Leaking water under the dash area - Page 2 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

WallyT4R · 07-20-2018, 11:41 PM

I would think this would be covered under warranty??? What year is your 4? I would take it in and let the yahoos deal with it before tearing the dash apart if it was mine.

Jack Gallivan · 11-13-2018, 08:20 PM

For a while, I had water underneath the passenger side carpet. I used the forum and what I found out was that plenty of people have had the same issue. Some of the solutions I read involved pulling off the weather stripping for the passenger side of the windshield. These people had noticed holes that weren't supposed to be there, but they were easily patched using marine silicon.

What I did to fix the issue was to un-clog the drainage holes in the sunroof area (on my 4th gen) and the water suddenly started draining to the outside, where it's supposed to be, rather than inside under the carpet. Try this and see if that fixes your problem. Hope this helps!

TC4R · 12-07-2018, 02:07 PM

Any resolution to the water leaking in the dash and floor? I have the same issue. I’m the original owner of a 2013 Trail and the factory windshield has not been replaced. I believe it is from the cowl gasket that rests at the bottom of the windshield (exterior). It is warped and not flush to the windshield particularly the area above the cabin air filter. Unfortunately Toyota doesn’t sell the gasket separately; they want you to buy the entire cowl for $400+. I found a similar cowl gasket for 2013 Highlander for $14. Toyota calls it a cowl protector (part # 55788-0E040). It is very similar to the 4Runner’s, but not as good of a fit. So don’t how long it will work. Not happy that Toyota doesn’t sell one for the 4Runner. I did also notice that the rubber gaskets / seals on the bottom corners of the windshield had gaps like the OP. I’m going to use silicon sealer there. I did check the sunroof and AC drains and all good there.

flyrv9 · 12-07-2018, 03:14 PM

If your windshield is an OEM part it will have a Toyota stencil in one of the corners. If you feel that gasket is not properly seated, you can try some RTV to fix the leak - or take it to Safelight or a glass place and have them remove, check the gasket for damage and reseat or replace it.

TC4R · 12-08-2018, 10:05 AM

My windshield is original with the Toyota stencil in the driver side corner (I’m the original owner). I believe that the main reason for the leak that causes water to get in the dash and on the front floor is the cowl protector / gasket getting warped, not the windshield gasket. The cowl protector / gasket is part of the cowl grille, which is the plastic piece between the windshield and hood. It is supposed to sit flush against the lower windshield. When the cowl protector / gasket gets warped (from snow / ice?) it is no longer flush. When not flush above the passenger side water enters the dash, likely via the cabin air filter. Unfortunately Toyota doesn’t sell the cowl protector / gasket separately; they want you to buy the entire cowl grille for $500+. Toyota sells a similar cowl protector / gasket for 2013 Highlander for $17. Toyota calls it a cowl protector (part # 55788-0E040). It is very similar to the 4Runner’s, but not as good of a fit. So don’t how long it will work.

My other concern is with all the water getting in the dash will it adversely impact the Takata air bag issue.

4runnerlexky · 05-25-2020, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormtrooper52

Hey guys. Been lurking here for a few months now but came across an issue today and I was hoping you could help.

I'm located in Atlanta and for over the past month it's been raining almost every day, be it a sun shower, daytime rain, or just plain old heavy thunderstorms. During that time I have noticed that every once in a while I would get a tiny leak under the drivers dash where my shins would be. It's been on my list of things to really dig into and figure out where it's coming from but it's hard to duplicate to narrow down.

Well today it was raining cats and dogs for a good 20 mins. During that time there was a sizable leak in my interior in the same spot where it's happened previously.

So the question posed is do you think the seal on my windshield is bad somewhere causing water (during heavy storms) to drain into the interior of my car? Would you have any suggestions on how to narrow this down as to where this leak is coming from? Or do you have any other ideas on what would have caused this leakage?

I purchased the vehicle used and am not a 100% sure if the windshield is factory or not. If I had to put my money on it I would guess the windshield is not OEM. I do not have a sunroof.

Any help or suggestions you could provide would be great!

Dropbox - Link not found

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Hey so this was a recent problem with me. I did find out that my drain plug was clogged. I did fix it simply by putting a ziptie through the line and it drained perfectly. There is still some condensation issues which I will have to further investigate.

Here is the trick to make sure that you are able to fully dry your floorboards before returning your hopefully purchased weathertech mats for safety.

1. You will need a heatgun and and set it to the lowest setting. stay about 6 inches away from the carpet and make even strokes against the floorboard and you will notice water moving in the carpet. Do this for about 5 minutes and then use a shopvac and hit the floorboard. Continue to do this and you will dry them up in a matter of a few hours. I would keep the floor mats off the 4runner for a few days and also monitor if there is still leaks. If so you may need to replace the drain hose. I will be posting a video of the issues I had with mine on my youtube page.

Ruger9 · 04-25-2021, 04:31 PM

Hey man I recently developed a leak like the one you describe while on a cross country trip. Getting into so rainy days out east here. I was wondering if you got to the bottom of the issue by any chance?

Bill '02 · 06-14-2021, 09:48 PM

Our '07 4runner has recently developed a major leak like the ones described.
Ours is driver side and with the heavy downpours here in FL we are getting an inch of water. Anyone solve this yet? I've been trying to locate drain holes to see if they're clogged but haven't been able to locate any are yet.

HaikuHasselhofff · 08-26-2021, 09:49 PM

I have the same problem of a water leak. The source seems to come from somewhere in the dash. I checked the sunroof drains thread. My leak comes from above the a/c drain tube somewhere. Causing mildew and stinky car smell. I can hear water moving around behind the blower and radio area. Any help?

HaikuHasselhofff · 08-26-2021, 09:50 PM

I have a 2016 stock 4Runner with 67k miles

Teamoatmealpie · 08-26-2021, 10:53 PM

**WATER LEAK** 4Runner Unusual Footwell Water Leak Solution

Check this thread from the 4th gen side. This solved a multi year problem for me - including 5 or so trips to the dealer- running hose on it myself made it leak but impossible to look up underneath dash and see where it comes from- way too much stuff under there to see anything.

I had no obvious cracks like in the post- but hit it with sealant liberally and problem solved

Hope you find it.

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