2000 Pontiac Grand Prix is no longer cool and sounds like s

Tiny
WHITNEYWAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
Air Conditioning problem
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Automatic

Its started as the air blowing perfectly fine and cooling as well. Then, the air was blowing but it sounded as if there was paper stuck in the vent adn water was dripping on the passenger side floor board. Then, the air stopped cooling and blowing altogether. I took it to the shop and they said that "the seal" on the AC unit was broken as well as the blower. Ok, I'm not genius or mechanic, but it seems that they could've explained what seal. I asked them for specifics and was told that I wouldn't understand, but it was "the seal" and the total repair would cost 695.00. So my question is: If "the seal" is broken does that mean that entire AC unit has to be replaced? Because it's hard for me to fathom a blower (60.00) costing 695.00? Please help I just don't want to be jipped.
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 AT 6:54 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,047 POSTS
Hello, it sounds like you have a simple a/c drain issue. If the drain becomes plugged the condensation cannot exit the vehicle causing the noise and water you describe. Try using a small wire to unplug the drain, water should come out of the drain hole from that, then recheck the system and let me know, Thanks for using 2Carpros. Com
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Monday, July 12th, 2010 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
2 LINSEY
  • MECHANIC
  • 287 POSTS
Well this is what I suggest: CHECK FOR A PLUGGED CONDENSATE DRAIN TUBE SOMEWHERE UNDER THE HOOD. PROBABLY CLOSE TO THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER. YOU HAVE PROBABLY NOTICED CARS ON A HOT DAY DRIPPING WATER UNDER WITH THE A/C RUNNING.

THIS IS THE WATER THAT IS DRAINING INSIDE YOUR CAR INSTEAD OF RUNNING OUT THE DRAIN TUBE TO THE GROUND. IF YOU LIVE OR PARK IN AN AREA WHERE THERE ARE SMALL TREE LEAVES OR SEEDS DROPPING, THEY CAN ENTER THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER'S FRESH AIR INTAKE AND SETTLE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PLENUM, EVENTUALLY COVERING THE HOLE LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE DRAIN. SAME AS A PLUGGED DOWNPIPE ON HOUSE ROOF GUTTERS.

HINT TO FIND THE DRAIN TUBE - TURN ON THE HEATER/AIR FAN WITHOUT ENGINE RUNNING (SO YOU CAN HEAR IT). WITH IT RUNNING, LISTEN UNDER THE HOOD FOR ITS SOUND. THE DRAIN TUBE YOU ARE SEEKING WILL BE SOMEWHERE NEAR AND BELOW THIS AREA; THERE IS A CHANCE YOU CAN CLEAR THE OBSTRUCTION BY BLOWING BACKWARD THRU THE OPEN END OF THE TUBE. CANNOT GUESS WHAT'S ON YOUR CAR BUT USUALLY THESE TUBES ARE APPROXIMATELY 3/4" DIAMETER, 2 - 6" LONG POINTING STRAIGHT DOWN. Good luck!
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Monday, July 12th, 2010 AT 5:28 PM

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