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Water leaking under mat/carpet on passenger side with AC

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Technical Discussion' started by HR47, Sep 19, 2024.

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  1. HR47

    HR47 New Member

    Joined:
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    Baltimore
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    I have 2023 XLE AWD. 19K miles. 5 days ago I noticed that when I was driving the car, and the AC was on, there was a small pool of water on the passenger side near the feet. Turned the AC off and it finally dried up.

    Used the car but did not turn on the AC for few days and there was no leakage. Yesterday turned the AC at 73F (not very cool) and only after 2 or 3 minutes noticed the carpet was getting wet again. I have an appointment at the dealership on Monday. Not sure how they will take it, whether it is something that will be fixed under warranty or not. Anyone has experience like this?

    When I googled, in older previous models, this is a problem with the AC drainage pipe under the mat. I park my car in the garage, and roads are not dirty, unclear how the pipe will get blocked. any ideas?
     
    #1 HR47, Sep 19, 2024
  2. purplePriii

    purplePriii Active Member

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    I don't know about this car specifically but I've had this happen on a different car. The AC drain got blocked by stuff so it wasn't draining and accumulating in the AC box which is by the passenger side. Your description seems very similar. It's an easy fix - locate the drain pipe under the car. On the Prime it's behind front passenger wheel, maybe 10" or so and it'll be the second open hole. You'll be able to feel a hose. Shove a form of compressed air (air compressor, can, etc) and the water should come pouring down.

    I guess it's Monday so you can update on what they did!
     
    #2 purplePriii, Sep 23, 2024
    bisco likes this.
  3. JoesPriusLife

    JoesPriusLife Junior Member

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    Four Touring
    I had a brand new Nissan Rogue that had this problem. The hose was installed wrong and was crushed at one end. I bought the truck in November, but didn't use the A/C until April. I was in the mountains and couldn't get to a dealer, so I pulled up the carpet and found the problem immediately.
    Good luck with yours.
     
    #3 JoesPriusLife, Sep 24, 2024
  4. Zeromus

    Zeromus Active Member

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    I've heard its pretty common for insects like spiders to find the hole, make a web/nest, and then something as simple as dirt or dust building up on the partially blocked and wet hole clogs it. They're small tubes, and if you get unlucky it clogs. Easy to remedy the issue at least as purplePrii noted.
     
    #4 Zeromus, Sep 25, 2024
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    The drain tube might have even come off, off whatever it's pushed onto at the top.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Sep 25, 2024
  6. HR47

    HR47 New Member

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    Location:
    Baltimore
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    XLE AWD-e
    Thank you everyone for your reply, took it to the dealership, they told me that the AC drain pipe was not fitted correctly at the factory and now they have fixed it. Everything was done under the warranty. Hopefully it will not leak again. But I think it was probably slowly leaking all along, and I did not notice it. They said that they have checked and there is no obvious water damage.
     
    #6 HR47, Oct 4, 2024
    Sharol likes this.
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