2005 Volvo S40 has been taking on water and ponding on the floor. Sunroof lines have been drained 3 times. Now the water is up to 3 inches high. When the defroster or heater is turned on, water is gushing out of the back right floor. No mechanic once to touch it. I am the original owner. Car has just 47,000 miles on it and drives like a dream. Being told I should total it. Insurance will pay for a new headliner and removal of the water. Don't think that will cure the problem for good. Any thoughts from the group? Thanks everyone.

 

time for some duct tape around the sun roof! Has anyone inspected the pan under the hood by the windshield for leaks, missing seals on the firewall etc? Seems like an awful lot of water for a sun roof line. The only other thought is if it is the sun roof drain, then its become disconnected or broken and not just clogged. When they've drained the lines in the past, did they simply work from the bottom or did they open the trim on the pillars etc to inspect the lines?

 

All those things were checked. Here's today's fun. Turned on the heater and water started gushing out under the 2 rear seats! Yikes!

 

It looks like Niagara Falls in my car when the heat or defroster is turning on. Water is gushing out under the seats. Can it be a clogged AC line?

 

The Head liner on the 2005 models lasts around 12 yaers then it detaches and sags
The water problem is a broken rubber pipe or heater matrix
Your car is 2005 so 17years old so the rubber hoses are done , as most cars at that age
Unless you change the coolant every 5 years in its life you will have problems
Also your car is seldom used so most the rubber pipes dry out and crack

 

Thanks for your help. Is there a clear photo somewhere to show where the hoses are located?

 

Have you noted a "sweet" smell in the cabin when the heat comes on? Have you been refilling the coolant reservoir? If the leak is related to the heater core and the hoses from the block to the heater core, you will see the coolant level go down. A shop would need to open up the side(s) of the center console to have a look. Otherwise, if you only see water after the car sits out the rain, they you'd need to have the sun roof drains or the firewall seals / cowl cover checked out. As to your question on the AC drains, do you live where its warm/humid and your AC is constantly running? Easy test is to not run the AC for a few days to see. A shop can probably clear those out from below without much to do. Note if you do in fact need to get the heater core serviced, that would also be a good time to check the AC evaporator drains.

 

Thanks. No weird smell. Can I open up the panels myself? Shops in Philadelphia are not taking any appointments for a month. AC is not on but the heater is. 30 degrees in Pennsylvania.

 

Check the rubber seals around the sunroof and windows for any signs of damage or wear. Sometimes, even a small crack or gap can lead to water leakage. Additionally, ask your mechanic to inspect the drainage system thoroughly to ensure there are no blockages or issues with the tubing. Hang in there!

 

The only other thought is if it is the sun roof drain, then its become disconnected or broken and not just clogged. When they've drained the lines in the past, did they simply work from the bottom or did they open the trim on the pillars etc to inspect the lines?