Ford Repair: Water in car, interior door panel, ford contour

Question
Hi Drew,
I have a 2000 Ford Contour. After it rains I have water on the drivers side floor. I've had the car for 6 years and this has never happened until now. At my last oil change I had them replace the cabin air filter and fuel filter. Other then that I have done nothing to the car. When it rained before I got the oil/filters changed I had no problem. Windshield looks good. Just not sure where the water could be leaking in from. Only happens after it rains. Thanks

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 and side of the car with a garden hose for about 1/2 to 1 hour. Look inside the car with a flashlight at the floor and at the bottom inside of the door.

Things that can be leaking :

(1)Inner door panel splash shields behind your interior door panel(this would leak and build up at the bottom of the door).Also, door opening weather strip could be torn or flat.

(2)Bottom of the "A" pillar seam, high cowl seam to "A" pillar seam(all under your cowl screen).Also check to make sure cowl drain is clear of debris.

(3)Wheel well seam, bulk head seam or plug,(all of which would leak onto the floor and be seen tight to the corner of the bulkhead)

(4)Windshield set could be loose or leaking,top of the "A" pillar seam,(can see this on the inside of the car,looking along the windshield set).

Also, check the trunk area to make sure it is dry. If you have a digital camera, you can send me pictures of what you are looking at.

Drew Young
Rainchaser
Auto-Water-Leaks.com