Wet Carpets

Guys and Girls, My wife noticed this weekend that the passenger footwell carpet in my 3,000m old C4S is soaking wet. I' m assuming a leaking or disconnected AC condensate drain but I' ll let you know once AFN have sorted the problem. Any one else had a similar issue. Regards.

OK, I admit it was not one of the most interesting topics. I'll close it off with the outcome: it turns out my airport parking company left the windows open for three days in the rain. But then the fun really starts. The resulting flood in the passenger side blew the solenoid under the passenger seat which controls the central locking. So now the car won't lock. Fortunately someone smashed their car through my neighbours garage at the weekend, not only taking out his Z3, his dad's Merc and his wife's Polo, but also trapping my 996 and my Merc on the driveway behind a large pile of rubble. So no-one can nick the car. Reading OPC has quoted for fixing the solenoid and drying out the carpets for a princely sum which bothers me not as the airport parking firm is footing the bill.

Nice one, not a good week, hope it gets better!!! Next time leave it tucked away in the garage witha duvet over it!!

Kevin, I'm not sure your are still on here (old topic) but I had this happen to me too in my C4s just this week. I was investigating a 'damp' smell in the car and when I lifted the passenger floor carpet it was sodden through underneath. I suspect one of three causes. 1. I used a jet was to clean in behind the wheels and around the suspension and water may have gotten in somehow. 2. A leak through the passenger door, though the looks to have entered at the front of the footwell area, not the side. 3. a blocked aircon drain causing an overspill into the passenger comparment. Not spoken to OPC yet but will do if it returns. Any thoughts or similar experiences anyone? Cheers Hilbert

When this happened to me in my second-hand 996 C2 coupe - and it led to rejection of car - I was informed that it was due to a blocked drain in the sunshine roof. Why not have a look there?

Thanks for the info Julian. I'll take a look. Thanks, Hilbert

I was informed by someone yesterday that the OPC servicing schedule for the 996 coupe with a sunshine roof specifically refers to checking drainage ducts/holes. Perhaps there is a problem/design fault? Good luck; hope everyhting sorts itself out soon.

It is usually the drain plugs and it needs immediate attention as the water can short circuit the ECU (Isn't that what happened in your case Julian?)...also note this is not covered under the extended warranty as keeping the drain plugs clean is our responsibility...

See also http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=227386

Thanks for the info gents. Much appreciated, especially the info on the similar Boxter problem. Does anyone have any info or pictures of where the darainage channels are on the car and where I should be looking to unblock them? I'm going to let the carpet dry out and head to the OPC if I get a recurrance. Cheers, Hilbert

The drainage channels att he front are the same as the Boxster, underneath the black plastic battery cover in the front luggage area. I'd also check the carpetted area at the bottom of the door panels, as these will get wet iof the root cause is a failed plastic door membrane.

In my case the problem turned out to be badly sealed cable grommets in the bulkhead. So any water (weather or wash) was landing on the cables and running straight back through the grommet instead of draining away

Hi Guys, I've had a quick check under the scuttle cover and the battery area looks fine. I've been out a couple of times in the wet weather and there does not appear to have been a recurrence. The carpet is now drying out nicely. I suppose I'll just have to keep an eye on it and head to the OPC if it happens again. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Hilbert

Hilbert, The C4S damp was certaily from the AC condensate drain coming off. Sold the C4S 2 years ago a bought a MK2 GT3. Only damp patches now are under the passenger seat. Ask Julian. Regards Kevin

So that's what the hole in the GT3 seats is for... [ ] [&:] [:'(] [X(]

Gents, I checked the drain under the front scuttle cover again over the weekend and it was in fact blocked. It's cleared now and the carpets are dry once more, so hopefully that is it sorted. Thanks for all the suggestions. It looks like this might be one to add to the FAQ's under maintainence, as the Boxter boys have done. Cheers, Hilbert

Usually a blocked drain tube in the front or rear:

Hi Minny Just be aware lots of delicate electrics under the passenger seat, which could cause you a lot of trouble & cost you a lot more if they get wet. So make sure you protect these while you try to ascertain the source of the leak, I would only replace if I was 95% sure that was the problem or you have eliminated everything else.

I was lucky as I noticed the damp carpets the next day after the rain and the electrics are fine. It is definitely from the door seal at the mirror end of the door as I can see the trickle from the bottom of the foam when i pour water at the door mirror triangle.

Note the bullet if it cures it - job well done and no more worries - if not move on to the next possible? Cheers

Replaced the door trim and sealing piece at the mirror and it helped 95%. When i pour water in the same area, there is the odd drip from the bottom foam protector, not a stream of water as before. I could have spent £50 to replace it but a little Tec7 seal has done the job. I will replace the foam protector if I have to remove it again.