Carpet: Testing and Inspection

FLOOR PAN CHECK
A common result of body leaks is a soaked floor mat pad or carpet, and it's not unusual to find that the water is getting in through the floor pan to some other low point in the body. It is possible, however, for water to enter higher up and run downward to soak the mat.

Since a soaked mat should be removed for drying, it's a good way to start your check. Of course, mat removal means you'll have to take off door sill plates and pull out seats or seat cushion. But, this gives you a clear field for action so you can check body seam sealing and the plugs in the floor pan.

It's usually not practical to water test for floor pan or wheelhousing leaks unless a special underbody water spray arrangement is available. As an alternate, the best way to locate these leak points is to look for rusty seam edges or other traces of leaks after the mats and cushions are removed. Traces of mud are an indication that the water is coming in from below.