How To Find Water Leaks in Your Vehicle -EricTheCarGuy 

i had a leak in my car and tried the hose trick still couldn't find it so I took the carpets out and put baby powder (talc) on the floors, sills and every were I thought water could get in and drove it like that until I noticed a track to the area the water came in. striped more off and more baby powder I was left with a prefect track to the hole water was getting in. hoover and a cloth cleaned up all the baby powder

I just dropped my car off today, to fix a leak that has been ongoing for a good few months. It took a while to find, but we found some pretty bad rust at the bottom of the windscreen, which actually lead to cracking the windscreen. So the windscreen is getting pulled out, and having the rust removed and new metal welded in its place! Cant wait to get it fixed, I've had my carpets out for months to save them from getting mouldy!

This is the first video I have seen of yours. It is a nice instructional video. I too been an auto tech for the past 20 yrs and added into your methods I also use smoke from a smoke machine. (At work our evap tester has an attachment for this, and at home I bought a smoke or fog machine from a novelty shop.) You need to be in a breezeless environment like inside a garage. Then turn on the blower motor on high and shut all the doors windows and trunk. Take whatever you use to create smoke and follow all the original seals first moving to body panels and so on as you do with the water from the outside the vehicle. When a leak is found you can see the smoke being disturbed. A bright flashlight focused on the smoke in a semi dark environment (much like evap testing) will help you see the smoke immensely. This smoke method also speeds up those leaks as you say that take a time to manifest, a because you are creating positive pressure and the smoke doesn't have a skin like water does. (drops of water can sit on small holes or gaps and not flow through, the smoke will flow instantly) In some cases the vehicle's blower isn't quite enough pressure (older vans/minivans or large older suvs) and I have made a small plastic adapter plate to fit an exhaust hose from a shopvac into a slightly open window and seal the rest off with tape and plastic as much as possible. Simply need enough to create a positive pressure inside the vehicle. This shopvac exhaust method also works when you cant use the vehicles blower motor, like when trying to find a leak at the ventilation system/firewall area. Happy diagnosing. :-)

Thank you, Eric! My 2000 Honda Civic has a major water leak. I've used a shop vac to vacuum out 5 or 6 gallons of water. I've taken out the trim and lifted the carpet on the interior and I think I have traced it back to the trunk. Your tips have been very helpful and hopefully I won't find a part of my trunk that is rusted out from rusted damage like you found under the antenna.... Thank you for your help!

Thank you for the informative video! After the recent storms my 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Premier speakers started going snap, crackle, pop and intermittently cutting out completely. I eventually discovered the subwoofer and amp in the wheel well was full of water. Your video helped me find the leak-- that I inadvertently created 2 years ago when I installed my rear dash cam in the hatch! I hadn't put the rubber wiring conduit back together properly--I needed to unclip the plastic ring from the body, then wrap the end of the rubber hose around the ring, then clip the ring back into the body. No more leak! Luckily my audio system works fine after dumping the water out, drying everything overnight, and applying some contact cleaner to all the electrical connections.

Hi, A little late but wanted to thank you for this video. I started at the back of the car, carefully worked my way forward and just when I was ready to give up I found the problem. The cowl had warped on the windshield and there was a huge gap. I put electrical tape on it and a BIG problem was fixed. It’s been good since last fall. Your the best! Thx again

so glad you bought body panel clip tool. a lot of us diy's buy the proper tool to use. it was a first on you tube to see this in use. good buy. never underestimate our little shops and the tools we buy

To check if the trunk or other seals are sealing, rub chalk on them and close the lid/door, then open and check if they made contact everywhere they are supposed to. Was not an issue for this job, just another tip.

