very slow AC drain line

[mrbill5]

1998 Avalon XL. Possible AC condensate clogged.

Symptoms. The condensed water drains out very slowly over hours after turning off the engine. Worried that if we go on a long trip the thing will fill up with water.

Fix tried. Pulled drain line, completely open. Inserted a nylon wire tie up into the condensate drain tube several times. Have same slow flow.

I noticed there was a plate on the passenger's side of the heater box held on by several screws. What is behind this plate? Is there anything I might be able to clean out thru this plate? Any other suggestions?

Many thanks to all.

Mr Bill5

[RStocker1]

Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I have the same problem. I also notice a musty smell from the vents when I start it then next morning, especially with this recent heat. I was also wondering if there is an easy way to clean out the pan where the condensed water collects and drains from, because I most likely have something growing down in there I would like to get out.

[mrbill5]

I took the bottom 3 screws out and sort of peeked in the condensation pan.
Nothing there. I have a feeling that what finally drains out is still on the consenser coils.
It eventually drips down and out.
My Haynes manual suggests turning the defroster ( probably with heat on)on for 1 minute before turning off the engine. It should get clear out a lot of the condensed moisture. Think I might try that next time.

Mr Bill

[toyomoho]

If Avalon is like Camry (its lower cost sibling) there should be a drain pipe from the evaporator area going out the bottom of the car. You will need to go under the car to find this hose that often become plugged. Under normal A/C operation there would be a pool of water form under the car after parking, the condensed water draining out.

Might do a Camry forum history search as this issue has come up before.

[mrbill5]

I accessed the drainpipe thru the passenger side, under tha carpeting. Tube was totally clear. The situation I have is the drainage continues for hours after stopping the car.
Possibly another cup of water comes.

Mr Bill

[toyomoho]

Is this normal for your car? On Camry this amount of water will drain after shutoff although usually in under say 1/2 hour.

[mrbill5]

I think 1/2 hour would make sense. It usually takes several hours which is rather odd.