How To Find and Fix Water Leaking Inside a Car ~ Wet Carpet

Today we find and fix the water leaking inside my car. The carpet was soaked due to water leaking on the floor. This is due to clogged sunroof drains. In this video, I will show you step by step how to dry carpet, and padding, clean and flush sunroof drains, modify the drains so they wont clog, and leak test the sunroof drains. Volkswagens leaking water has been a common repair, especially from clogged sunroof drains.

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[cup_o_TMarie]

Dude!!! Just hours ago I diagnosed that all 3 of my drains were good EXCEPT that damn rear driver side too!

You’re the first one to show exactly what it looks like.

I could find a basic diagram of the lines but no detail on how to get to them.

And you also answered why I couldn’t find that rear drain under my car either!!

I have a 2016 q5 TDI 3.0 & this was my issue!

So many thanks🙏🏁🤩

[DGR]

As a relatively new MKIV R32 owner (1 year), I really appreciate your videos. They are extremely helpful. Thank you very much for making them and helping the "R" community. Looking forward to your next one.

[brightworld]

I browsed about 7 videos on YouTube. This is best fix video. Clean and practical instructions.

[danielramirez]

This video is so freaking helpful!!! Dealing with my first water issue and it’s helped me diagnose things much quicker!!!

[GTIFabric]

Huge help with my 2003 20th GTI. Just went through this whole process. You have to get under the insulation to realize just how much moisture is trapped, even if the carpet feels dry.

[miketeeveedub]

Dang Charles - you earned your upvote today in a personal way! I had the passenger side floor board soaked on my Mk1 Jetta and it never occurred to me it might be the sunroof drain. I assumed it caused by a faulty windshield seal when I had my windshield replaced. As a precaution I ran a very thin bead of clear silicone along the windshield perimeter where it touches the glass and the body thinking that fixed the problem. Mind you I don't drive much in the rain so I never had to test that since.


I don't have any discoloration on the headliner, but still I suspect there's a chance the drain line pulled out from the drain spigot as you demonstrated and water ran down the A-pillar. I did notice that the frame that the K-Jetronic ECM bolts to was a little crusty when last I looked there - that would absolutely explain it! I will follow the routine you laid out to see if that's the culprit! Kudos to you bro! You are a rock star!


Your Friendly Canadian-prairie driver

[FourRingsAuto]

Used to see so many A4 and A6 Audi models with wet carpets where the pollen filter housing would leak after the plenum chamber drains blocked up with leaves and filled up with rain water. Not so much now I live in Western Australia! Sun roof drains are always a first check. Another great video Charles.

[tjaydagreat]

This video helped me to figure out why my wifes floor is wet when it rains. THANKS MAN!

[Andrew-zvfm]

You inspired me to do my own leak test. Happy to report everything is fine. But as I said in another post, I had an issue like this once before.

[chippychick]

I’m not a mechanic but I’m humble and I loved this video. It gave me the words to explain to my mechanic what’s leaking and where in my car.

[kevinsorenson]

Happy New Year Charles! I restored a 1987 Golf Tdi (sold), fixed up a 03' Golf Tdi (sold), and like a bad drug, bought an 03' Golf Tdi

I wanted to say "Thank You!" for all your helpful videos. They have saved my butt many times over trying to find leaks and other PITA problems with the Golf family vehicles. Thanks again and keep up the good work. Outstanding videos!

[HumbleMechanic]

This is just one of many places water can leak into a car. From my experience this is the most common place on a MK4/B5 car. I am also gearing up for a killer road trip. Stay tuned. :)

[tylerlovegrove]

I had the same problem with my mk4 Jetta however in my case the drain hose disconnected itself from the plug in the door jam. So the hose would drain directly into the driver's side food well. Great diy and problem diagnosis

[x-man]

Thanks for video, Charles! You make a difference in the VW community and I appreciate it very much.

[mathotp]

If you don't have a sunroof and have water on one of the front sides, then it can come from the doors inner panel, the sticky seal on the inner panel fails to do its job over time thus, water getting in the car when it is not on a flat surface. I have had the issue with my MK IV and fixed it by removing the sticky seal cleaning the panel and putting some clear silicone on the inner panel and refitting while still not dry.

[tahoparei]

Thank you so much for this useful video. You save me from lot of headache. God bless you.

[merriem]

Thought I’d YouTube this before going to the dealership. Definitely doing this today!!!

[coolissimo]

Hey Carl, I feel your pain, had happened to me in a couple of cars. Thanks for Sharing buddy.

[chrissalmon]

Hi - I liked the video. Have a 2002 beetle where I taped up the sunroof totally when leak continued after clearing tubes. STILL leaking. Where from? Under the cowling by the windshield wipers? This is now killing me. I can't figure it.

[mathjuk]

i had the exact same issue with my mk4 but i dont have a sunroof, turned out to be the seal on the big metal plate that the window regulator fits to in the door, the gasket foam tape stuff had split and water was leaking in through the door and into the front, i bought a d shaped sticky back rubber seal from ebay and replaced the original tape stuff and that solved the leak