Water leak into passenger footwell

[paulodipoggio]

During a fortnight in Scotland after heavy/prolonged rain (and going though some standing water - not floods), I noticed a small puddle on the rubber passenger mat and carpet beneath was soaked.

Suspect water coming from behind dash/glovebox or through the footwell air/heating vent.

Have tried to replicate it with a hose pipe but no success.

No signs of windscreen damage or obvious blockages, but I recall a problem on the old 850's with a vent pipe beneath the air filter becoming blocked and needing a clean occasionally.

Before I start taking bits off the car to find the problem has anyone else had a similar experience or can suggest where to start looking

Its a 57 plate XC90 D5 without a sunroof

Thanks

[owenfackrell]

I don't really have a suggestion on where it's coming from but unless it was spilt from the top then there will be a lot of water underneath the carpet as it is around 3 to 4 inches thick at that point. If you have the sat nav then you can push the seat right back and lift up the bits of carpet covering the bolts and look under the carpet. You maybe able to do this with out the sat nav but I don't know if the slots in the carpet are there.

[400-ascona]

Through the vent in the buklhead, down through the cabin blower would be a possibility, or air con drain pipe. The other option is a leaking cabin heater matrix/pipework.

Rob

[paulodipoggio]

Originally Posted by owenfackrell

I don't really have a suggestion on where it's coming from but unless it was spilt from the top then there will be a lot of water underneath the carpet as it is around 3 to 4 inches thick at that point. If you have the sat nav then you can push the seat right back and lift up the bits of carpet covering the bolts and look under the carpet. You maybe able to do this with out the sat nav but I don't know if the slots in the carpet are there.

I'll have a look - no sat nav and leak was fairly confined to front centre - ie along transmission housing/centre console, but thanks for advice.

Carpet isn't 3 or 4 inches thick anywhere - you must have the "Royal" version!!!

Will have look in case its splashing up though

Thanks for your help

[paulodipoggio]

Originally Posted by 400-ascona

Through the vent in the buklhead, down through the cabin blower would be a possibility, or air con drain pipe. The other option is a leaking cabin heater matrix/pipework.

Rob

Will try there too - I think this is more likely as it did perhaps come via the footwell heater cowling?

Air con wasn't in use at all (Scotland in August!!) so doubt it was that - I suspect the cabin blower in bulkhead - that's where the old 850 used to go.

Leaking cabin heater matrix/pipework sounds beyond me - modern engines with covers over everything!!

Thanks for your assistance.

Paulo

[400-ascona]

Originally Posted by paulodipoggio

Will try there too - I think this is more likely as it did perhaps come via the footwell heater cowling?

Air con wasn't in use at all (Scotland in August!!) so doubt it was that - I suspect the cabin blower in bulkhead - that's where the old 850 used to go.

Leaking cabin heater matrix/pipework sounds beyond me - modern engines with covers over everything!!

Thanks for your assistance.

Paulo

The heater matrix is under the dashboard on top of the transmission tunnel and its just like a small radiator.

Rob

[owenfackrell]

Originally Posted by paulodipoggio

I'll have a look - no sat nav and leak was fairly confined to front centre - ie along transmission housing/centre console, but thanks for advice.

Carpet isn't 3 or 4 inches thick anywhere - you must have the "Royal" version!!!

Will have look in case its splashing up though

Thanks for your help

It's the foam backing that is thick trust me I have had mine out. It does sound more like yours is running on to the carpet than coming up through it.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by owenfackrell

It's the foam backing that is thick trust me I have had mine out. It does sound more like yours is running on to the carpet than coming up through it.

yes , the foam is actualy more like 5 inches thick. by the time you see water on the carpet there will be gallons of water in the footwells which also goes to the rear .

[paulodipoggio]

Thanks all
Hoping to have a look at weekend so will post results when I do

[paulodipoggio]

Thanks for your advice but still a mystery
Dry under the carpets as expected as the water appeared on top of a rubber mat
No obvious leaks with a hosepipe spraying all over and under the bonnet
Perhaps it was the angle parked or the volume of water.
Will keep an eye on it in Autumn/winter though