First off — really glad to have found this forum!
New reader and first-time poster here. I recently discovered the infamous AC drain clog issue and plan to check that today or tomorrow just to rule it out as a suspect.
For context:
A small water stain on the C-pillar that had been there for months suddenly expanded from 1 inch to about 10 inches. That was my first clue something serious was going on.
Thought that fixed it...
Another rainstorm hit. The passenger floorboard was wet again. Not flooded like before, but definitely damp — especially in the front. When I open the VIN door, I can feel moisture and the carpet is damp again.
The C-pillar stain hasn’t grown, which is interesting — that’s what kicked off this whole investigation in the first place.
For what it’s worth, the AC does smell, which makes me even more curious to inspect that drain line — maybe both were clogged, and I only fixed one of them.
Appreciate any insight. I really hoped clearing that sunroof drain and cleaning the wheel well debris would solve it, but looks like there’s more digging to do. The C-pillar water ring still concerns me most since it suggests water intrusion from above, not below.
Thanks in advance for any ideas — this has been a headache, and I’d love to finally get it fixed once and for all!
New reader and first-time poster here. I recently discovered the infamous AC drain clog issue and plan to check that today or tomorrow just to rule it out as a suspect.
For context:
- I’m not hearing any sloshing during turns.
- I think I remember seeing it drain before, but I park on gravel, so it’s hard to tell if there’s usually a puddle.
- I do use auto circulate and often let the car idle with AC on (newborn + heat = survival mode on pediatrician trips
).
What happened:
After a massive rainstorm, I vacuumed about 4 gallons of water out of the passenger floorboard, under the seat, and even a bit from the rear (less back there).A small water stain on the C-pillar that had been there for months suddenly expanded from 1 inch to about 10 inches. That was my first clue something serious was going on.
What I’ve done so far:
- Cleared the passenger-side sunroof drain.
- Didn’t tackle the rear drains (not ready to pull the headliner).
- Found a huge amount of debris behind the passenger wheel well — years of leaves and dirt from the previous owner, which likely caused backflow.
Thought that fixed it...
Two weeks later
Another rainstorm hit. The passenger floorboard was wet again. Not flooded like before, but definitely damp — especially in the front. When I open the VIN door, I can feel moisture and the carpet is damp again.
The C-pillar stain hasn’t grown, which is interesting — that’s what kicked off this whole investigation in the first place.
Theories
- If the sunroof drain is clear and the C-pillar hasn’t leaked again…
- But I’m still getting moisture on the floor…
Could it actually be the AC drain?
Or possibly the windshield or sunroof seal?
For what it’s worth, the AC does smell, which makes me even more curious to inspect that drain line — maybe both were clogged, and I only fixed one of them.
Appreciate any insight. I really hoped clearing that sunroof drain and cleaning the wheel well debris would solve it, but looks like there’s more digging to do. The C-pillar water ring still concerns me most since it suggests water intrusion from above, not below.
Thanks in advance for any ideas — this has been a headache, and I’d love to finally get it fixed once and for all!