Informative, in addition another way water gets in is if your door pin/ pins are worn, allowing door/doors sag , just check for door sag. Rain will really have a chance with this cond. Thanks Eric

I've been trying to track down a leak in my Vigor for a while now, I've replaced basically everything with hodgepodge parts or DIY solutions because Honda stopped making everything I need. I put a new Mustang II trunk seal in, make my own tail light gaskets, and it still leaked. I've now added some silicone around the antenna. Luckily for me I have an LS so no sunroof and also a clean title. Although finally knowing how to remove the rear carpet panel is pretty great, that stuff cuts up my hands pretty good haha. Thank you for making videos about this unusual Hondas, you'll be the reason I can keep it going on the road.

Yeah '91 Civic here. Had a good bit of water getting in trunk/taillights. Replaced the tail light gaskets with new ones from Honda and was good to go.

Great video. 30 minutes was necessary and helpful. I don't have that car but the concepts helped me understand how to approach my problem. It looks like it is going to be a real pain, but I can probably stop it. I'm thinking 1) Tape over the sun roof, 2) replace door and trunk seals, 3 rip out liners in the trunk and look for rust, 4) who knows where it will lead. I like the comments about grinding out rusted patches and sealing them over. My car (Olds) is a beater and I don't care about it. I just want it to get me around shopping. When it falls apart I'll junk it.

You are the Honda God!!! I think you because you pointed out all the possible places that Honda's do leak and I got them all in the places you listed. The car is sun baked and the seals and seams are aged and I got a headache of repairs to do but now with my lowes PL polyurethane they will be repaired soon. If you wonder the sealer is strong and can be used to repair engine and transmission mounts and costs $5 vs 3m sealer which is $20. Thanks a million.

Hey Eric, I really enjoyed your video. It was just what I needed at this moment on the subject matter. I will say now(after watching and hearing your suggestions and the nice collection of insights you shared that I am the [prior to watching your video, the proud owner of a 2007 paid for 2 hsreappreciate you for many e.g. for thinking beyond yourself and caring enough for others to voluntarily give freely of your own personal time, be it free time, hobby time etc. for help

This really reminds me of my 98 and 02 f150.. The very famous leak from the back window on the passenger side. Talk about a pain to find!!! But thank you so much for the video, to be honest ive learned a lot from your videos. Hell, even a contributing factor to me going to UNOH.

thanks a bunch....saved me a lot of time because now i can specifically search all the areas you pointed out...i have a 97 camry and the areas you pointed out sound like exactly like where the leaks would be. My leak is the passenger side floor completely soaked when it rains...hopefully it is easily fixable if i can find the leak!! lol

My brother has a 2013 Highlander that leaked so much that they used molded rubber floor mats which floated on top of the gallons of water that sloshed around as you drove. When you accelerated the water rushed toward the back of the car, like an ocean tide going out, and when you slowed down it came rushing back to the front like an ocean tide rushing in. Reminded me of the Bay of Fundy. Our new car got rear-ended and destroyed one evening when were driving up Interstate to visit them, and we ended up having to borrow his Toyota "water wagon" to get home. I promised him and his wife that I would drain the water, and track down and fix his water problems, using methods similar to the ones you showed us. One collateral issue that arose was the "swamp water" smell that lingered after we vacuumed the water out of the carpets. We also cleaned the sunroof drains, cleaned 90,000 miles of dead leave accumulation from under the cowl, checked for other sources of leaks, vacuumed out any trash in the HVAC evaporator box under the front dash and, after cleaning the drain tubes, finally put clear tape over the sunroof perimeter to eliminate that area as a possible source of water intrusion. The front driver's side sunroof drain is an engineering mystery from a design point of view. Water goes down the drain tube into a holding tank between the inner and outer sides of the left front fender; the tanks drain through holes in the pinch welds that join the inner and outer fenders at the bottom of the "holding tank," which often clogs up from mold, aquatic growth, and pollen, etc. My cure was to pour a lot of strong antibacterial down the tube; it worked its magic and the next morning you could see where the full tank had drained overnight onto the concrete below its outlet. When filled because of a blocked drain, this tank can overflow and drain behind the driver's side kick panel and soak the carpet and the area under the carpet without your knowing it until the area is completely soaked. After all else failed on getting rid of the residual odor, I poured 40 lbs. of unscented cat litter on the carpets; closed the car up for more than 48 hours, then vacuumed up all the cat litter. The odor now seems to be gone. That tip came from the Vehcor channel, one of the most interesting on YT. Thanks for your tips and showing us the practical value of following a methodical approach to find the solution to often hidden sources of leaks.

