Leakage from AirConditioning system

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Leakage from AirConditioning system

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Audi Forum >> Audi Models >> Audi Q7 >> Leakage from AirConditioning system

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Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/6/2007 3:38:02 PM

audifanand4

Posts: 7
Joined: 5/5/2007
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We have a new Q7 (~5K miles) and noticed the passenger front and middle floor rugs/floor is soaking wet. We first thought it was the seals and from washing the car. We 'heard' it may be the A/C system cooling/dripping/soaking the inside of the car vs. outside/under the car. We live in NC and it is quite hot - and today again, the floor mats were soaked. The soonest we can get the car in is next Thursday and its been 2.5 weeks out for the appointment. We don't have an extra car to drive. We noticed the carpet is moldy and beginning to smell. Does anyone else know of this or can offer advice?

Post #: 1

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/9/2007 5:11:25 PM

auditech79

Posts: 4889
Joined: 2/24/2007
From: Sacramento, CA
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I had to fix a couple of Q7's for this exact same problem, it turned out to be the evaporator drain tube was leaking on the carpet instead of purging it under the car like it should. The fix is to replace the evaporator drain under the carpet on the passenger's side. Let the dealer know that you heard this from another audi tech on the internet because it isn't widely known and they are hard to diagnose.

(in reply to audifanand4)

Post #: 2

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/15/2007 2:51:50 PM

audifanand4

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Joined: 5/5/2007
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Thanks! The car is still sitting at the dealership - we will share this information on Monday as they only cleaned out the tube. We refused to pick up the car because we didn't think they fixed the problem and the carpet smells awful. We want new carpeting because it has a moldy smell by now - or at least the carpet treated for mold, and new padding replaced. Have you also replaced the padding/carpeting? Thanks!!!

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Post #: 3

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/16/2007 8:34:01 PM

auditech79

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Joined: 2/24/2007
From: Sacramento, CA
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Oh god no! What a damn nightmare! No way they are gonna cover the entire carpet, it comes with the pad connected and usually costs over 6 thousand dollars. What i usually did is leave a turbo fan under the carpet over night then deoderize/sanitize it with air sept air treatment and an antibacterial agent for the carpet. It seems to work just fine, haven't had any complaints.

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Post #: 4

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/17/2007 6:01:44 AM

audifanand4

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Joined: 5/5/2007
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Thanks for all of your help! I wish you worked here in NC! Our carpet is actually ruined - there are salt stains from where the water evaporated throughout the month, re-soaked, re-evaporated. If it were steam cleaned that would be one thing but it looks like there are other deposits (from this soaking/evaporating process) left behind in the carpet. We asked for it to be treated however I'm 99% certain all they will do is dry it out and give it back to us. I'd love to see any replaced parts - should we ask for that? I have a very low level of confidence at this point and because of the lack of service, we are very disappointed with our Q7 choice. Any advice? You've been great!! Tx!!!

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Post #: 5

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/17/2007 8:48:39 PM

auditech79

Posts: 4889
Joined: 2/24/2007
From: Sacramento, CA
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Un-fortunately parts have to be returned to the audi department if they are under warranty. Audi will not cover items like the carpet, headliner, door panels ect. so its a safe bet they won't replace it.
If it is really bad you can check and see what your lemon law is, here in cali if you complain about it 3 times and they don't fix it you can claim a lemon and either get your money back or a new car. The Q7 really is a great SUV however and really don't have too many problems except for very fast brake wear.
I would make sure its states in the technicians story that he replaced the evaporator drain tube and if it leaks again you can slam the dealer with fraud but thats going a little overboard.

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Post #: 6

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/19/2007 6:17:46 PM

audifanand4

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Joined: 5/5/2007
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Update: Today we hear that the dealership is ordering parts from Germany. They will replace the carpet but not the defective evaporator drain tube. They don't understand the evaporator drain tube issue (never heard of it) but they are willing to order carpeting from Germany. Go figure. We are at a loss - obviously the problem needs to be fixed at the root cause and the carpeting is pretty bad....We are in North Carolina and just fear the worst - I would imagine no-one has replaced the Q7 carpeting at our dealership either and I'm not sure I trust them. We bought the vehicle in Ohio at a fantastic dealership but live in NC. What a mess. Do you know if the evaporator drain tube issue is documented anywhere w/Audi? We definately don't want to bring the car back to this dealership for the same problem!!!! Tx much!

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Post #: 7

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/22/2007 11:04:08 AM

auditech79

Posts: 4889
Joined: 2/24/2007
From: Sacramento, CA
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No un-fortunately the drain tube issue is very rare and isn't recognized as a common repair.
Im sorry for your troubles with the car and i hope this issue is dealt with in a proffesional manner at your dealership and they can fix the problem for you.

_____________________________

00 A4 1.8T
"Germany makes cars!?"

Mercedes S500 owner down the steet from me

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Post #: 8

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/26/2007 12:34:51 PM

vacowtipper007

Posts: 28
Joined: 7/23/2007
Status: offline

I have the same problem with my 2001 Audi A8. So does a lot of other people. Please call Audi and register your issue. 800 822 2834. I have done so and hopefully someday when a lot of people have called in, they will take it seriously. It is a design flaw.

Thanks

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Post #: 9

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/29/2007 10:14:00 PM

pun

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Joined: 7/29/2007
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I have an 2001 S8 with barely 80K on it. Lately, whenever I turn on the A/C I can hear a water. My buddy felt the floor mats on the passenger side and they were wet.

What do you think the problem is?

A/C leak?
Pollen Filter?
Sunroof drains?
Car wash?

My first bet would be the A/C.

Thanks for all your help and comments.
Pun

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Post #: 10

RE: Leakage from AirConditioning system - 7/30/2007 6:52:54 AM

vacowtipper007

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Joined: 7/23/2007
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http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/heatac/exaporatordrains.html

Check this out. I just finished fixing mine and no more water. I had to pay 99.00 bucks and buy an air compressor to blow the drains. Cheaper than what the dealer quoted me. They wanted 6-8 hours of labor to fix it.

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Post #: 11