1999 Saturn SL2 Water Leak

SDEFACCI

MEMBER
1999 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

I have discovered a significant leak that is soaking the carpets. I have taken out the front and passenger seats and pulled the carpets and the high density foam padding under the dashboard. I can see water streaming down when we water test the windshield. We also tested by spraying water in the vent by the windshield wipers. I can see there is a main seal that is caulked between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. I am not exactly sure where the water is specifically coming in because the dashboard is in the way, however, we do see the water is trickling to the bottom of the seam and down into the carpets. Is there a common problem with the vent area by the windshield wiper motor leaking to allow water to enter the passenger compartment? We also noticed water coming in from the blower vent so we are assuming that the air controls inside the car between recirculating and outside air would allow water to pour in if water is directed sideways into the windshield vent area? We also checked leaks from the windshield and that does not appear to be a problem. What is the typical cause of the leaking from behind the dashboard area of an SL2?

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

The early S model's 1995 and down leaked alot I repaired so many of them full of water but the 1996 and up didn't leak very often.I had a 1999 that was leaking in where the a/c box mounted to the fire wall that was hard to find I had to pull the dash to find that one.I only saw one like that is it leaking on the passenger side driverside or in the middle?When the cars are built the dash assembley is lowered into the car with the firewall attached then a robot would seal the firewall up sometime's the robot missed spot's causing leak's. You really just have to follow the water coming in it can be difficult find the leak sometime's but if you don't give up you will find it.