I. Right Front Side of Passenger Compartment Area

Locating Source of Water Leak

1. Remove dash undercover, scuff plate and kick panel. Pull back carpet and pad. Remove carpet and pad, if necessary.

2. At least 12 minutes should be spent during the initial hose testing, as the water may have to move through several body seams before being detected.



3. Turn water pressure on hose so that a 12"-18" stream of water is present while hose is vertical.

4. DO NOT direct water into blower motor opening (under cowl panel).

5. Get inside vehicle. Use a flash light to help locate water entry point.






6. With the door closed, watch for water leaks during the hose test. Have an assistant slowly direct the water stream up from the bottom portion of the door-to-fender seam, then continue up the "A" pillar to the top of door and around windshield. Figure 1.





7. Note which area water enters the vehicle (see illustration). Refer to the appropriate Inspection and Repair: A, B or C. Figure 2.
A - Kick Panel
B - Under Dash
C - Corner of Firewall & Inner Fender



Inspection & Repair

Area A: Remove kick panel and inspect.





1. Make sure door electrical harness boot and sunroof drain hose grommet are seated. Check that the sunroof drain hose is not kinked and extends through lower kick panel. Figure 3.





2. Remove drip-rail molding and inspect rain-rail seams for missing sealer or pinholes. Seal any suspected sealer defects. Figure 4.

3. Open sunroof Using a squeeze bottle filled with water, pour water down front drain holes. Check for signs of leak at sunroof drain tube-to-drain hose.





4. If leak is still present, remove cap and screw from front windshield header. Remove "A" pillar side molding. Check drain hose for kinks. Figure 5.





5. If necessary, position hose so there are no loops, kinks or pinched areas. Repeat water test. Make sure sunroof drains properly with no leaks. Figure 6.



6. If necessary, remove damaged section of hose. Install a replacement piece of hose with a 9.5 mm (3/8 in) outside diameter which provides a tight fit to the existing hose. Install the new section of hose.



Area B: Inspect for water entering under dash (firewall or blower motor opening).

1. Using a mechanic's mirror, look for signs of water leaks under dash (i.e. water/windshield washer solvent stains).

2. Set the heater control air intake control lever to the Fresh position. Remove blower fan (three [3] screws) and look for water entering blower motor opening.





3. Check that the upper cowl drain plug (black tube) is clear. Figure 7.

4. Check grommets for leaks by spraying water on each one. Replace any grommets that leak. Also apply silicone sealer to bottom of grommet during installation. Figure 7.

5. If grommets do not leak, seal baffle seam by reaching up through blower motor opening and seal areas indicated. Figure 7.

6. If water is leaking from firewall, check for studs that are loose or not seated properly and loose grommets on engine side of firewall. If necessary, remove studs. Clean threads and reinstall. Remove cross-threaded or high bolts. Retap holes. If necessary, replace bolts. Apply sealer to threads before installing bolts. Replace any loose grommets. Apply silicon sealer to bottom of grommets during installation.



7. Remove black plastic cowl vent. Direct a stream of water at each stud. If any leaks are found, apply sealer.



Area C: Inspect for water entering at corner where firewall meets inner fender.






1. Lift carpet and pad, and feel for water. If water is present, remove windshield wipers and cowl plate. Check for missing sealer or holes along lower "A" pillar-to-cowl seam. Apply sealer to any suspected areas. Figure 8.

NOTE:
This procedure should only be done by experienced body shop personnel.

2. Remove door jam nut and bolt, also remove the four (4) upper fender bolts. Using a mechanic's mirror, inspect sealer hidden by upper fender for skips and pinholes. Figure 8.



NOTE:
The illustration shows the fender removed. Complete fender removal is not required.

CAUTION:
Use care when moving fender for inspection and resealing of body seams. Do not allow fender to buckle.