Body - Water Leak Onto Passenger Floor

NUMBER: 12-107-08

DATE: 09/26/08

APPLICABILITY: 2009 Forester

SUBJECT:
Water Leak, Front Passenger Side

INTRODUCTION

If you encounter a vehicle which has a water leak in the front passenger side of the vehicle, it may be coming from the cowl panel directly above the HVAC fresh air intake. To correct the condition, the cowl panel seal will need to be trimmed.

PRODUCTION LINE CHANGE

The cowl panel seal was repositioned starting in late March, 2008 with VIN 9*718802.





PART INFORMATION

Note:
The cowl panel seal should only be replaced if it is damaged.

REPAIR PROCEDURE/ INFORMATION

The cowl panel removal and installation instructions are also published in the 2009 Forester Service Manual found on the STIS website.

^ Remove wiper arms.





^ Carefully remove the 7 clips that secure the cowl panel. The 3 clips in the middle can be removed using needle nose pliers as illustrated in the next photo.





^ Using a white plastic trim tool, carefully lift up on the right cowl panel side to disengage it from the cowl panel.





^ Reposition cowl panel to gain access to the cowl panel seal.





^ Using a single edge razor blade, trim the cowl panel seal.

Note:
Be extremely careful not to scratch the paint. If the paint does get scratched, be sure to use Nox Rust or an equivalent anti-rust protector.





^ Reinstall cowl panel in reverse order of removal.

Note:
If the panel seal needs replacement, make sure the area is cleaned using rubbing alcohol.





WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION