Water leak again, wet passenger floor and now electrical problems - Pictures

[kwelhand]

I'm dealing with this water leak issue with my fairly new to me 14 LX for the last 3 months, and it drives me crazy.
We received 2 inches of rain for three days and I didn't drive my LX during that period.
Yesterday, I found multiple spots of standing rain water on my passenger floor again (see pictures with arrow).
I started driving normally and the park assist beeping randomly for no reason... probably water got into the park assist ECU under the passenger dash.

I initially fixed the issue (I presumed) thanks to lx200inAR and this excellent thread regarding the cowl leak https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/leak.1232296/page-3#post-13640040
I thought I finally resolved the wet passenger floor issue since I didn't see any more water on the floor liner or even going through automatic carwashes.
(Also pulled out the air filter to see any moisture, but it was bone dry)
Unfortunately, it happened again and now I see new water stain marks on the passenger door as well (see pic with red arrows).

I cleaned the sunroof drain again and found no issue.
It only happens during heavy rain while the car is parked, so I don't think it's AC related.
The windshield is an aftermarket but local glass guy checked, and he didn't see any seal issue.

Any thoughts? should I reseal the whole cowl gasket again?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RobW0]

I see in your signature that you have an aftermarket roof rack. Have you checked the rack mounts for leaks also?

 

[kwelhand]

I see in your signature that you have an aftermarket roof rack. Have you checked the rack mounts for leaks also?

No roof rack… all factory.
I actually looking for one used

 

[RobW0]

No roof rack… all factory.
I actually looking for one used

Sorry misread your signature.

 

[lx200inAR]

Did you attach the foam to the plastic piece or the metal frame under the windshield. It looks like you did the plastic. I can’t think of a good reason why it would matter though. Are you getting a good positive lock of the plastic cover to the windshield frame. After I added the foam the plastic cover locked in pretty tight with almost no movement

Most of your pictures look like the cowl leak, but the ones up the side of the door, don’t seem to match up.

Did you test dumping water through the sunroof drains that the water comes out under the truck. I’ve read before where the sunroof drain tube came apart in the A pillar and had to be reattached. But also I don’t think that water would end up on door. Seems like roof rack or clogged drains would have to be issue.

Might check the “empty” roof rack mount spot at the furthest forward location. Maybe someone loosened that block off plate and didn’t reseal it properly.

 

[kwelhand]

Did you attach the foam to the plastic piece or the metal frame under the windshield. It looks like you did the plastic. I can’t think of a good reason why it would matter though. Are you getting a good positive lock of the plastic cover to the windshield frame. After I added the foam the plastic cover locked in pretty tight with almost no movement

Most of your pictures look like the cowl leak, but the ones up the side of the door, don’t seem to match up.

Did you test dumping water through the sunroof drains that the water comes out under the truck. I’ve read before where the sunroof drain tube came apart in the A pillar and had to be reattached. But also I don’t think that water would end up on door. Seems like roof rack or clogged drains would have to be issue.

Might check the “empty” roof rack mount spot at the furthest forward location. Maybe someone loosened that block off plate and didn’t reseal it properly.

lx200inAR, thanks for your reply!​

I followed the instruction shown on the thread as much as possible and attached the foam onto the metal frame under the windshield.
The cowl cover locked up tight against the windshield and I see no movement.
However, the OEM rubber that press against the windshield isn't 100% tight (see pic)… not sure this is normal or not but it's still fairly tight.

For sunroof drain, I dumped almost 3 gallons of water into the sunroof drain, and it drained quickly and everything comes out from the back of front tire (see pic).
I saw zero water or felt slight hint of moisture under the dash after this experiment.
Also checked the extra roof rack bolt and washer... both looked tight and no sign of leak.

I also dumped almost 5 gallons of water onto the passenger side of windshield & cowl area... still no sign of water intrusion.
Finally decided to go through the local auto car wash to test even further... ZERO water found on the passenger floor or no sign of moisture build up under the passenger dash.

It looks like my initial cowl repair worked and prevented normal rainfall water issue or going through the carwash.
However, 2" of storm during the last 3days actually caused the water intrusion on passenger side (truck was parked on level surface and didn't move during the storm).

Now, I don't know what to do... redo the cowl seal or perhaps silicon some area that I don't even know where to start....

 

[cr8r]

I recently just noticed water in the passenger floorboard as well after sitting outside in the rain. I also had a wet passenger front seat belt. I've just assumed my roofrack has a leak in the mount directly above the seatbelt area but haven't figured out how it gets over to the floor and no where else has any signs of dampness.

Random thought, but could it be something related to the seal of the door itself? I noticed a bit of water sitting in the top of the door seal that I didn't expect and that would explain the water in floor and on the side of your glovebox/door card where the speaker grill is located. Just spitballing ideas

 

[camino70]

I’m a big fan of soapy water with hvac fan on high with external air source to help find leaks.

Where is Atlanta? I’m on the northside in Alpharetta area and can be an extra set of eyes.

 

[kwelhand]

cr8r​

Thanks for the suggestions!
I just checked my door gaskets, and it appeared to be functional... not 100% sure but no water residue when I used the garden hose around the passenger door

camino70​

Thank you very much for your offer!
I live in Suwanee so we're not too far away! I will try to fix it one more time and see what happens.
How do you use the soapy water and an external air source?
Any tips to share?

 

[paulunm]

Maybe try replacing your sunroof seal (recent post on this)- if it's shrunk due to age/heat, it'll let more water through that the sunroof drains can't keep up with.

The water on your door makes me think the cowl isn't the main issue.

