I am getting a bit of water in the front driver side under the steering wheel area, it seems to be coming in under the dash and getting in under the carpet. I have put a towel in going up under the dash and down beside the console as that is where the water seems to end up. It's only when it rains and that's a lot these days here in Wonthaggi Sth West Gipps. Vic. It's even raining now STILL.
As usual any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated.
It's probably dazrens fault.
G'Day Dougwe, is it something as simple as the plenum box (I may have misspelt that) being jambed with leaves/dirt/both. (Apologies if you know the plenum box but many people have never heard of it. Do you know where I mean? Under the hood immediately in front of the windscreen and most modern wipers are fixed about here. (Either black plastic grates for rain drainage or a series of drain holes). Even a small amout can clog the drain holes causing rainwater to backfill and into the cabin, particularly when there's been biiiigggg rains. The plenum has issues trying to drain big rains and even just a few leaves can cause backfill. The other thing is fully check the plenum (if you can see past all the engine 'bits'), and hopefully this is not the case; but they can rust out and fill the cabin. Toyotas (Japanese) are not usually prone to this and I haven't seen it for a few years. I'm hoping it's just got dirt. Another slight possibility is the lower winndscreen seal might be allowing water to seep behind the dash and onto the floor. For what it's worth
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Saturday 9th of June 2012 09:15:42 AM
Dougwe said
03:41 PM Jun 9, 2012
Hi all, because you were all very helpful with my last question here is another one for your minds to get around.
I am getting a bit of water in the front driver side under the steering wheel area, it seems to be coming in under the dash and getting in under the carpet. I have put a towel in going up under the dash and down beside the console as that is where the water seems to end up. It's only when it rains and that's a lot these days here in Wonthaggi Sth West Gipps. Vic. It's even raining now STILL.
I have tried to locate the leak but with no luck. I was wondering who would you take the Prado too for something like that
As usual any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated.
I must be getting older or something like that as I was once able to nut out things like this but not so much these days.
It's probably dazrens fault.
Happywanderer said
04:40 PM Jun 9, 2012
Isn't your vehicle still under warranty Doug and would that come under the warranty?
Dougwe said
09:45 PM Jun 9, 2012
Thanks Keith, I am unaware of the plenum box, in fact , I have never heard of it, the name that is but from your description of location I am a little more tuned in now. When it stops raining (if it ever does) I will lift the bonnet and check it out. I just can't get in under the dash enough to have a real good look.
Hi Marj, it's out of second hand car warranty now so i'ts up to me now. I don't think it's too serious and I do still love the Prado. When I win lotto tonight I'll go out and have a look at a Ford Ranger after seeing Ken and Lyn's the other week I'm in love. With the Ranger that is. Theirs is one very nice unit indeed.
justcruisin01 said
03:21 AM Jun 10, 2012
Keith19837 wrote:
Dougwe wrote:
I am getting a bit of water in the front driver side under the steering wheel area, it seems to be coming in under the dash and getting in under the carpet. I have put a towel in going up under the dash and down beside the console as that is where the water seems to end up. It's only when it rains and that's a lot these days here in Wonthaggi Sth West Gipps. Vic. It's even raining now STILL.
As usual any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated.
It's probably dazrens fault.
G'Day Dougwe, is it something as simple as the plenum box (I may have misspelt that) being jambed with leaves/dirt/both. (Apologies if you know the plenum box but many people have never heard of it. Do you know where I mean? Under the hood immediately in front of the windscreen and most modern wipers are fixed about here. (Either black plastic grates for rain drainage or a series of drain holes). Even a small amout can clog the drain holes causing rainwater to backfill and into the cabin, particularly when there's been biiiigggg rains. The plenum has issues trying to drain big rains and even just a few leaves can cause backfill. The other thing is fully check the plenum (if you can see past all the engine 'bits'), and hopefully this is not the case; but they can rust out and fill the cabin. Toyotas (Japanese) are not usually prone to this and I haven't seen it for a few years. I'm hoping it's just got dirt. Another slight possibility is the lower winndscreen seal might be allowing water to seep behind the dash and onto the floor. For what it's worth
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Saturday 9th of June 2012 09:15:42 AM
This was my first thought before I read all the way down.
