Location II
LOCATION II: LEFT FRONT SIDE OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENTLocation of Water Leak Source
1. Remove the dash undercover, scuff plate and kick panel. Pull back the carpet and pad. Remove the front seat, carpet, and pad if necessary.
2. At least 12 minutes should he spent during initial hose testing, because the water may have to move through several body seams before being detected.
3. Turn the water pressure to the hose so that a 12" to 18" stream of water is present while the hose is in a vertical position.
4. Get inside the vehicle and use a flashlight to help locate the water entry point.
5. 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 up the "A" pillar to the top of the door and around the windshield. Next, have the assistant slowly direct water along the window beltline molding (if the vehicle is a four door, perform this test on both the front and rear doors.) Figures 10 (Shown in Location I) and 11 as shown.
Note:
Do not direct water into blower motor opening (under cowl panel.)
6. Note which area the water enters the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate location's repair procedure. Figure 12.
^ AREA A: KICK PANEL
^ AREA B: UNDER DASH
^ AREA C: CORNER OF FIREWALL
AND INNER FENDER
^ AREA D: OVER SILL PLATE
Repair Procedure
AREA A: KICK PANEL
1. Follow the same repair procedure described for the right front side of the passenger compartment.
2. Run water on the antenna. Make sure the antenna tube is intact on the bottom of the power antenna motor and water drains properly (for models equipped with power antenna.)
3. If necessary, position the hose so there are no loops, kinks or pinched areas. If the hose cannot be corrected or is out, remove the damaged section of hose. Install a replacement piece of hose (4.7 mm [3/16 in.] outside diameter) which provides a tight fit to the existing hose.
4. If the leak persists, inspect the antenna bezel molding and gasket for correct sealing and mounting. Confirm that the mounting screw is fully seated and that the gasket is firmly contacting the roof sheet metal. Figure 13.
AREA B: UNDER DASH
1. Using a mechanic's mirror, look for signs of water leakage under the dash.
2. Check the cowl grommet for leaks by spraying water on it. Replace the grommet if it leaks. Apply sealer to the bottom side of the grommet during installation. Figure 14.
Note:
Only one grommet is located in an area where it may cause a water leak.
3. If water is leaking from the firewall, check for improperly seated studs, loose grommets, and cross-threaded bolts on the engine side of the firewall.
4. If necessary, remove the studs, clean the threads and reinstall. Remove cross-threaded or high bolts, retap holes and, if necessary, replace bolts. Be sure to apply sealer to the threads before installing the bolts. Finally, replace any loose grommets.
5. Remove the black plastic cowl vent, direct a stream of water at each stud and, if any leaks are found, apply sealer.
AREA C: CORNER OF FIREWALL AND 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 the lower "A" pillar-to-cowl seam. Apply sealer to any suspected areas. Figure 15.
Note:
This procedure should only be done by experienced body shop personnel.
2. Remove the door jamb nut and bolt, also remove the four (4) upper fender bolts. Using a mechanic's mirror, inspect sealer hidden by the upper fender for skips and pinholes. Figure 15.
Note:
The illustration shows the fender removed. Complete fender removal is not required.
Caution:
Use care when moving fender for inspection and resealing body seams. Do not allow the fender to buckle.
3. Also inspect the antenna bezel molding for correct sealing and mounting as described in the repair section of AREA A.
AREA D: OVER SILL PLATE
1. While an assistant directs water along the beltline molding, inspect for water entering from over the plastic sill plate. Figure 16.
2. If water is entering over the sill plate, remove the door panel and check that the plastic sheeting Butyl sealer is pressed firmly against the door frame. Also, check that no gaps are present between the sheet metal and the plastic.
3. Confirm that the door drain holes are draining properly and are not obstructed.
Note:
If Butyl sealer is hard or non-pliable, new sealer will need to be applied to the plastic sheeting to properly seal water leaking from these areas.