Jeep Repair: AC drain clogged, water leaking causing electrical freak-out, vent fans, organic debris

Question
For the second time now, I am having trouble with my AC/water and electrical issues in my 98 Grand Cherokee.

Water collects on the passenger side floor.  Shortly after this happens all sorts of nonsense starts going wrong with the electrical system -- most often the vent fans continuing to run when the enginer is off and the keys out of the ignition.  In the past, this has also killed (permantently) a battery and the sound system.

Main Concer: This time I'm noticing a continued intermittant popping sound coming from the passenger floor board, after everything has been shut completely off and the key taken out.  Is this the sound of something electrical arching?  If so, is there a fire risk?

I'm taking it in as soon as I can (as I have had no luck finding the drain to unclog it myself).  But getting a ride to and from work is not working out.  If there's a fire risk, then I don't have time to wait for my girlfriend to quit being pouty and give me a damn ride to work, do I?  If there's not a fire risk, would I be safe to wait a couple of days?

Also: is there a permanent fix to this AC drain plug problem?

Answer
Not a permanent fix  but a start  if this does not work then the dash will need to come out and all of the trash thats inside the HVAC will need to be removed.
If u live in the Atlanta area I would do this for u


SUBJECT: A/C Evaporator Drain Blockage
DATE: June 28, 1996
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Debris may collect in the evaporator drain tube area causing blockage of the tube. This can lead to water leaking from the heater housing, water sloshing around in the housing and odor from decayed organic debris. This bulletin provides instructions to gain easy access to the drain tube for clearing foreign matter from the tube, without removal of the heater A/C housing.

DIAGNOSIS:
Operate the system in the A/C mode and verify that water is draining from the system. The water drains into the frame rail and exits in the center of the vehicle. If no water is draining, the system is blocked and requires cleaning.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Quantity
Part No.
Description

1

5255217
Plug



REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves drilling a hole in the A/C evaporator housing to allow for cleaning of the drain tube.

Pull the carpet down in the passengers foot well and locate the evaporator drain in the housing ( See Illustration).
Drill a 1/4 inch hole in the center of the drain tube housing as shown. Clear the drain tube with a wire or suitable tool by inserting it through the hole and into the drain tube.
Insert plug, P/N5255217 into the 1/4 inch hole drilled previously.
Verify that the drain is clear by operating the system in the A/C mode and observing that water is draining.