Water Leak

[jludave]

Brand new, 3 week old 2020 Jeep JLU Sport Altitude, hard top, with 325 miles. The last 2 times we've had heavy rain, I noticed a bit of water on my driver side floor mat. Vehicle was parked both times.

We had showers yesterday evening, so I went out to check and saw nothing. A bit later on we got heavy rain and a t-storm for about an hour or so. I went out to check once the rain let up and noticed some water. I checked from the passenger side, so it's not the typical water from the rain gutter. The water seems to pool where the circle part of the slush mat that clips/lock onto the nub on the floor (in front of the left driver seat rail).

This morning, I removed both freedom panels, cleaned all the seals, wiped them down with 303 protectant and replaced the panels. I made sure to not slide them and lifted each one several times to be sure they seated properly.

I have an appointment with my dealer for their leak specialist to look at it, but that isn't until the 21st. Of course we're supposed to get rain again within the next few days. I'll definitely be checking things over once the rain stops. Never had an issue with my JK, so I'm just looking for advice on how to possibly narrow down where the leak might be and possibly avoid a trip to the dealer.

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[jludave]

Just a quick update for anyone that may be interested.

In thinking about possible causes for my water leak, I recalled reading about issues people had with various door sill guards and began wondering if my Rugged Ridge sill guards might be the issue. I decided to remove them completely. Starting on the front passenger side, I slowly lifted and pulled back the guard and tape. To my surprise, everything came off with out an issue. Here's the most interesting part - there was water the length of the door sill and upper lip UNDER where the guard was attached. I then proceeded to remove the driver side front and sure enough I found the same thing - water UNDER where the sill guard was attached. The rear 2 pulled off, also without issue and without signs of water.

Here's what I'm thinking. The driver side sill guard caused a gap that created the leak describe in my original post above. Or, from what I saw when I removed both front guards, water somehow made it's way under the guards and into the cabin on the driver side. The water seems to have possibly come up from the body seam under the front guards.

It is supposed to rain later, so I will of course check if removing the door sill guards fixed the leak on the driver side. I still have my appointment with the leak specialist at my dealer if the issue isn't resolved.

I hope this thread might be helpful for anyone having a hard time finding a small leak in their JL.

 

[JeepCares]

Just a quick update for anyone that may be interested.

In thinking about possible causes for my water leak, I recalled reading about issues people had with various door sill guards and began wondering if my Rugged Ridge sill guards might be the issue. I decided to remove them completely. Starting on the front passenger side, I slowly lifted and pulled back the guard and tape. To my surprise, everything came off with out an issue. Here's the most interesting part - there was water the length of the door sill and upper lip UNDER where the guard was attached. I then proceeded to remove the driver side front and sure enough I found the same thing - water UNDER where the sill guard was attached. The rear 2 pulled off, also without issue and without signs of water.

Here's what I'm thinking. The driver side sill guard caused a gap that created the leak describe in my original post above. Or, from what I saw when I removed both front guards, water somehow made it's way under the guards and into the cabin on the driver side. The water seems to have possibly come up from the body seam under the front guards.

It is supposed to rain later, so I will of course check if removing the door sill guards fixed the leak on the driver side. I still have my appointment with the leak specialist at my dealer if the issue isn't resolved.

I hope this thread might be helpful for anyone having a hard time finding a small leak in their JL.

@jludave
We are sorry to hear you are facing this concern with your new Wrangler! Please know that our team would be happy to add our additional support to your dealer service. Feel free to send us a PM with any future questions you may have.

Kathryn
JeepCares

 

[Trauma Jeep]

I am noticing a few drips on the front interior door (driver side) along the A pillar. Any thoughts? I do have the rugged ridge sill protects, but the drip is at the top of the door (after a car wash). I have a 2 door soft top.

 

[jludave]

the drip is at the top of the door (after a car wash).

I'm told by Bestop (they make the OEM top for Jeep) that after a car wash or extremely heavy wind driven rain, this is normal. If you are concerned, make an appointment for you dealer's leak specialist.

 

[JayJay]

I am noticing a few drips on the front interior door (driver side) along the A pillar. Any thoughts? I do have the rugged ridge sill protects, but the drip is at the top of the door (after a car wash). I have a 2 door soft top.

My two door soft top leaks a small amount above the doors on both sides when I take it through a touchless car wash. It doesn't surprise me that it does.

Later,
Johnny

 

[Trauma Jeep]

My two door soft top leaks a small amount above the doors on both sides when I take it through a touchless car wash. It doesn't surprise me that it does.

Later,
Johnny

Thanks. Just wanted to be sure as this is my first Jeep. My list of “it’s a Jeep thing” is growing.

 

[nerubi]

My RR Silver Ghost convertible top doesn't leak. At least that is what my chauffeur tells me.

 

[Trauma Jeep]

My RR Silver Ghost convertible top doesn't leak. At least that is what my chauffeur tells me.

 

[JeepCares]

I am noticing a few drips on the front interior door (driver side) along the A pillar. Any thoughts? I do have the rugged ridge sill protects, but the drip is at the top of the door (after a car wash). I have a 2 door soft top.

Hi Noah,
If you decide to visit our dealer to have this looked into further. Please send our team a PM if any additional assistance is needed throughout your service visit.
Alex
Jeep Cares

 

[DWheelerR]

Im going through this now.. It drips from the dash near the speaker and fills up the floor when its heavy rain. When its light rain it wont drip but you can see it running down behind the panel you remove to unlatch the door harness. Today after work I had about half inch of water on the driver side. I think its the lower seal below the window causing mine. Im going to look into it more tonight.

 

[Trauma Jeep]

Im going through this now.. It drips from the dash near the speaker and fills up the floor when its heavy rain. When its light rain it wont drip but you can see it running down behind the panel you remove to unlatch the door harness. Today after work I had about half inch of water on the driver side. I think its the lower seal below the window causing mine. Im going to look into it more tonight.

Keep me posted

 

[Trauma Jeep]

Hi Noah,
If you decide to visit our dealer to have this looked into further. Please send our team a PM if any additional assistance is needed throughout your service visit.
Alex
Jeep Cares

Will do. Than you.

 

[jludave]

I think its the lower seal below the window causing mine.

There's a high probability that its the body seam under the cowl, by the windshield/A pillar.

 

[DWheelerR]

Pretty sure I've found it. It's not under the cowl that people were saying. It is a seam that's under the weather stripping. I have it covered here with blue tape while testing.

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