Check your engine drains (DIY) - cabin soaked after heavy rains

[shahk62]

So as the topic suggests my car was parked outside during some rather ridiculous rains in Sydney over the weekend and when I got into the car I could see a trickle of water pouring in through the passenger (left side) footwell from one of the vents. Unfortunately this has been happening for a few hours by the time I found and that meant the carpets were soaked with a half inch puddle in the back left corner. Since this experience was a PItA I thought I'd write up a little how to unblock the drain so hopefully none of you have this lovely wet carpet to deal with.




Just to clarify how this happens, when the water drains off your windshield it drains into an area where the battery is. Normally there's a drain under it which will mean the water just flows out. But if it gets blocked that area will flood and depending on the angle the car is parked (uphill) it will overflow and find its way into the filter which you can see on the right.


So to unblock/ clean first take the battery terminals off (10mm wrench), the rubber weather strip (pull) & the rain cover on the right as you face the back of the car.

Then if you shine a torch down the front of the battery after pulling away the foam wiring conduit (big and chunky thing. You'll need to hold it since it isn't too flexible you will see a 6mm Allen head bolt. You'll need about 6inches of a 1/4" drive extension as there isn't too much room there and undo the bolt until very loose but don't remove completely (makes it hard to reinstall). Once you do lift the battery out. If it isn't lifting then just loosen that bolt a Little more.



^ pretty gross

Next up is to undo the bracket where the battery used to sit. This is a 13mm socket and 1/4 inch drive job (or a 13mm wrench if you want to take your time). I started out with the wrench but realised soon after there's enough space for a socket.


Once you undo both bolts remove the bracket you'll see a rubber filler (I've removed in my pics) which you can pull out and clean. Also worthwhile cleaning the surrounding area while you're at it.


Once you're done do it back in reverse and feel confident that you won't have your cabin flooded




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[Audibot]

Funny enough I just bought an allroad with this problem. Popped the hood and the whole tray was filled with nasty water. Luckily he was the one who had to clean/drain it, and replace with a brand new battery.

[Okedokey]

AWWW shit mate! Your car is kept outside? Thats unfortunate. Im lucky in that I have it undercover but its good to see how to check this.

Did the water damage any electronics?

[shahk62]

AWWW shit mate! Your car is kept outside? Thats unfortunate. Im lucky in that I have it undercover but its good to see how to check this.

Did the water damage any electronics?

It was that day. Needless to say it went straight into the garage after

No electronics damaged I think thankfully. The esp light did play up a little but once I dried everything out no issue.




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[Okedokey]

It was that day. Needless to say it went straight into the garage after

No electronics damaged I think thankfully. The esp light did play up a little but once I dried everything out no issue.




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Oh boo, so you left it out on the worst possible day. Sorry to hear that man.