedal but obviously creeping way further out to the middle. Since May, my temp gauge has creeped up somewhat, not everytime I drive it, but now at least once most days. I did the 'papertowel test' and checked the color of the liquid, and it is clear not coolant color or odor. It appears to be water. I've read up on things, and it could either be my heater core or something about a condensation drain tube or evaporator box?? I'm not sure, and without spending lots of $$ to have someone look at it for me I thought I would try this. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do or where I should start?

Thanks and much appreciated!!

 

My 2000 does the same thing. It's most likely the heater core if you are getting that much saturation. I get just a bit but the floor does get wet.

It's near impossible to locate the leak, the only resolution is to change the heater core. Which I haven't received an answer from anyone on this forum yet as to how much that would cost. I know you can blow out some part of the heater core and that may fix it. Someone else will come through andhopefull give you some insight!

 

I had the problem with water on my driver's side floor board as well, in my 2001 R/T. After months of looking and using a water hose to check for leaks it ended up being the Heater Drain, leaking into to the car. I pulled the carpet back and used silicone all around the drain and haven't had the problem in over a year.

 

Thank you guys! I really appreciate the feedback. I'm a chic and have no idea where to look for the heater drain. The place I take my car to get the oil changed and for minor repairs says they will look at it for free and hopefully diagnose the problem. I was told the heater core and the a/c evaporator box is all together, and 8 hours of labor to pull the dash and seats out of the car to replace this thing. Hopefully they'll tell me something is just clogged! Thanks again!

 

8 hours of labor is brutal. at the average shop rate (around $70 hourly) thats $560 in labor plus part :-o

Best of luck! hopefully its something simple and easy!

 

It might be the heater core leaking or else the heater core and drain line is plugged up with dirt. Just tore apart daughters car and found pinestraw and leaves in the bottom of airbox which plugged the drain line causing water to back up in the sysytem. The cooling fins are completely blocked with dirt and trash. When this happens, you will get water inside the car. The only real solution involves taking out the dash to access the airbox which houses the core. You can clean the core but if you are going to do it yourself, you might as well replace the old core and hope you never have to look at it again. Good luck!

 

I finally had it checked out today, and it appears the evaporation drain seal needs to be replaced. The cost for the part is only $19.99, but the labor is $683!!! They have to take the dash completely out to replace it! I told them I needed to take out a loan just to pay for it, lol! If anyone has additional suggestions or know anyone in the Panama City, FL area that can do it at a better price please let me know. Thanks for all your help!!

Deb

 

Deb I know it is hot It's Panama city. But what I'd like you do do is not run your A/C for a day or two. If the floor boards dry than it is you evaporator tube Have a look see if it not just clogged with some debris. This a tube that allows the condensed moisture from the evaporator to drain. Even if you don't fix it right away it will be no great harm to your car. Your floor board will just be wet and could rust quicker.

 

if the drain isn't clogged.... RTV the heck out of the box... where it meets the firewall