when i had my vigor i just replaced the gaskets on both the taillight housings. i bought some of those rubber closed cell stamp mats from a local art shop. took out the originals and made a template and made sure i bought the correct thickness for the rubber mats. Didnt take more than 3 dollars and 1 hour of taking my time.

Thank's Eric for trying help people, U seem like real brother which are few & far between esp.these days.God bless! Brother Bob

Thanks Eric. Well done video. Your filming and explanation was very clear. I have a 2005 Honda Civic with a leak in the trunk.

Good stuff sir Eric. I would recommend that if drilling was done, use touch up paint to protect the area. Given its location perhaps any color of touch paint would work.

A symptom to lookout for even before you know you have a water leak is excessive condensation in cold mornings on the inside.

Thank you very much Eric! Helpful video & tips. Saved me lot of time and money mostly lot of frustration! Thanks again for sharing..

That was a really good video. Also, if there's condensation inside the actual tail light, it could be internally leaking into the trunk from the actual tail light and not from the tail light gasket.

this video helps out alot i dont kno if you remember me but im the guy from pull a part that have the integra and was asking you questions about what i should do but i got a leak in my car now and its in the trunk and in the front passenger side and just watching this video helps me to kno where to start look thanks soooo much man for this video

Mr Eric, take a look at the 2004-2007, 2nd generation Prius. At the top corners cracks form and water leaks in. And it can flow & " rain " on the 12v battery & wiring harness. It gives powertrain/ bad HV battery codes and folks are muscled into buying new $$$ batteries when a cleaning or replacing wiring harness solves the problem. Love your work, Brother.

On warranty vehicles I used to gut the entire interior and tape a hose in different spots along roof, trunks, windshields etc...sometimes it took a good 3 or 4 days to show up but I always found them!

Thank you! I've got a 2nd gen integra with the front cowl leak. Tried to seal up the thing myself but failed...time to take it to the shop.

My folks bought a brand new Ford escort WAY back when. It had a terrible water leak in the rear hatch days after it rolled off the lot. I'm talking inches. The rear suspension sagged under the weight. The dealership didn't believe us, because we did our best to keep our BRAND NEW car dry. (They could't find the leak and didn't want to admit it) My father took it back a couple days later after a very rainy day and a very cold night with approximately 100lbs of ice in the trunk well. Last Ford we owned...

Just a little tip, i have a 2001 EJ9 civic hatch that had this problem, and it turned out to be the tail light gasket that had become dry and brittle. I just put a generous amount of vasaline on the gasket and popped it back in and im happy to report there are no leaks, and i live in a very rainy part of england!

Very old but useful VDO bro 👌👌.Nice information about water leak in side car & how to find the source of leak. Regards from India.👍👍

Brown paper to the rescue! Those become quite darker when wet, and can be stuffed, layed or taped around. Better than locking a friend in the trunk, can be left for a long time.

Very informative. I realised I have similar issue in my car only after seeing this. Thanks for uploading this .

Good video! Helped me figure out why my 97 Prelude's trunk was leaking! Thanks! Love your video's!

Being from a Country where modern cars do not rust, I am always amazed at the rust in some of the vehicles that you work on.

Ty for reminding me to check my tail light screws. I did not properly attach light that night i changed a bulb on the road last month and forgot to tighten. I made the water hole.

I MISS MY OLD VIGOR what a great car! got 165K on original clutch (one driver) before I sold it in 2003. Have a leak now in my 2009 TL - going to get assessed because I can't figure it out. Main mechanic won't deal w/ water issue. Appreciate all these possibilites. Maybe under roof trim on seam? not sunroof / drains/ cowl drains etc. Def. RAIN for me. Passenger side back seat floor mostly. TY NICE INFO IN THIS VIDEO.

