Q: Water leak under dashboard

asked by on January 26, 2016

I have a water leak under the dashboard in my car.

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I have seen this issue before. There can be two kinds of liquid leaking into your passenger floorboard area. Water or engine coolant. If it seems to happen when you have the A/C on, it is probably water. The A/C builds condensation in the vent system that is under your dash. The system has a drain hole, but sometimes the hole becomes clogged with debris, and sometimes bugs like to go in there and build their nest. This is common in the spring. The solution is simple, just unclog the hole. If it is coolant that you are getting under your dash, the repair is a bit more extensive. All cars have a mini radiator under the dash called a heater core. The heater core is what actually gives you heat in the winter. If the heater core starts leaking, it will certainly be under your dash. This repair sometimes can require full or partial dashboard removal. In either case I suggest seeking the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to help you properly diagnose and repair your water leak.

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