Hmm, noticed that the drivers footwell was pretty sodden the other day, only problem is this was a couple of days after I've had the scuttle off to do the live feed for the towbar, so I don't know if that is actually the cause.

Both drains are clear, I've checked from in the engine bay. Any other things to check? I'm blotting all the water out at the min, so it's hard to tell if its still coming in.

Will remove and refit scuttle tomorrow to check that.

Also on a dry day try pouring some water over the area you believe to be the source of the problem see if you can see where water is creeping in? As you say could've been the scuttle panel or might be some loose window or rubber trim ?.also make sure that area is properly dry as you don't want to initiate onset rusting so early in your car

Dark_Crusader said:

...on a dry day try pouring some water over the area you believe to be the source of the problem...

Click to expand...

Oh, for a dry day! It's too damned wet to do a controlled leak test at the moment! And this is supposed to be summer... :bang:

Lol, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you get a dry day soon then gar074

And for AndyK too

Well it's nice up here today!

I think I've found the problem, upon taking the trim off the center console lower in the footwell, there seems to be a disconnected pipe; the condensate drain from the A/C, as I've found out by putting a yogurt pot under it and running the car for a bit with A/C on max.

I'm hoping this is the problem, and not that I knocked it off during trim removal, although the hose does have a couple of barbs on it, and once fitted, doesnt seem that easily knocked off. I've added a jubilee clip just to make sure

If thats the problem, it seems it's taken a while to notice because the density of the insulation/sound deadening under the carpet is such that its taken three months for it to saturate and for me to notice! The pad has been peeled off and put on the washing line to dry out, and newspaper soaking up any dampness under the carpets.

I hosed the scuttle and windshield for a bit, and that seems to be draining fine so far.

Before:



After:



Fingers crossed!

I would say you're on the right track, its been a big problem on the 500 forum not long ago.

Same thing happened to my wife's Volvo V50 - a common problem in those also, apparently. That was an absolute sod to dry out. In the end I had to dismantle half the interior* and rip all the carpets out. Wanted to drive it off a cliff.

* this may be a slight exaggeration, but that's what it felt like.

A dehumidifier left in the car overnight might help get any moisture out now you've found the cause, I have an old one knocking around if you need to borrow one.

Yes a dehumidifier is your man, try and seal the car as best you can.