Hi, I have been searching relentlessly for an answer to this issue. And while I can say I have made progress in stopping the infamous water leak, I cannot get it completely taken care of. Here is my issue as it stands:
I discovered a water leak on the passenger side of the vehicle. Investigation found that it was coming out of a small gap in a seam where the lower part of the cowl meets the A pillar on the underside of the dash above the bulkhead to door wiring grommet. I could see water dripping out of the seam which means water is getting into the cowl.
I have sealed the cowl retainer grommets with weather strip adhesive, and this has reduced the leak by about 90% however, water is still getting in and posses a rust and mildew issue.
I have sealed a few areas that were suspect. I don't know if they were at all responsible for the leak but coupled with the grommet sealing the leak has slowed. I have heard of a "seam skip" which apparently is a cause of the leak but I have not seen pictures as to where it would be and only vague descriptions of "cowl pinch weld area".
At this time I can't tell where the remaining leak is coming from. I have read the TSB on the issue but it doesn't seem to address the cause, at least not entirely. I have not and will not take it to a dealer because I don't have money to waste on something they most likely won't fix. Plus, i can fix it myself pending I find the source of the leak.
Searching various forums for answers has only turned up vague descriptions of possibilities or solutions to problems I don't have, such as clogged drain grommets. I know this is a pretty widespread issue with these cars so I know someone out there has to have the same problem I am having. So I am looking for advice and clues as to what could be the issue. If you have any pictures of a possible leak source, or have experience fixing this leak, please respond. It would be most appreciated.
I discovered a water leak on the passenger side of the vehicle. Investigation found that it was coming out of a small gap in a seam where the lower part of the cowl meets the A pillar on the underside of the dash above the bulkhead to door wiring grommet. I could see water dripping out of the seam which means water is getting into the cowl.
I have sealed the cowl retainer grommets with weather strip adhesive, and this has reduced the leak by about 90% however, water is still getting in and posses a rust and mildew issue.
I have sealed a few areas that were suspect. I don't know if they were at all responsible for the leak but coupled with the grommet sealing the leak has slowed. I have heard of a "seam skip" which apparently is a cause of the leak but I have not seen pictures as to where it would be and only vague descriptions of "cowl pinch weld area".
At this time I can't tell where the remaining leak is coming from. I have read the TSB on the issue but it doesn't seem to address the cause, at least not entirely. I have not and will not take it to a dealer because I don't have money to waste on something they most likely won't fix. Plus, i can fix it myself pending I find the source of the leak.
Searching various forums for answers has only turned up vague descriptions of possibilities or solutions to problems I don't have, such as clogged drain grommets. I know this is a pretty widespread issue with these cars so I know someone out there has to have the same problem I am having. So I am looking for advice and clues as to what could be the issue. If you have any pictures of a possible leak source, or have experience fixing this leak, please respond. It would be most appreciated.