Ford Rangers have a common water leak from the 3rd brake light gasket dry rotting. Many suspect the window leaking but if your headliner is wet than that's a good sign the gasket on the brake light is shot. I used silicon sealant on mine before I finally bought a new brake light.

First gen Chevy S10/GMC S15 and Sonoma extended cab pickups tend to get leaks around the upper back corners of the cab. Often people think it's the windows (and it could be) but there are seams in that area can can develop leaks. I've talked to guys that have gotten really frustrated trying to figure out why their widows leak even after new seals only to realize the cab seams were leaking.

Thanks a lot Eric the Teacher, congrats, you have a lot of Pedagogy Skills to be a Amazing Teacher, Thanks a lot for this great video. I learnt a lot. God Bless you.

Way back, my Polo saloon had water coming into the boot. Graham Batt Motors, in Bristol, UK - a VW specialist (no longer trading) solved the problem using steam! The reason for leak. Prior to this becoming evident, car had Mot failure due to a corroded fixture that held battery in place using one bar and two rods that hooked onto the base plate holding battery. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Lucas Garage in Bedminster, UK undertook repair work and chose to drill through what must have been the bulkhead area - according to findings. Rain water then found its way from engine bay to boot - proving how unlikely and distant the route cause can be. The steam followed the same path as the water. Or was it from the boot to the engine bay:) How could one forget such a crazy story and brilliant outcome! They specialised in all VW areas, mechanics and body shop so had the resource to get the job done.

your missing an important tool, you need a wet\dry shop vac! nothings better for cleaning your interior and puddles, if you ever break a water pipe in your house it'll be your new favorite tool ever!

Good videos and good details. Thanks Eric

Looking forward to see some bodywork repair videos!

Yayyy the repairs are backk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for helping me figure out just what the heck the plastic cover that goes over the screen at the bottom of the windshield is called! A "cowl"-wow... how often do you hear that word? I've needed a new one (mine cracked and broke) and even my mechanic called it the wrong thing so I haven't even been able to find the part! It took a while before I came across your video and it helped a lot. When it rains, I have water getting inside the passenger side door, the same side half the "cowl" is missing. When I open the door on my 97 Chevy 1500 van after a rain, water POURS out of the bottom of the door. Hate to think what kind of damage THAT is doing to the inside of the door. Finally was able to order the right part-thanks!

Eric!!!! I haven't taken a shower since you said stay dirty!!!!! Biggest fan over here!

Thank you. You have given us plenty of hints and information.

We also had a nice "Shower tower" at the dealership that we used to find water leaks with.. Gotta get my ETCG fix.. :D

Outstanding report!

Great video Eric!

This is so helpful, thank you!

If it's absolutely necessary to remove a headliner, the easiest way without damaging and warping it is to put the back seats down and pull it out through the trunk.

Eric, Great video, thanks

my 94' vigor has water leaks that empty out in the trunk. going to check it today but i noticed when i went to go change the bulbs for the brake lights the panel was wet so i guess my problem would be the taillight gasket. hopefully its that lol thanks alot very informative.

Thank you for the videos dude!

Thank You!! I've perused thru a couple dozen videos trying to find one that showed me, or at least explained how to get into the rear drain holes of my '96 Avalon as you did. Double your salary!

Very helpful video....I just spent the last hour ripping the back of my 2002 Subaru outback apart because there is a major water leak and the whole back got soaked and started molding...such a pain....I knw it's coming in through the roof because I've seen it dripping out of the plastic trim through some things that protrude out of the plastic...not sure wat they r for ...I use them to hook stuff on...I also have a moon roof and Sun roof and there is a leak in the front through the dome lite....not excited to have to take my roof apart

I cleared a rear sun roof drain on a Toyota Corolla(my previous car) by blowing compressed air through the into the exit of the drain in the rear mud guards and then flushed water through it buy directing the watering can into the sunroof gutter. I didn't need to remove the ceiling lining in this case..

ace video Eric, thanks.

