Pontiac: water leakage in a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, pontiac grand prix, block drain


Question
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1 liter engine
I have experienced significant water leakage in the right front foot well both during recent thunderstorms and recently when I took my car through a car wash.  When I went throught the car wash the water and soap actually started spitting out at me through the center AC/Heating vents.  As I drove away the radio started popping and eventually completely went out.  I am assuming that it fried the radio (no digital display or response).  What could be the potential cause of the leak (block drain tube, seal on front window faulty, etc.)  I have had two different opinions by two different shops and before I spend money on a "fishing trip"  I would like to get another opinion.  I realize that I will probably have to go to Best Buy and get a new radio.  I just want to get the leak stopped before I put a new one in so that I don't fry it.

Answer
The leak is probably water coming in through the fresh air inlet under the cowl cover. It is very common. You can remove the wiper arms and the cowl cover and make a shield over the air inlet with a piece of plastic. I usually use one of the plastic licence plates that the dealers put on the car with the name of the dealer on it.
The problem is that water running down the windshield runs straight into the air inlet. So you have to deflect the water over the inlet or around it.
About your radio, You might be able to have it repaired through the dealership. They can send it back to a Delco repair shop and have it checked out for you.