JC.
Scotty01 said
12:57 AM Jun 11, 2012
You dont say what year vehicle it is but a lot of modern vehicle windscreens are electronicly sealed when fitted, Quite often have found them leaking in the corners then it drips down inder dash, could happen on either side of vehicle. Good w/screen fitter should be able to fix. Maybe a silly question but are you loosing any radiator fluid. Heater core is under center of dash also somaetimes with hoses!
Kiwi-as said
05:00 AM Jun 11, 2012
Yes, we had a split heater core, was a slow leek and dripped onto the carpet, soaking into it.
Dougwe said
12:57 PM Jun 11, 2012
Thanks to all for info so far, I still have had no luck.
Scotty01, it's a 1998 model and I am not loosing any radiator fluid.
I am pretty sure it's coming from in behind the radio panel somewhere and running down under the carpet next to the centre console.
I am going to remove the foot rest and lift the carpet a bit as soon as 1, it stops raining and 2, when I work out how to remove to foot rest as I can't locate any screws or bolts for it.
I must be starting to lose the plot ??
Dougwe said
01:00 PM Jun 11, 2012
Oh! I am still looking around for a Owners Manual for a 1998 Toyota Prado, the one you get with the car, not the work shop manual.
Just thought I would add that bit. You never know. A lot of newbies here now.
Keith19837 said
03:57 AM Jun 12, 2012
Dougwe, Kiwias has made a fair point about the heater core. As a very young man I cleverly decided to screw fit a cassete holder to a handy black plastic panel just under the radio. Turned out the heater core was immediately behind the panel and the screws were just long enough to puncture it. (Oh, the things we learn by experience). I'm not suggesting that a man of your maturity and wisdom would be that dumb, but maybe a split hose or lose clamp? Can you put her into a carport/garage to have a look, or is said carport/garage full of a caravan that some inconsiderate person left there? LOL (not re the leak, but the full carport/garage).
Scotty01 said
05:15 AM Jun 12, 2012
Thought of another one Doug check the drain under the A/C evap if that blocked can overflow or the hose com off
Dougwe said
02:15 PM Jun 12, 2012
Thanks Keith and Scotty, still no luck yet.
I might just have to put into Toyota and get them to check. I know that won't be cheap so keeping that one til last.
Rip and Rosie said
06:51 PM Jun 12, 2012
Yes, we had similar as did my brother
It was a heater hose. The advice to my brother was to short circuit the hose by simply cutting it off and putting a plug on the end, which he did. He then found he had no demisters- very dangerous (as his wife told him!)
When ours happened, we took it and had it fixed professionally.... and you are right- it wasn't cheap.
Keith19837 said
04:23 AM Jun 13, 2012
Dougwe wrote:
Thanks Keith and Scotty, still no luck yet.
I might just have to put into Toyota and get them to check. I know that won't be cheap so keeping that one til last.
If you're not losing radiator fluid then the problem is unlikely to the be heater core or it's ancilliary hoses. This brings me back to either the plenum box being clogged or rusted, or a leak somewhere around the windscreen. If your model has the black plastic grilles on the plenum, remove same and make sure there is not 14 years worth of decaying leaves and dirt sitting in there. (You might be able to see with a torch). A radical test would be to put a gentle hose on the plenum and see if it's backing up or if the floor's getting wetter. If no change, try the same process around the windscreen seal with more hose pressure. Alternatively, do you have a friendly neighbour or similar who is aware of plenums etc? He might be able to take a look for you before forking out the moula for the mechanic. Unfortunately, I'm about 250 ks from you or I'ld offer to pop over for a look. For what it's worth.
