2013 Panda 1.2 petrol

Discovered water in the boot floor the other day

Dried the car out, checked all obvious bits (wiper. locks, number plates, lights etc) and all fine and the high-pressure hose test on the back of the car showed no obvious leaks.

Took the car out in the wet and water appeared back in the boot floor. Just like before it was only in the lower parts of the boot and had small bits of grit with it, which makes you suspect it is coming off the road.

Apart from the mount the spare wheel bolts on to there isn't any obvious places it can get in.

Any ideas please?

fiat_freak said:

2013 Panda 1.2 petrol

Discovered water in the boot floor the other day

Dried the car out, checked all obvious bits (wiper. locks, number plates, lights etc) and all fine and the high-pressure hose test on the back of the car showed no obvious leaks.

Took the car out in the wet and water appeared back in the boot floor. Just like before it was only in the lower parts of the boot and had small bits of grit with it, which makes you suspect it is coming off the road.

Apart from the mount the spare wheel bolts on to there isn't any obvious places it can get in.

Any ideas please?

Click to expand...

what age / model..? 2013 is different car

Sorry...senior moment again
Its 2011 Active 1.2perol

If you lift out the spare wheel an look at the inside edge of that wheel 'well' nearest the bumper, you'll see a plastic grille. This is where air goes out of the car (it is has to go out somewhere so it can come in through the vents and heater at the front).

There should be a very soft rubber flap there (on the outside) that is supposed to stop water (which splashes up under the bumper) from getting in. Check that's still there. if you've used a hose or pressure washer under the rear bumper at any point, that can displace the flap, or cause it to get caught in the grille.

Look at the very first seconds of this video: You can see the black plastic rectangular vent in the centre of the back panel - that's where I think your problem lies

Thanks for suggestions

Rubber flap is intact and seems to do is job

Last night's heavy rain blew all my theories out of the water (pun intended). The boot was wet this morning !!!

Given that the inside of the boot door is perfectly dry plus the fact the highest point I have found water in the boot is drips on the top of the spare wheel and tool-tray, then the bottom part of the door seal is fast becoming the likely culprit. Will try re-seating that.

If that doesn't work then may go back to a solution I used on a Gulf many years back. Drill a hole in the boot floor so the water can escape.

Put talcum powder on the seal face where it should seal against the door. Gently close the door against it and press lightly. Open again and see if it seems to be touching evenly.

Seals around the rear lights can allow water in.

Get inside the boot, and get a helper to gently pour water around the door aperture, starting from the bottom and gently rising. Then around the light units. Might also try the side windows, but unlikely. Aerial would make the roof damp, so not that.

If the above shows nothing, clear everything out, then sitting in, get a hose under the car around the joints at wheelarches and boot floor.

Make sure your helper can be trusted to let you out later.

portland_bill said:

Make sure your helper can be trusted to let you out later.

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:devil:

portland_bill said:

Put talcum powder on the seal face where it should seal against the door. Gently close the door against it and press lightly. Open again and see if it seems to be touching evenly.

Seals around the rear lights can allow water in.

Get inside the boot, and get a helper to gently pour water around the door aperture, starting from the bottom and gently rising. Then around the light units. Might also try the side windows, but unlikely. Aerial would make the roof damp, so not that.

If the above shows nothing, clear everything out, then sitting in, get a hose under the car around the joints at wheelarches and boot floor.

Make sure your helper can be trusted to let you out later.

Click to expand...

Am still laughing at the idea of a 70+ overweight 6'2" man getting into (or out of) the boot of a Panda. But will try for back seats!

fiat_freak said:

Am still laughing at the idea of a 70+ overweight 6'2" man getting into (or out of) the boot of a Panda. But will try for back seats!

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Aw go on! It would make for a funny video.

Just a thought, if it is a 2013 car, it can't yet be three years old. Should you be taking it to the dealer and getting them to sort it under warranty?

portland_bill said:

Just a thought, if it is a 2013 car, it can't yet be three years old. Should you be taking it to the dealer and getting them to sort it under warranty?

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It's a 2011 model. He made a mistake in his first post.