 

[kwelhand]

Maybe try replacing your sunroof seal (recent post on this)- if it's shrunk due to age/heat, it'll let more water through that the sunroof drains can't keep up with.

The water on your door makes me think the cowl isn't the main issue.

Thanks, will try it.
Just ordered a seal from Toyota dealer.

 

[777Gage]

My 2016 LC had this problem a few moths ago. I made sure everything was cleaned as others have posted, but the next rain it did it again. So I haven't solved the issue yet.

But, there was one thing I noticed made a difference - if I parked with the nose of the LC down at a slight angle, it didn't' seem to get wet inside. But when I parked with the nose slightly up, there was a small puddle.

Now it hasn't rained in 30+ days and may not until late fall so I'll worry about it over the summer when I have time.

 

[kwelhand]

My 2016 LC had this problem a few moths ago. I made sure everything was cleaned as others have posted, but the next rain it did it again. So I haven't solved the issue yet.

But, there was one thing I noticed made a difference - if I parked with the nose of the LC down at a slight angle, it didn't' seem to get wet inside. But when I parked with the nose slightly up, there was a small puddle.

Now it hasn't rained in 30+ days and may not until late fall so I'll worry about it over the summer when I have time.

Someone said same thing about parked on the slope, and it made worse in his case.
I think we need to take care of this leak issue asap because my park assist sensors going crazy now and who knows what next?

 

[kwelhand]

Just removed the cowl again to see any sign of water intrusion.
I only found one foam area near the wiper arm was wet but rest was bone dry.
No sign of water on the HVAC opening as well.

Under the dash, I only saw one area near the park assist connectors are slightly damp.
Not sure I should order a new entire top cowl plastic piece at this point.

 

[Markuson]

My 2016 LC had this problem a few moths ago. I made sure everything was cleaned as others have posted, but the next rain it did it again. So I haven't solved the issue yet.

But, there was one thing I noticed made a difference - if I parked with the nose of the LC down at a slight angle, it didn't' seem to get wet inside. But when I parked with the nose slightly up, there was a small puddle.

Now it hasn't rained in 30+ days and may not until late fall so I'll worry about it over the summer when I have time.

Have you checked the sunroof drains that are REARWARD? These are harder to deal with because they are rearward enough that you cannot see them. Have you tried Duct-taping your sunroof seal…slanting rearward…and drenching? I could be your forward sunroof drains are fine, but the rearwards are not.

 

[bloc]

No roof rack… all factory.
I actually looking for one used

If you have any more rain coming up you can eliminate the sunroof by simply taping it shut. I like 2" vinyl tape from amazon for this. Just don't leave it on there more than a few weeks to avoid UV breaking it down or cooking the adhesive, especially in really hot sun if you can avoid it.

Maybe try replacing your sunroof seal (recent post on this)- if it's shrunk due to age/heat, it'll let more water through that the sunroof drains can't keep up with.

The water on your door makes me think the cowl isn't the main issue.

That was me, and I would like to stress that it is speculation on a 200, but with a decent understanding of how the system works and having confirmed the issue on my 80-series, though the gasket wasn't available separately on that platform. I know my 200 gasket has shrunk due to the thick layer of pollen and crust on the face of the gasket that is supposed to seal against the metal, and the metal itself. To some extent the crust will help seal things, but it can come loose.. This will definitely allow more water by than stock, and those drains are only intended to handle so much water. Not to mention if you park on an incline and only 1 or 2 of the drains are doing the job that 4 of them would do when level.

Have you checked the sunroof drains that are REARWARD? These are harder to deal with because they are rearward enough that you cannot see them. Have you tried Duct-taping your sunroof seal…slanting rearward…and drenching? I could be your forward sunroof drains are fine, but the rearwards are not.

Before anyone thinks rear sunroof drains can't send water to the front of the truck, there is a clear path to flow along the inner rockers. It'll make it up there eventually. Not if it's making it into a front row all-weather mat though, especially passenger side. That would lead me to believe aircon fresh air inlet.

And if you test it like Markuson suggests water should come out behind the rear tires. You also can just lower the sunroof and slowly pour water into the tray on the sides, but yes have the vehicle parked at an angle with the nose up.

 

[777Gage]

Have you checked the sunroof drains that are REARWARD? These are harder to deal with because they are rearward enough that you cannot see them. Have you tried Duct-taping your sunroof seal…slanting rearward…and drenching? I could be your forward sunroof drains are fine, but the rearwards are not.

No, I didn't know those existed. Thanks for the heads up, I'll check those out.

Mine definitely is leaking into the front passenger mat

 

[Bendcruiser]

Could it be an after-market windshield? If so figure out who did the install, go see them? Can you say Safelite!!!! Good Luck.

If there is a gap as you say chances are a replacement windshield was installed without the factory spacers needed for a tight fit????

 

[kwelhand]

Could it be an after-market windshield? If so figure out who did the install, go see them? Can you say Safelite!!!! Good Luck.

If there is a gap as you say chances are a replacement windshield was installed without the factory spacers needed for a tight fit????

The local glass guy checked, and he didn't see any issue with the glass...

 

[bloc]

Could it be an after-market windshield? If so figure out who did the install, go see them? Can you say Safelite!!!! Good Luck.

If there is a gap as you say chances are a replacement windshield was installed without the factory spacers needed for a tight fit????

Even if the windshield isn’t in perfect factory position there should be plenty of area for the urethane to bond and seal. Plenty of 200s have the gaps on either side of the cowl panel from the glass being slightly too low, but seal out water just fine.