Cowl Testing

Figure 11:

The water test also can be used to check for leaks in the front or cowl area of the body. Raise the hood and flow water over the body seams, corner joints, bolt, and plug holes in the cowl structure. Look carefully for missing and poor fitting grommets. Don't overlook the windshield wiper motor mounting seal, and be sure to look over the fresh air inlets for evidence of leaks at plenum chamber seams.

Make sure the radio antenna lead-in grommet is in place, and pay close attention to body seams in the cowl side section that are hidden by fenders.

When checking for leaks in the cowl area, you may have to remove inside trim panels at the front and sides to see where the water is coming in. It may also be necessary to remove heater and air conditioner parts to locate leaks near the fresh-air inlet plenum.