DodgeForum.com

Dodge Ram 1994-2001: How to Repair A/C Water Leak Under Passenger's Side Dash

Why is the carpet wet in the passenger's side floorboard of your Dodge Ram? This water leak problem has something to do with your truck's A/C system, which occurs more often when it rains and when it's damp outside.

By Richard Bowen - July 21, 2015

This article applies to the 2nd generation Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

When the A/C in your Dodge Ram operates, water is produced and is supposed to drain out of the cooling system and truck cabin via the drain hose. If you notice a water leak puddling up the passenger's side foot well, there are two minor issues at fault. First of all, the drain hose is parallel to the ground. Secondly, when driving on the freeway or highway, plenty of air pressure is produced inside of the engine compartment, which affects the cooling system's hoses. So because of the drain hose's parallel position and because of the high air pressure, the air pushes against the drain tube, causing the water to back up into the system and leak onto the passenger's floorboard. Luckily, Dodge is aware of the problem and has manufactured a repair kit for it, but you can also fix the leak with a few cheaper tools and parts.

Materials Needed

  • 6 inches of a 1/2" width rubber hose (or Dodge A/C tube repair kit)

Step 1 – Locate the drain hose

First make sure your truck's engine is off, and then open the hood. Look to the passenger's side firewall, directly behind and below the A/C accumulator. You will see the drain hose protruding from the firewall about one-inch.

Step 2 – Attach the hose

Detach the drain hose that is connected to the firewall, and attach one end of the new hose in the hose's place. Then simply allow the other end of the hose to hang and face downward. You can prop it against the transmission bell housing to hold it in place.

Because the hose faces downward, the air passing the open end of the hose creates negative pressure that draws the water out of the system. Now, when the A/C is on blast, air pressure is reversed and water should leak out of the drain hose away from the truck's interior.

  • Figure 1. Drain hose attached to the passenger's side firewall.
  • Figure 2. Drain hose aimed downward to create negative air pressure.

Pro Tip

You can also purchase a 5/8-inch heater hose elbow to do the same job. File or grind off the barb on one of the ends, apply a little silicone sealant, then insert it into the drain plug about a half an inch. Make sure to allow the sealant to dry thoroughly.

Related Discussion