A/C/Body - Water Leaks Into A/C Fresh Air Intake
INTERIOR WATER LEAK THROUGH HVAC FRESH AIR INTAKEMODEL: TUCSON
DESCRIPTION:
If a vehicle is being driven in rain or washed with the blower motor operating in the higher speed setting and the air flow set to fresh mode water may be pulled into the blower through the fresh air intake. In most cases the moisture will dry as the blower motor speed is lowered. In cases where the blower motor is continually operated at the highest speed setting moisture may drip into the vehicle.
This article will describe how to add a weather strip to the water protection panel located under the right cowl top cover to divert moisture from the HVAC fresh air intake.
This article only applies if water enters the interior with the blower motor operating in the highest speed setting and the air flow set to fresh mode. If water enters under any other conditions refer to TSB 98-60001 to help identify and repair the location of the leak.
PARTS INFORMATION:
NOTE:
One door weatherstrip can be used to make 7 repair weatherstrips.
PROCEDURE:
1. Cut the weatherstrip to about 12 3/4 inches (320 mm) in length.
NOTE:
Use a straight flat section of the weatherstrip.
2. Carefully trim off the lower rubber part from the weatherstrip. Discard the lower rubber part.
2A. The completed repair weatherstrip.
3. Open and secure the hood.
4. Remove the wiper arm caps and wiper arm mounting nuts.
5. Remove the cowl weatherstrip from the top of the cowl. Use a trim tool to pull the "Christmas tree" style fasteners from the cowl. Carefully pull the adhesive secured ends up from the fenders.
NOTE:
Be careful not to tear the cowl weatherstrip ends where the adhesive attaches them to the fenders.
6. Remove 3 screws and then remove the cowl top cover from the body panel.
7. Apply a small bead of sealant into the repair weatherstrip channel (prepared in steps 1 and 2) and install the repair weatherstrip over the sheet metal water protection panel.
Recommended sealant:
Weatherstrip sealants,
such as 3-M Windo-Weld
Urethane (08609) are also
acceptable.
A. After seating the weatherstrip completely apply a weatherstrip sealant along the edge of the weatherstrip sealing the edge between the sheet metal and the weatherstrip.
NOTE:
Apply sealant neatly to assist water draining. Use the sealant to cover the notch in the panel under the bracket.
B. Reinstall all removed components in the reverse order of removal. If necessary use the sealant to help adhere the ends of the cowl weatherstrip to the inner fenders.
SERVICE PROCEDURE