Air Conditioning

[clairelb]

We’ve got a 2002 Corsa, which sprung a small leak the other week.  We’ve managed to work out that it’s something to do with the Air Conditioning.  If it’s on, it drips, if it’s switched off, it doesn’t.  Since then we’ve not had the air con on, however, in this weather it’s getting a bit much especially as hubby has hayfever so doesn’t want to drive with the windows open.  Have any of you experienced similar?  What’s actually dripping (it doesn’t smell of anything)?  Will it be OK to switch the air con on again?  Or is it a very expensive job at the garage?

Thanks

[stumpage]

It's probably just condensation which some cars have an outlet for. If your worried i'd get it checked out but I've had 3 cars that have all done this when the weather has been hot and the A/C has been on for a while.

[Clanad]

stumpage is correct... the air conditioner unit itself is filled only with an inert gas... used to be Freon.  If this leaked you would be unaware of it except you'd have no cold air.  The condensation is normal when the air conditioner is on..

[Gandy]

I came on here to ask exactly the same question. I was filling up with petrol tonight and I noticed water dripping out of the bottom of my 2003 Stilo. Switched the aircon off and no drips.

[genesis59]

Yes, stumpage is correct. The action of the airconditioning unit forms condensation, frost and sometimes even ice that will then begin melting once the unit is turned off. Some manufacturers are smart enough to have this "melt" water channel onto something hot/warm so it is immediately vaporised, so not forming a puddle under the car and frightening the owner half to death. If the freon leaked it would not form a liquid patch as it would escape as a gas. So no worries there.

[clairelb]

Thanks so much.� Air con now back on!