2012 LTD Wet Rear Footwell

[CA417PC]

So for the past month or so, I've noticed that my rear right footwell is repeatedly wet. There hasn't been any rain, and it doesn't get hit with any sprinklers, so I don't think there's a leak.

The AC works perfect, blows nice and cold. I use it all the time. Could condensation be building up and then collecting/leaking out of the lowest point (the vent beneath the passenger seat)? Can't figure out where else it would come from.

My first thought was a leaking heater core, but the front passenger carpet is bone dry. It only gets wet behind the seat.

Any idea on how to remedy it? Doesn't smell like coolant, but I'm no AC repairman either....I just need to get rid of this before it starts to smell mildewy.

Thanks!

 

[rigtec]

So for the past month or so, I've noticed that my rear right footwell is repeatedly wet. There hasn't been any rain, and it doesn't get hit with any sprinklers, so I don't think there's a leak...

...Any idea on how to remedy it? Doesn't smell like coolant, but I'm no AC repairman either....I just need to get rid of this before it starts to smell mildewy.

Thanks!

Hi CA,

If it were my truck I'd begin by checking the sunroof seal and head liner over the wet area for dampness. Next I would remove the rear passenger side door trim panel and check the inner door basin for standing water or any signs of wetness; obviously if there's standing water there then the door drain is clogged. If this approach proves unfruitful, I'd get a good flashlight and check the heating vent air discharge nozzle under the passenger seat for water stains; trickling water will always leave a hint of where it's coming from.

If you see traces of water in the rear htg vent nozzle then check the A/C drain; it could be clogged... just watch for water dripping from the right front frame area just behind the RF tire. If it's not dripping during a heatwave w/high humidity then the drain is likely the culprit. Then prove that, that's how the water is getting into the rear footwell by removing the plastic rear heating duct from the plenum just below the glovebox and look for the trace of water, or water stains in the duct entrance. That should give you a logical place to start your investigation!

rig

 

[Antman]

So for the past month or so, I've noticed that my rear right footwell is repeatedly wet. There hasn't been any rain, and it doesn't get hit with any sprinklers, so I don't think there's a leak.

The AC works perfect, blows nice and cold. I use it all the time. Could condensation be building up and then collecting/leaking out of the lowest point (the vent beneath the passenger seat)? Can't figure out where else it would come from.

My first thought was a leaking heater core, but the front passenger carpet is bone dry. It only gets wet behind the seat.

Any idea on how to remedy it? Doesn't smell like coolant, but I'm no AC repairman either....I just need to get rid of this before it starts to smell mildewy.

Thanks!

Your sig shows that you have a Gobi rack right?

There is your leak- the mounting bolts are probably a little loose or improperly installed in regards to the gaskets.

Tighten the bolts and see if that fixes it. You may want to pull your cargo area carpet up as well because that's where the water goes and then migrates down.


Ask me how I know this...

 

[philsey]

[MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION]
[MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION]

I'm no wrench, but what about this?

.... There hasn't been any rain, and it doesn't get hit with any sprinklers, so I don't think there's a leak.
Thanks!

Unless he's washing the vehicle, seems like the AC could be the only other water source?

 

[Antman]

[MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION]
[MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION]

I'm no wrench, but what about this?



Unless he's washing the vehicle, seems like the AC could be the only other water source?

That water can stay under the carpet a looong time without evaporating- I dunno, just sharing my experience.

 

[rigtec]

[MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION]
[MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION]

I'm no wrench, but what about this?



Unless he's washing the vehicle, seems like the AC could be the only other water source?

I totally agree Phil, but that's why I said in my post to the OP that after he verifies that the drain is in fact plugged, he should then prove that the water is by-passing the front row area and using the rear heating vent to access that RR footwell using water stains or droplets as evidence... it's also hard to believe that his truck is never subject to getting wet e.g., car wash, rain...etc!

rig

 

[CA417PC]

I totally agree Phil, but that's why I said in my post to the OP that after he verifies that the drain is in fact plugged, he should then prove that the water is by-passing the front row area and using the rear heating vent to access that RR footwell using water stains or droplets as evidence... it's also hard to believe that his truck is never subject to getting wet e.g., car wash, rain...etc!

rig

Thanks for all the help guys.
I just confirmed, the last time I washed the 4runner was June 16th. I'm in Southern California, and its been hot and dry since then. I know it's crazy, but I probably wash my Tundra 6-7 times a year, and it gets parked outside.
When I lived in Colorado, I had to wash my car almost once a week. Southern California cars just don't get that dirty.

I appreciate the tips, I'm going to start looking at the bolts on the Gobi to make sure they're tightened properly and then start looking at the drains. Should give me plenty to do before the sun goes down tonight.

 

[Scharfschütze]

Thanks for all the help guys.
I just confirmed, the last time I washed the 4runner was June 16th. I'm in Southern California, and its been hot and dry since then. I know it's crazy, but I probably wash my Tundra 6-7 times a year, and it gets parked outside.
When I lived in Colorado, I had to wash my car almost once a week. Southern California cars just don't get that dirty.

I appreciate the tips, I'm going to start looking at the bolts on the Gobi to make sure they're tightened properly and then start looking at the drains. Should give me plenty to do before the sun goes down tonight.

Did you ever solve this? Same issue on my 15 TEP.