Inspection Examples

Sunroof Area Leaks:

If the car has a sunroof, carefully pour water into the sunroof tray. Water should leak out onto the ground near each of the vehicle tires if the four sunroof drain tubes are not clogged with leaves or debris, or kinked. Sometimes a kinked drain hose may cause leakage into the passenger compartment if the sunroof tray does not drain fast enough. Sunroof leaks may travel. A leak onto the headliner may dampen the carpet near the "A" pillar, or drain through the dome lamp screws.

Door Leaks:

1. If water appears on the floor next to one of the doors, remove the inner door panel.
2. Inspect the door trim seal (or plastic shield) for a complete seal around the edge, and any unusual holes or tears. You can spray the inside (wet side) of the door trim seal with powdered spray, such as Kent Industries "Tracing Powder" or 3M "Leak Detection Powder".
3. Reinstall the door trim seal, but not the inner door trim panel. Drive the car in the conditions which create the leak. Inspect the area for signs of water leakage. If the powdered spray was used, look for a trail of powder.

Another area to inspect is door drains. Insure the drains are free and clear and that water can easily exit the bottom of the doors. If it can't, the water can fill up in the door and spill into the car.

1. Push a wire tie (tie wrap, zip tie) end up each drain hole, or run water from a low pressure hose into the door, to make sure that the door drain is unobstructed.
2. Use a plastic trim removal tool to create a small gap between the door glass and the beltline moulding at the bottom of the glass.
3. With the door open, pour the water at the glass, letting it drain into the door. The water should drain freely through the drains.

Most blockages can be cleared with a short piece of wire inserted through the drain, but leaves and debris or excess cavity wax may require removing the inner door trim panel and the door trim seal. Be certain not to scratch the paint inside the door during cleaning, as the scratch may result in corrosion.

Fresh Air Intake Plenum Leaks:

Water leaks through the fresh air intake plenum may drain through the heater blower motor resistor block connector, or in the area around the heater blower. Ask the customer when the condition occurs:

- If the leak occurs regardless of fan speed, the cause may be a leaking seam.
- If it occurs after the fan has been operated at a high speed, water may be drawn in with the air.
- If it occurs only during extended rain storms, the leak could be a slow seep.
- If it occurs during car washes as well as rain storms, look for a larger leak.

1. Prepare by removing the plastic cowl top cover at the base of the windshield. Carefully reach inside the cowl to the right side to find the fresh air intake plenum opening. Make sure that there is no debris around the intake.
2. Run low pressure water from a garden hose into the cowl area, allowing most of the water to drain towards the right side of the cowl. The water should drain freely through the right fender. If it does not, look for a blockage in the far right side of the cowl area. Use the same procedure to check the drainage towards the left side of the cowl.
3. Run the water towards the right again. Set the fan to high speed, and select Fresh" air intake. See if any moisture appears around the heater blower motor area. This may be caused by debris blocking the drainage through the fender. If there are no debris, remove the blower motor,and fan assembly. Look up into the plenum area to see if any leaks are visible. Use your hand to feel for moisture. Identify the welded seam that the water leaks through, and apply seam sealer to it. If possible, repair the seam from the outside cowl area.

Front Wheel Well Leaks:

Another source of leakage may be at the mud flap for the front tire. The seam behind the mud flap may get dirt & sand blown into it, essentially sand blasting the sealer away. As a result, the door sill may fill with water. If necessary, the seam may need to be resealed.