jgg204

Hello - I discovered after a hard rain that the floor mat underneath the left side of the driver's foot well was wet. Let me first start off as the title says, I have an LX and do not have a sunroof nor have I had my windshield replaced. I know I didn't leave my window open either because it rained again and more water was found trickling down. Lucky for me, it rained soon enough that I could trace the water upwards but had to stop at a certain point b/c the dash is in the way. I have attached some photos showing the issue, with annotations where needed.

Pic 1 - wet floor mat
Pic 2 - where i saw water pooled and running down
Pic 3 - where i saw the water trickling out from
Pic 4 - side dash panel removed to trace water
Pic 5 - found water coming from above this, droplets running down red metal frame. i stuck my finger all the way up there and it was wet

Obviously from the surface rust on the dashboard side bracket there has been moisture behind here for quite some time, however I only noticed the floor mat getting wet this weekend. One thing to note - back in 2008 the driver's side quarter panel was replaced due to an accident.

I did search for this issue but was unable to find anyone with a leak that originates this high up - the leaks threads I saw dealt with the sunroof, front drain line, hood release cable, etc.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

ezone

I'd remove the A pillar trim panel and see if you can find water entry that high.
Inspect door seals thoroughly

Possibly have a helper soak with a garden hose (instead of waiting for rain) while you are inside with flashlight looking for the leak.

jgg204

thanks, i'll do that tomorrow since it's already dark here on the east coast.
the A pillar trim just snaps off right? can you just pull it off, starting at the top, using your fingers? the passenger's side was starting to pull away b/c i think one of the fasteners came loose, but that was yrs ago and the dealer fixed it under warranty

i did inspect the door seal and there are no rips or tears anywhere

i'll have to get a friend to help this weekend with a hose

ezone

It's been so long since I've taken the trim off a 7th gen I can't remember. Pull the rubber seal down then 2 clips hold the trim up. Pull starting at the top.


You know the water is at least coming in at a level above the floor and maybe a level even with the windshield, you need to try to narrow it further now.

Water can enter far away and travel a long way from where you see it finally emerge.
Water entering during a rain is usually easier to find than water that only enters while driving, now you have wind and air and sideways forces pushing water in many directions.


Windshield seal bad (usually urethane type caulking)? Bodywork/fender related work? Hidden damage behind fender area?

Lay on the drivers floor with a bright light, look up under the dash at the firewall and side structures?

Hood release cable grommet not sealing where the cable passes through the interior?
Wiring passes through the firewall?
Amp cable?

RRay

hello jgg204.

Did you fix your problem ? I have the exact same problem on my 2004 civic.

You are the only one that I found with the same problem and I am becoming desperate.

Thanks

ezone

Last one I saw had some body seam sealer dried out and cracked.....top of the fender area near the lower corner of the windshield, water would enter there and travel down the firewall in the corner, pooling in the drivers floorboard.

04 blue civic

Also check under the rubber mounding along rooftop. My body sealer cracked open toward front close to windshield. Resealed and problem solved.. my suggestion. Take interior trim parts off pull back carpet. Have someone pour water while you’re inside searching for a trail. pour water over specific areas one at a time

RRay

Thank you so much to the two of you for responding.

I realized that some water is coming from above the A pillar (driver side).

So im pretty sure that water is leading the ground by following the rubber that goes around the window.

I will pull off the headliner tommorow and try what 04 blue civic suggest. Water should come from the rubber molding on the roof.

I will let you know

Thanks again ( sorry about my english, i'm a french speaking from Montréal.)

jgg204

i removed windshield molding, applied new sealant, re-installed windshield molding...problem went away!

RRay

I found that the leak was coming from the windshield too.

Im getting a new windshield tommorow because mine is cracked anyway.

Thanks

04 blue civic

FYI. Mine too was leaking down driver a pillar. But again was the body seam leaking. Remove the long rubber strip along the roof. I can almost guarantee the sealing compound is cracked.