Pool of water under the seat

[T40ORA]

My wife's Clio 197 seems to be morphing into a paddling pool!

Investigating an inordinate amount of condensation, she found that the carpet under the passenger seat is soaked. On further investigation, we found that the seal at the front of the quarter-light is only held in by a touch of glue/sealant at the top, with most of it being free to move out.

Putting 2 'n' 2 together, I'm thinking that this is the cause of a leak, causing water to get in and pool on that side. However, it's not apparent that this seal actually keep water out, as it seems only to be bonded to the window.

Is this seal there to keep water out? Or is my arithmetic wrong, and there is another cause of the pool of water?

[Mr Jenks]

Scuttle panel drains blocked is the favourite every time

[Jon39]

I do not know anything about Clios, but one of the common reasons for water in a front footwear, is a blocked drain. I have had that problem again recently on two cars. Even Mercedes don't know that leaves fall on to their cars, and fit a drain tube that is much too small.

At the rear of the bonnet, where the windscreen wipers are mounted, water is directed away through a channel and down on to the road. Leaves and tree debris can cause a blockage (often there is a rubber moulding or tube), and then water backs up and overflows into a footwell.

Worth a look, but your first thought might be the cause. Possibly that could be checked by sticking a few sheets of paper towel below the suspect window, and wait for the next rainfall.

[T40ORA]

Mr Jenks said:

Scuttle panel drains blocked is the favourite every time

Jon39 said:

I do not know anything about Clios, but one of the common reasons for water in a front footwear, is a blocked drain. I have had that problem again recently on two cars. Even Mercedes don't know that leaves fall on to their cars, and fit a drain tube that is much too small.

At the rear of the bonnet, where the windscreen wipers are mounted, water is directed away through a channel and down on to the road. Leaves and tree debris can cause a blockage (often there is a rubber moulding or tube), and then water backs up and overflows into a footwell.

Worth a look, but your first thought might be the cause. Possibly that could be checked by sticking a few sheets of paper towel below the suspect window, and wait for the next rainfall.

Thanks Gents; I will indeed check that out.

[Glassman]

Sunroof (if it has one) and windscreen (if it has been replaced) are the obvious causes IME. Then check door seals and door cards.

[T40ORA]

There's no obvious sign from either, although the way that water wicks its way in, I guess I should be looking there.

[tortop45]

Check the drain holes in the sills are clear.may be the water is coming from you heater.

[T40ORA]

tortop45 said:

Check the drain holes in the sills are clear.may be the water is coming from you heater.

That's an interesting one. I'm guessing just behind the front wheels somewhere?

[tortop45]

my 205 gti used to get wet carpets in the front,it turned out to be the sill drain hole ,the factory used so much sealer they were never clear so i un blocked them and bingo no more wet carpets.

[T40ORA]

tortop45 said:

my 205 gti used to get wet carpets in the front,it turned out to be the sill drain hole ,the factory used so much sealer they were never clear so i un blocked them and bingo no more wet carpets.

So will these be accessed from outside/under the car, at front of the sills, near the front wheel arches?

[tortop45]

T40ORA said:

tortop45 said:

my 205 gti used to get wet carpets in the front,it turned out to be the sill drain hole ,the factory used so much sealer they were never clear so i un blocked them and bingo no more wet carpets.

So will these be accessed from outside/under the car, at front of the sills, near the front wheel arches?

Yes all from the outside/and under the car.......

[T40ORA]

Cheers. I'll have a dig around, when I'm back home.

[Madrabbit]

The drain holes are under the scuttle cover.
You need to remove the wiper arms, remove the scuttle/wiper mechanism cover. The drains are in the corners beneath the windscreen.