Procedure

General Waterleak Testing





IMPORTANT:
To detect a waterleak, always start at the lowest point and work up to the highest point.

IMPORTANT:
Waterleak testing may take up to 15 minutes before water is seen inside vehicle. Make sure to periodically check front footwell areas for signs of water leakage.

1. Verify that front footwell carpet is wet or exhibits a musty mildew odor or moisture exists under carpet.

2. Remove carpet from vehicle. (Refer to appropriate procedure in the Body/Repair Service Manual [1991-1999] or S-Series Body/Electrical Volume II Service Manual [2000-2001].)

3. With the aid of an assistant inside the vehicle to help detect actual waterleak point, apply an unrestricted flow of water directly to the "smile" joint area.

^ If a waterleak is detected at the "smile" joint area, proceed to "Smile Joint Waterleak Repair" in this bulletin.

^ If no waterleak is detected at the "smile" joint, proceed to the next step.





4. Position hose so that the water flows through air inlet grille, into the plenum area, and out plenum drains over HVAC module seals (TXV seal, heater core pipe seal, and case drain seal).

^ If a waterleak is detected at HVAC module seal area, proceed to "HVAC Module Seal Waterleak Repair" in this bulletin.

^ If no waterleak is detected at HVAC module seal area, continue to next step.

5. Apply an unrestricted flow of water to the front strut tower area at upper outer comer where strut tower cap meets the cowl panel. Refer to illustrations.)

^ If a waterleak is detected at the strut tower area, proceed to "Strut Tower Area Waterleak Repair" in this bulletin.

^ If no waterleak is detected at the strut tower area, proceed to the next step.





1991 - 1995 Shown





1996 - 2001 Shown





IMPORTANT:
Left side shown. Right side similar.

6. Apply an unrestricted flow of water to the frame rail/hood hinge area where the hood hinge attaches to the body.

^ If a waterleak is detected at the frame rail/hood hinge area, proceed to "Frame Rail/Rood Hinge Area Waterleak Repair" in this bulletin.

^ If no waterleak is detected at the frame rail/hood hinge area, refer to additional waterleak diagnostic information in the Body/Repair Service Manual (1991-1999) or S-Series Body/Electrical Volume I Service Manual (2000-2001).