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You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Parts > Auto Parts > 1999 Jeep Cherokee
Auto Parts - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
Expert: Mike Evans - 11/4/2009
Question
Hello, there seems to be water in the passenger side front floorboard all the time. It is not a large amount of water just damp. My question is what do you think it could be and should I take it to mechanic?
Answer
It's one of two things: It could be a leak in the windshield or some other body seam. Has it rained a lot lately? If it's been very moist out, then water could be coming in from the outside. It can be difficult to isolate a leak like that, but once you do you can seal it yourself with some clear silicone. The other possibility is that the water is coming from the HVAC system. Run the A/C for a while and then run your hand underneath the heater box and see if there are water droplets forming there. If you find water, then your drains are blocked. The heater box collects condensation from the A/C and also rainwater from the outside vents. To get rid of it, there are drains in the bottom of the system (usually the heater box) that exit forward through the firewall. They will have little rubber hoods over them which are designed to keep dirt and critters from getting in. Because the exits are so narrow, they are easily clogged by leaf litter and other debris which enter from the cowl vents. They can even become clogged by algae that form in the condensation. If you look under the hood, low down on the firewall, you should be able to see these drains poking out from the flat surface. Get a coat hanger or similar piece of stiff, flat wire, and poke around in then until you pull out the gunk that is clogging them. You could run a little water into the cowl vents from a hose to make sure they are working again. In the case of a windshield leak, you can use the hose to find its location. But, before you use the silicone, let it dry well and wipe it clean. If you apply the silicone neatly and thoroughly it will seal well, and no one will notice it.
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