Water!

[MBT]

Hello fellow brick owners.

My problem is not one I've EVER heard of.

2 days ago I noticed a puddle (yes, a freaking puddle) of water on the floor of my car (front passenger side only).

I quickly removed all the water and lifted up the carpet to let everything else air dry. I figure this is something that will take a couple of days.

This morning I noticed another puddle (same location as before)! Smaller than the first one, but still a puddle.

I realize that this is something that convertibles are susceptible to, but sedans?! All the windows were closed at the time as was the sun roof.

What I'm trying to figure out is where this water is coming from (Sky - X - my floor). I do not see any trace of water coming down from the roof or anywhere else in the car nor is anything else wet (like seats or other sections of the floor).

Does anyone know if there is a water runoff hose somewhere near there that might be causing this? FYI, my car is parked on a hill with front being lower than the rear.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Living in Seattle this is definitely something I need to resolve quickly!

Thanks,

Mike T

[Gilhuly]

You've had lots of hot weather out there. You've been using you A/C. The drain tube that drains the condensate from the tray under the evaporator is plugged. It can be blown out with compressed air.

[7 VII 7]

Are you sure it is water and not Coolant?

[MBT]

Gilhuly, any instructions on clearing that hose?

I actually have not been using my A/C almost at all (I like the fresh air cooling better ). I suppose this would also mean that this is a temporary condition and not one likely to plague me throughout the rainy season.

7 VII 7, I am sure. The liquid is clear and does not smell... except for all the dirt it picked up off the carpet. I guess it is time to clean up. :)

[FCP Euro]

In that case, it is probably the clogged tube that drains the water from the AC system. I was also thinking it was coolant from the heater core.

[adamjjohn203]

It could also be a clogged tube that drains the water from the hood cowl. If that fills up too far it may spill into the cabin air intake.

[JordanW]

Unless you have the A/C, the compressor still runs, and it even still runs if you have the front defrost on (even with the A/C OFF)...

+1 on the cowl drains

and also check the sunroof drain tubes... If you have a sunroof

[MrWinkey]

Yes,

as stated check plastic cowl drains and A/C drain.....I have also seen debris in the drains under the plastic cowl.

[Gilhuly]

I haven't dealt with this on a volvo, but had it on a mitsubishi. You have two fairly fat drain tubes on either side that drain the cowl under the hood. Other responses here are correct and valid. If you get under the car near the firewall on the pass side center you should be able to find the tube outlet for the a/c drain. Next time you are getting an oil change at a place that has helpful older guys point out the problem you are having and the location of the outlet and say "what should I do?" They will get the compressor line and blow it out in a half second and bang, you're done.

Gilhuly, any instructions on clearing that hose?

I actually have not been using my A/C almost at all (I like the fresh air cooling better ). I suppose this would also mean that this is a temporary condition and not one likely to plague me throughout the rainy season.

7 VII 7, I am sure. The liquid is clear and does not smell... except for all the dirt it picked up off the carpet. I guess it is time to clean up.

[brick-a-brac]

Let me add to these fine suggestions the occasional problem that arises when a crack develops in the base for the cabin filter under the cowl (presuming you have one, but you will still have a plastic riser there even if you don't have the filter housing). This happened to me on a 96 855 some time ago and it only leaked in a very hard rain.