Big Puddles of A/C condensation, Is this Normal?

[atonetti]

I have an 02 Tahoe I purchased recently, and I have always noticed a huge puddle dripping from the AC drain coming out of the firewall and dripping on the ground. I constantly have people at work telling me I have a coolant leak. Anyway, I know it is coming from the AC, but is this normal for a tahoe to leak so much. Does the AC run even when you are using just the heater? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[clandr1]

The A/C compressor can run when the heat is on, depending on whether or not the snowflake icon button is depressed.

Where do you live? Climate could have a lot to do with how much condensation drainage you have.

 

[OR VietVet]

More humidity in the air means more water dripping. The a/c compressor does cycle when you have the defroster on. When the water stops dripping that is when you need to worry.

 

[atonetti]

Thanks for getting right back to me so quickly! I'm in California in the Sierra Nevada's about 2000' level. I have been used to my little Acura, and an old 87 4runner that I finally sold, and have never encountered any condensation drip on these cars except when running the AC. And I have never in my life seen a puddle the size that comes off of this tahoe.

 

[clandr1]

If the air is blowing cold in the cab, don't fret it - just try to ignore the condensation drainage and don't let it get to you.

 

[OR VietVet]

That puddle on the ground can be made by a small amount of water.

 

[atonetti]

If the air is blowing cold in the cab, don't fret it - just try to ignore the condensation drainage and don't let it get to you.

HAHA, ya it is just one of those things that is kind of annoying, but at least now I know I'm not going to have to worry about it.

---------- Post added at 01:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:25 PM ----------

That puddle on the ground can be made by a small amount of water.

I know it does look a lot worse than it really is. I work at a winery, and when a 750ml bottle is dropped it looks like you poured out 5 gallons onto the floor.

 

[OR VietVet]

I ran shops at one time. Seeing a quart of oil on the ground looks like a gallon of oil when it spreads out. I think you got nothing to worry about and you can stay cool!

 

[JochenWoern]

Thanks for getting right back to me so quickly! I'm in California in the Sierra Nevada's about 2000' level. I have been used to my little Acura, and an old 87 4runner that I finally sold, and have never encountered any condensation drip on these cars except when running the AC. And I have never in my life seen a puddle the size that comes off of this tahoe.

I am in Sacramento and YES, this is normal.

Where are you located at?

 

[Chiggy]

What's really funny is when people notice it dripping from the rear a/c and think it's gasoline.