Wet Front Carpet Mystery

[KDogg]

I have started to notice both the driver side and passenger side carpet in the front foot wells soaking wet. I cant track down where this water is coming in. I am in Vermont and the weather has changed to rain or if not rain then it is snow. My mechanic looked around under the vehicle looking for a hole in the fire wall or a wheel well issue but couldn't identify anything to indicate entry point of water. The windshield gasket was pulling away from the frame at the top leaving a possibly entry point for water. Had it replaced to ensure no water leaking in through the windshield and problem still persists. TO me the amount of damp/soaked carpet indicates that this should be a very noticeable entry point or path for water to get in but I am stumped. Reaching out for advice.

The van is 2001 Eurovan MV (no sunroof).

thanks in advance.

[studioh]

When I bought my 2003 this summer i had a similar problem but suspected it was coolant from the heater core that they told me was bad. Turned out the heater core was already by-passed. During the process of pulling the entire dash to replace it I was lucky enough to be inside the van when a storm came through. Watched the water run right down the passenger "A" pillar, down the firewall and puddle in the passenger footwell. Drop the hush panel on the passenger side and pull the carpet back, I could see it run right where the footwell meets the firewall.

[CdnVWJunkie]

[KDogg]

[Dave65386]

Hi,
Interested to see if either studioh or KDogg got this issue resolved, sounds very similar to my situation. The added down side is that the water pools in the auto shift housing so in winter it freezes and I can't move out of park!

I was suspecting the windshield, but don't want to remove it to just see.

Thanks

[kourt]

I had this problem on my 2001 EVC. It was failed windshield urethane. Had the windshield installer re-do it under warranty. Seals fine now.

kourt

[Dave65386]

Thanks, was that a standard insurance policy windshield repair or did you have a special warranty?

[kourt]

It was $300 out of pocket, six months prior. Then I brought it back and they reset it for free.

Insurance was not involved.

kourt

[Dave65386]

Ah, OK thanks. Will see if I can find a friendly Windshield shop.

[bigfoot_ev]

PSA, be vigilant with your windshield replacement people and make sure they do a proper job. By that I mean, they are careful about excess urethane and don't let it just goop out all over and that if they nick your paint in the pinch weld area during removal they cover it with primer so it doesn't rust.

I had to deal with a poor install years later due to rust. The original urethane had rust growing under it, which could lead to leaking. And the corners were filled with urethane, which can trap water. Everything could have been avoided if the installer just did their job correctly.

IIRC, my now good windshield installer said if the original urethane is still intact he cuts it down a little and adds new adhesive on top.