It's a mystery - Damp boot carpet?

[N4SOP]

Over the past couple of days I've noticed a nasty damp smell inside the golf. I checked for rotting food, gym clothes tucked away etc but all became clear when I opened the boot. The carpet was really damp but there was no signs of water coming in.

So yesterday I take the car through a car wash with the back seats down and a torch in hand. No signs of water coming un although there were large droplets forming on the plastic panel which attaches to the boot lid (passenger side) Once I got home I removed the panel but behind it was bone dry!?!?!

Any ideas?

[barrym381]

does your rear washer work 

[N4SOP]

Actually, no it doesn't because the last owner decided to cut the hose when he replaced the boot lock!

I've plugged it, so it shouldn't be the cause.

[mcgee9t2]

Theres a vent in the boot i think. belive its under one of the lights behind the bumper but not sure. my first port of call would be checking that. beleive theres a thread on ukmkivs showing were it is how to get to it ect.

[N4SOP]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it

[bonny]

Will be vents like mine was 

Left side



Right side



Either get new vents from dealers about £12 each & seal them in place or just try & seal them 1st & see how you get on 
Bumper & back lights off for easy access ftw 

[tomparkes]

Lift the carpet up and take the spare wheel out - you might find you've got a swimming pool in your boot! I've got a leak in my boot but can't exactly pinpoint it at the moment - definitely check those vents though as they're a common problem. Once it's warmed up a bit and we get a few dry days I'm going to take mine to pieces and try sealing everything up. There's a load of threads on this forum about "condensation", "water leaks", etc. which I read through and they all point towards these bloody cabin vents. I think you can use plumbing sealant, which you can get from B&Q or somewhere (might be worth having someone clarify this though as I haven't done it myself). Mk4's seem to be prone to leaks unfortunately

EDIT: Just remembered this: http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/51109.aspx