Mazda Repair: 2003 Mazda Protege 5 A/C problem, mazda protege 5, 2003 mazda protege 5

Question
While driving long distances the A/C will eventually stop working.  This happened shortly after buying it in 2003 on my first long trip. It's happening again and we noticed water leaking under the passenger dash. What's the bad news?

Answer
I don't have any bad news for you. The water under the dash is due to a plugged drain tube. An A/C system's evaporator core, which is usually located under the dash, gets very cold, so water condenses on it. This water is supposed to slowly drain to the outside of the car, usually through a plastic or rubber tube. All you need to do is locate the tube and clear the obstruction, which is probably just a little collection of old leaves or other debris. The tube can be cleared by poking a straightened-out coat hanger of with compressed air.