Thanks...good job...thanks for sharing your knowledge. Stay dry.

Another place to check is where the heater core is. Sometimes if the passenger side floorboard is wet it is caused by the heater core.

You know your stuff man a lot of work to find a leak

You might try spraying a foam sealer around that vent area which would be a temporary fix.

most helpful video. i have 2003 honda city type 2, there is water leak in the trunk same as that accura, but i noticed that the tail light gasket gone bad and there is a gap btwn the gasket and the car body too. * all 3 passengers and a driver floor is wet too. 2-3 millimetre water height in rainy season.... what could be the possibilities?

I have squished the ends of those drain tubes and solved many a water leaks. Algae builds up on those drains and practically seals them.

I have a Honda that is most likely leaking from the taillight gaskets. Is there a good material to cut some new ones out of?

You have to procure Silica Gel and keep it on hand. Also have some containers with it inside your trunks and generally any area you know might get moist and it shouldn't. There's reusable Silica Gel, you heat up in an oven and reuse. You put some open air containers in your car and replace the contents once in a while based on how much water they soaked. It does wonders to interiors.

If your car has a sunroof check the water drain tubes the run down the pillars of the vehicle, usually traveling through the trunk and by the floorboards of the front seats. I had a terrible leak in my 88 honda prelude because the drain tube got disconnected from attachment inside the vehicle which essentially was like hooking up a gutter and running the drain right into your house.

Nice Acura I got a 97 3.0 cl haven't seen a vigor in a while

If you have a Ford F-150 and the rear window leaks, its probably the 3rd brake light gasket failing. I've had 2 trucks ('04 and '11) with the exact same issue. A little Silicone Sealant inside and outside the 3rd brake light takes care of it.

Thankyou! it was the tailight on mine also.

I have a Civic and just discovered water in the spare wheel well. Will check the tail light gaskets.

Dont forget spoilers! Ive got a 2000 ford taurus and it DOES look like the trunk was replaced at one point or another due to a collision (doesnt seem to match up quite right) Ive noticed the trunk lid gets water in it after it rains, and only time I see the water is pouring out the left side of the lid when I open it, so I suspect the points where the spoiler meets the trunk lid, have yet to confirm it but I hope it hasnt caused any rust in the trunk lid, one thing I love about that car is there isnt a spot of rust on it or under it!

I had water in my feet last year. Turned out the hose for the sunroof was disconnected from the rest of the hose and everything went in the car. In the trunk tho was a very weird situation. Not the gaskets (or so i think) but above the taillights where the frame is for the tail light was a leaking spot. Also thought I'd seal up around that vent on the side with silicon. Sad to say, the trunk problem has risen again. I'll be looking into it soon enough. I aint too fond of rust and I aint about to leave it like that and have to go to a repair shop

had a leak like that in a BMW E30 that I was restoring, turned out to be the gaskets around the tail lights as Eric was describing on the Honda. When I pulled them I couldnt fault them, not broken or rotted. Put the new ones on and leak fixed. I think they may shrink or go hard with age and dont make a good seal anymore.

Good info.

74 Mark 4 had the rear tubes go into the trunk but not out. 87 Olds had the windshield replaced twice by a not so reliable service but I did not own this car at the time so the bottom of this windshield still leaks a tiny bit.

Soapy water in a spray bottle works too.spray it around a seam or outside window gasket.blow a little air from a air compressor from inside.bubbles blow out.leak.this works good for hard to find leaks.unfortunately you need a small compressor.

