Ford Repair: leak on drivers side, under carpet, left side, 2005, ford

Question
leaks only when it rains. cowl on roof doesn't seem to have a seam. have owned car for over a year and leak began about six months ago. may be the original windshield. the car is a 2005 Ford Escape. Approx 65,000 miles on the car. Carlite is identified on all the glass on the car so it's the original windshield. Heater core investigated and it wasn't that. Plugs in the bottom - water not coming from below

Answer
When you do an inspection for a water leak intrusion, you should have the interior scuff plate and "A" pillar trim removed so you can see the sheet metal body.
With the interior trim removed, soak the top,front of the windshield with a garden hose for about 1/2 to 1 hour. Look inside with a flashlight at the floor and at the bottom, front,inside of the door area for water or dampness.
Look to see if your side dash mount bolts and brackets show signs of rust as this would be a good indication that a water leak intrusion is going on.

Things that I have found on this model vehicle that could be leaking :

(1)Bottom of the "A" pillar seam or cowl seam to "A" pillar seam (all under your cowl screen). This would require a technician to repair.
(2)Front wheel well seam to bulk head seam or any rubber plug or plugs (all of which would leak onto the floor and be seen tight to the corner of the bulkhead to cowl section)
(3)The front door inner splash shield could be leaking and building water between the door frame and door opening weatherstrip. The water would build to the point of rolling over the door weatherstrip and into the floor channel.
(4)The windshield set could be loose or leaking.


Drew Young
Rainchaser
Auto-Water-Leaks.com