* Condensation: This is the most common and usually harmless reason. The AC system removes moisture from the air, and this moisture condenses and drips onto the evaporator core. Some of this condensation can drip onto the floor, especially if the drain line is clogged or improperly routed. This is usually water, not refrigerant.
* Leaking Evaporator Core: The evaporator core is located inside the vehicle, often behind the dashboard. If it develops a leak, refrigerant will escape into the cabin. This is a more serious issue requiring repair or replacement of the evaporator core. This is likely if you smell a sweet odor (refrigerant) inside the car.
* Leaking AC Lines/Hoses: Various hoses and lines carry refrigerant throughout the system. A leak in any of these components can result in refrigerant escaping into the passenger compartment. These can be located under the dash, behind the firewall, or even under the vehicle.
* Leaking Compressor: While less common to directly leak into the cabin, a major compressor leak *could* potentially lead to refrigerant finding its way into the interior, although this is more likely to result in a system failure before significant interior leakage.
* Poorly Sealed Cabin Air Filter: While unlikely to be the source of refrigerant, a poorly sealed cabin air filter housing *could* allow some condensation to escape more readily than intended.
To determine the exact cause:
You'll need to have a professional mechanic inspect the system. They will likely use a UV dye to locate the leak, which will fluoresce under a special UV light. This allows them to pinpoint the source of the leak even in hard-to-reach places.
Do not attempt to fix this yourself unless you have significant experience with automotive AC systems. Refrigerant is under pressure and can cause serious injury.