For any Z car guys with a wheel well spare, here some advice, you'll need. *Mineral spirits. *Spray on rubber or RHINO Liner if you are feeling more pricy. *Soap and water *optional jack and tools to take wheel off. *insert with plug A bane in many Z car owners sides of the S30-S130 category is rust in the spare tire well located behind the passenger side fender. Using a compact doughnut. Take the cover off and remove the tools and doughnut to leave the fender area open. Spray or apply rubber seal in the area after a good cleaning and apply lots and lots of sealer. With any excess pull the wheel off and cover up the spots you don't want liner on and coat the inner fender walls around the bottom after a good cleaning of course. If you are feeling very up to it dead center of the spare tire well drill a small hole and install an insert, I suggest the smallest you can get and make sure it is flush wit both sides of the wheel well. otherwise you can't put that dinky spare tire in or risk the chance of blowing your own tire out. Granted I plan to pick a full size spare up and turn the wheel stowage into a tool box.

Good timing on this video, I just got my '88 ford escort on the road that had a leak somewhere. I took it to the car wash and it's leaking around the windshield, so i'll probably just take it to a windshield place and have them reinstall it.

Great video! Found my trunk full of water, discovered the culprit was a leak in my driver's side tail light. Made it much easier on everyone! Thank you.

Hey EricTheCarGuy great video, i have 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins i bought it and did a body restore on the vehicle. Most of restoring was rust repair and repainting, the only major thing was that i got a new door. The problem is the weatherstripping is beaten up and loose which causes a air whistle and water drips when it rains heavy. The door closes flush with the truck and the body line is mint, i was wondering just to hold me over till i can order new weather stripping and retainer would a silicone based sealant/gasket work to keep rain out and get rid of the whistle? Thanks Eric, James

What about leaks coming from the door interior. I’ve heard rain can dive inside the door panel and get diverted when the door is closed to leak into the cabinet or into the cabin by sneaking under the body’s door frame plastic trim and ending up under your rear carpet

Eric, Get rid of that useless vent and grab an old license plate, tin snips, a pop rivet gun, some JB weld, and a spray can of undercoat [or roofing sealer]. Cover and seal that rusted out area, put the covers back and drive that rust bucket until the seats fall to the ground.

Had the same exact thing with my 00 Honda prelude

hi eric had lots of leaks to fix in my car too everytime i fixed one i would find another had one from a sun roof drain the pipe came out another from some rubber bungs missing from the back under the trunk latch and then had one that was comming from a rust spot in a seam weld on the roof under one of the black strips that run down each side of the roof and water was running down the inside of the panels and into the trunk after fixing all that had a cracked windscreen had it replaced and the company fitted it wrong and that leaked too (got them to come back and fix it free of charge) and now hopefully no more leaks

@ Eric, what about the rear top trunk lid, over the rear trunk, what avenue would cause water to drip near the right corner bottom? It happens after a sudden rain fall.

I saw a Vigor in the wild for the first time the other day!

i was waiting for this, my 97 mazda 323 has a small leek on its trunk and its very annoying xD

Thank you for this video. I have a water leak on the driver's side. I noticed soaking wet floor. And also the driver's side seat belt is wet. Where might the leak source be do you think? Thanks. JP

Good Tips

Great video..

I have a 96" Avalon as well and would like to know what was the total price you paid for the work to be fixed on the trunk as I have a water leak as well.....

i sort of have a leak myself, the trunk around the corners or the mat get very damp and I've noticed also the weatherstrip is always wet all around, any suggestions?

Thanks I have a 91 Acura legend and have sunroof water leaks after heavy rains and car wash. Is there any other options for clearing the sunroof leaks without taking off the entire headliner to repair?

Just a note, if you get water in the backseat floor, you have to remove front seat and carpet to get the all water out - at least in my buick this was the case. Could not believe how much water can sit in the basin under the carpet.

I had the same problem in my ford focus it turned out to be the vent. it was damage by one of the last own when it was reversed in to a wall and repair it poorly . 1 hours work to take the bumper off and replace the vent and repair it properly.

Oh the suspense! :D

Another option to getting in the trunk might be to set up a spotlight, along w/a cell phone to video from inside the trunk.