Dripping Fluid

[04RAM_3]

I'm not 100% sure where to put this. Since it's something under the hood, I'll start here. Went out to dinner with the wife. Afterwards, walking out to my truck we noticed a puddle under it. Did some looking around and found a very short hose sticking out of the firewall on the passenger side, below the A/C crap. I circled it in the photo. What is it? Why is it dripping water?

 

[BenchTest]

If it's straight water, I'd say condensate from AC. Or drain from cowl area. Again, if it's straight water, I wouldn't be worried.

 

[04RAM_3]

Thank you. It is straight water. I didn't think about the cowl draining. It did rain earlier

 

[RamDiver]

Thank you. It is straight water. I didn't think about the cowl draining. It did rain earlier

An AC condensate drain is a normal function of any HVAC system.

Operating your AC without enabling the recirculation damper will create more condensate drain activity, especially during high ambient temperatures.

This site has a good explanation if you're interested.

https://beckettus.com/articles/hvac-condensate-drain-lines-importance-problems-and-maintenance/

The principles of HVAC are the same for building and automotive, buildings just have the components more exposed and easier to access/repair.

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[Daw14]

That is your A/C condensate drain .

 

[04RAM_3]

Thanks for the replies. I'm a little gun-shy about coolant leaks after blowing up my Bronco a few years ago. Can't be too cautious after all

 

[RamDiver]

Thanks for the replies. I'm a little gun-shy about coolant leaks after blowing up my Bronco a few years ago. Can't be too cautious after all

Condensate fluid should be clear and odourless.

A quick finger dip, rub, and sniff should confirm. It would help if you got used to spotting your own condensate drain activity, it's just another feature.

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