Im new and need advice...

[klf390]

Hi guys...

Ive got an Golf GT Tdi Mk4 3dr 130bhp, and a cracking car i must add
The problem i'm having is that the drivers footwell is damp and starting to smell  the nearside is completly dry!! Ive tried using the climate on and off checking it all the time but its still damp even with the climate off...

Any of you had similiar problems in the past and the result ??

Many thanks in advance

[GazB]

try this mate http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=29118.0 and also check the grommet on your bonnet pull as said, do you park facing up or down hill also?

[klf390]

Thanks gaz...
Its parked level at all times... I had a quick word with the local dealer and they said it could be the driver's seal inside the door i really dont understand, can you shed any light on this??
Is there any drainholes from the roof located around the door area?

[GazB]

water leaks are always difficult mate, the only problem areas I've heard of tho are the door seals, missing grommet under the carpet, the bonet pull one or the bump strips on a 3 door, took ages to find it on my mates, in the end we just stripped the whole interior and carpets out

[welshgar]

i had this problem with the passenger side of my car, i found that rain was running off the windscreen and straight down thro' the pollen filter!!  

that was 4 yrs ago and a plastic bag 1/2 covering the pollen filter has worked fine.

sorry klf, i dont know about the drivers side  

im not that helpful here am i??

[Thom89]

Check the history of your car, has it had a new windscreen fitted, if it has its very likely its not been re-bonded properly.. check by pushing the glass upward (like your trying to push the screen out) on the inside, but looking for movement on the outside.. look for movement in excess of 1mm
If your sure its not the windscreen, try this.. remove the drivers door trim panel, so you can see the gubbins of the door, shut yourself in the car, and get someone to lightly hose water on to the drivers door... important bit! hose the bottom first, slowly working your way up, until you discover the leak, if you do it the other way round, water could get in anywhere, and will take longer to find
You say that its starting to make your car smell, check your engine water level, is it losing water from the heater matrix.. does it smell of antifreeze? this could point to your head gasket "Going west" over pressurizing the system, and bursting the heater matrix
Hope this helps
Tom

[welshgar]

the smell could just be the trapped water going stagnant!! it would smell musty....

to dry it out, get a cheap fan heater and point it at the area,leave on for as long as possible and it will dry it out....dont put it tooooo close to the carpet or it might singe it.

you still have to stop more water getting in tho' 

hth

[klf390]

Thanks guys for the advice
Ive known the car since new and also the history, so no replacement windscreen in the past

Ive been told that the seal in the door is a known culprit on the passat?? and the same in the mk4 golf...

The smell is just stagnent water and i must say it's bad :embarassed:

I'l have a go at removing the door trim and pouring water on the door....
stupid question i know but how will the water travel from the door to the footwell with the actual door seal in tact, there seems no water mark on the kick panel.

[Thom89]

Thanks guys for the advice
Ive known the car since new and also the history, so no replacement windscreen in the past

Ive been told that the seal in the door is a known culprit on the passat?? and the same in the mk4 golf...

The smell is just stagnent water and i must say it's bad :embarassed:

I'l have a go at removing the door trim and pouring water on the door....
stupid question i know but how will the water travel from the door to the footwell with the actual door seal in tact, there seems no water mark on the kick panel.

Not a stupid question! when water runs down the door glass, it goes under the window seal (waistrail molding) to the inside cavity of the door, through capillary action, it crosses over to the inner window seal, and then runs down the inside of the door, generally exiting through the speaker hole and into the car! lots of cars have a piece of polythene hanging in the door that deflects water into the bottom of the door, taking the proper route to the drain holes.

Don't dismiss the leaking windscreen theory, lots of cars have new screens for various different reasons before the car ever gets on the road!  check manufacturers emblem on the screen matches up with same on the side windows
Tom