G'Day Dougwe, is it something as simple as the plenum box (I may have misspelt that) being jambed with leaves/dirt/both. (Apologies if you know the plenum box but many people have never heard of it. Do you know where I mean? Under the hood immediately in front of the windscreen and most modern wipers are fixed about here. (Either black plastic grates for rain drainage or a series of drain holes). Even a small amout can clog the drain holes causing rainwater to backfill and into the cabin, particularly when there's been biiiigggg rains. The plenum has issues trying to drain big rains and even just a few leaves can cause backfill. The other thing is fully check the plenum (if you can see past all the engine 'bits'), and hopefully this is not the case; but they can rust out and fill the cabin. Toyotas (Japanese) are not usually prone to this and I haven't seen it for a few years. I'm hoping it's just got dirt. Another slight possibility is the lower winndscreen seal might be allowing water to seep behind the dash and onto the floor. For what it's worth
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Saturday 9th of June 2012 09:15:42 AM
Hi all, because you were all very helpful with my last question here is another one for your minds to get around.
I am getting a bit of water in the front driver side under the steering wheel area, it seems to be coming in under the dash and getting in under the carpet. I have put a towel in going up under the dash and down beside the console as that is where the water seems to end up. It's only when it rains and that's a lot these days here in Wonthaggi Sth West Gipps. Vic. It's even raining now STILL.
I have tried to locate the leak but with no luck. I was wondering who would you take the Prado too for something like that
As usual any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated.
I must be getting older or something like that as I was once able to nut out things like this but not so much these days.
It's probably dazrens fault.
Thanks Keith, I am unaware of the plenum box, in fact , I have never heard of it, the name that is but from your description of location I am a little more tuned in now. When it stops raining (if it ever does) I will lift the bonnet and check it out. I just can't get in under the dash enough to have a real good look.
after seeing Ken and Lyn's the other week I'm in love. With the Ranger that is.
Theirs is one very nice unit indeed.
Hi Marj, it's out of second hand car warranty now so i'ts up to me now. I don't think it's too serious and I do still love the Prado. When I win lotto tonight I'll go out and have a look at a Ford Ranger
This was my first thought before I read all the way down.
JC.
You dont say what year vehicle it is but a lot of modern vehicle windscreens are electronicly sealed when fitted, Quite often have found them leaking in the corners then it drips down inder dash, could happen on either side of vehicle. Good w/screen fitter should be able to fix. Maybe a silly question but are you loosing any radiator fluid. Heater core is under center of dash also somaetimes with hoses!
Thanks to all for info so far, I still have had no luck.
and 2, when I work out how to remove to foot rest as I can't locate any screws or bolts for it. 
Scotty01, it's a 1998 model and I am not loosing any radiator fluid.
I am pretty sure it's coming from in behind the radio panel somewhere and running down under the carpet next to the centre console.
I am going to remove the foot rest and lift the carpet a bit as soon as 1, it stops raining
I must be starting to lose the plot ??
Just thought I would add that bit. You never know. A lot of newbies here now.
Thought of another one Doug check the drain under the A/C evap if that blocked can overflow or the hose com off
Thanks Keith and Scotty, still no luck yet.
I might just have to put into Toyota and get them to check. I know that won't be cheap so keeping that one til last.
It was a heater hose. The advice to my brother was to short circuit the hose by simply cutting it off and putting a plug on the end, which he did. He then found he had no demisters- very dangerous (as his wife told him!)
When ours happened, we took it and had it fixed professionally.... and you are right- it wasn't cheap.
If you're not losing radiator fluid then the problem is unlikely to the be heater core or it's ancilliary hoses. This brings me back to either the plenum box being clogged or rusted, or a leak somewhere around the windscreen. If your model has the black plastic grilles on the plenum, remove same and make sure there is not 14 years worth of decaying leaves and dirt sitting in there. (You might be able to see with a torch). A radical test would be to put a gentle hose on the plenum and see if it's backing up or if the floor's getting wetter. If no change, try the same process around the windscreen seal with more hose pressure. Alternatively, do you have a friendly neighbour or similar who is aware of plenums etc? He might be able to take a look for you before forking out the moula for the mechanic. Unfortunately, I'm about 250 ks from you or I'ld offer to pop over for a look. For what it's worth.