Interior - Water Leaks Onto The Front Floorboard Area
No.: TSB-03-42B-001DATE: July, 2003
MODEL:
2002-03 Lancer
SUBJECT:
WATER ENTRY INTO VEHICLE INTERIOR
PURPOSE
If a customer complains of water entering the front floorboard area, it may may be due to small openings in the side sill or upper dash area. On a customer complaint basis only, remove any moisture from the interior of the vehicle. Seal any openings in the side sill and upper dash areas as described in this bulletin.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2002-03 Lancer models produced before 4/11/03
PROCEDURE
If the customer complains of water intrusion into the interior of the vehicle:
1. Test for leakage at the side sill areas on both sides as follows:
a. Run the A/C at maximum blower speed with the ventilation set at the fresh air position. Be sure all the doors, windows, and sunroof are completely closed.
b. Raise the vehicle.
C. Apply soapy water (solution of 20% dish soap) on both sides in the area shown. Check for air bubbles.
NOTE:
It is normal for air to be escaping from the side sill drain openings.
d. If air bubbles appear in any area of the side sill except the drain openings turn the blower off and apply 3M 08370 sealant to all sealant gaps where air bubbles appear.
CAUTION:
DO NOT SEAL THE SIDE SILL DRAIN OPENINGS.
(1) Dry the area to be sealed.
(2) Use kerosene or mineral spirits to clean the surface.
(3) Apply a 3/8" bead of sealant to the gaps, overlapping the original sealant 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
(4) Allow the sealant to set for at least 45 minutes, then apply black spray undercoating over it.
e. Lower the vehicle.
2. Test for leakage at the dash as follows:
a. Use a hose to run a full stream of water into the opening in the windshield garnish as shown. Run the water for about three minutes.
b. Confirm that the water drains on both sides behind the front tires.
c. Lift the lower edge of the sound insulation pad (where the carpeting ends) and feel for moisture under the dash on both sides.
d. If moisture is detected in either the driver's or front passenger's side, dry the affected area. Then use kerosene or mineral spirits to clean the surface, and apply sealant 3M 08370 to any sealant gaps in the bulkhead.
On the passenger side, the blower assembly must be removed in order to access the bulkhead and apply sealant. (It is not necessary to remove the blower assembly to inspect for leakage.)
3. If there has been water entry into the passenger compartment in any area, thoroughly dry the affected areas.
4. If sealant is applied to either the bulkhead or the side sills during this procedure, instruct the customer not to wash the vehicle for at least four hours, to allow the sealant to completely set.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
On a customer complaint basis only:
Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.
If sealant is applied, claim sealant at $6.25 U.S.$ ($9.00 CAN$) per vehicle (sleeve contains enough sealant to complete at least 2 vehicles), using "3MSEALANT" as the part number.
If sealant is applied to side sills, claim undercoating at $2.00 U.S.$ ($3.40 CAN$) per vehicle, using NPN as the part number.