Waterleaks at Right and/or Left Front Footwell Area #94-T-32C - (Jan 9, 2003)

1991-2001 Saturn S-Series Vehicles

Condition:

Water is leaking into the vehicle at the left and/or right front footwell areas.

Cause:

• The sealer skips along the smile joint area.
• The sealer skips around the HVAC module seals.
• The sealer skips behind the front strut tower at the upper outer corner where the strut tower cap meets the cowl panel.
• The sealer skips at the frame rail area near the cowl panel.
• Possible gaps between layers of metal at the hood hinge area.

Correction:

Identify the waterleak paths as outlined in this bulletin and seal the waterleak paths.

Procedure: General Waterleak Testing

Important

To detect a waterleak, always start at the lowest point and work up to the highest point.

Important

Waterleak testing may take up to 15 minutes before water is seen inside the vehicle. Make sure to periodically check the front footwell areas for signs of water leaks.





1. Verify that the front footwell carpet is wet or exhibits a musty mildew odor or moisture exists under the carpet.
2. Remove the carpet from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate procedure in the Body/Repair Service Manual (1991-1999) or S-Series Body/Electrical Volume II Service Manual (2000-2001).
3. With the aid of an assistant inside the vehicle to help detect the actual waterleak point, apply an unrestricted flow of water directly to the smile joint area.
• If a waterleak is detected at the smile joint area, proceed to Smile Joint Waterleak Repair in this bulletin.
• If no waterleak is detected at the smile joint, proceed to the next step.




4. Position the hose so that the water flows through the air inlet grille, into the plenum area, and out the plenum drains over the HVAC module seals -- TXV seal, heater core pipe seal, and case drain seal.
• If a waterleak is detected at the HVAC module seal area, proceed to HVAC Module Seal Waterleak Repair in this bulletin.
• If no waterleak is detected at the HVAC module seal area, continue to the next step.
5. Apply an unrestricted flow of water to the front strut tower area at the upper outer corner where the strut tower cap meets the cowl panel. Refer to the illustrations.
• If a waterleak is detected at the strut tower area, proceed to Strut Tower Area Waterleak Repair in this bulletin.
• If no waterleak is detected at the strut tower area, proceed to the next step.




6. 1991-1995




7. 1996-2001

Important

Left side shown. Right side similar.

8. Apply an unrestricted flow of water to the frame rail/hood hinge area where the hood hinge attaches to the body.
• If a waterleak is detected at the frame rail/hood hinge area, proceed to Frame Rail/Hood Area Waterleak Repair in this bulletin.
• If no waterleak is detected at the frame rail/hood hinge area, refer to additional waterleak diagnostic information in the Body/Repair Service Manual 1991-1999, or S-Series Body/Electrical Volume I Service Manual 2000-2001.

Smile Joint Waterleak Repair

1. If a waterleak is detected in the smile joint area, clean and dry the area to be repaired using compressed air and a nozzle.
2. Using Kent Industries High Tech Leak Check Seam Sealer -- P/N 10105 or equivalent, apply the sealant inside the retention channel from the outside of the vehicle at the waterleak area.
3. Verify the repair by water testing after the sealant has been allowed to dry according to the manufacturer's recommended instructions.
4. If the waterleak still persists, apply Kent Industries High Tech Leak Check Seam Sealer -- P/N 10105 or equivalent, to the inside retention channel from inside the vehicle at the waterleak area.
5. After verifying the repair, go back and perform steps 4-6 under General Waterleak Testing in this bulletin to ensure there are no additional waterleaks at the HVAC module, shock tower, or frame rail/hood hinge areas.

HVAC Module Seal Waterleak Repair

1. If a waterleak is detected at the HVAC module case seals, clean and dry the seal areas to be repaired using compressed air and a nozzle.
2. Using Kent Industries Spray Leak Check Seam Sealer P/N 50087, or equivalent, spray the seals with 2 coats. Refer to the manufacturer's recommended instructions.
3. Verify the repair by water testing after the sealant has been allowed to dry according to the manufacturer's recommended instructions.
4. After verifying the repair, go back and perform steps 5 and 6 under General Waterleak Testing in this bulletin to ensure there are no additional waterleaks at the shock tower or frame rail/hood hinge areas.

Strut Tower Area Waterleak Repair

Important

Right side shown. Left side similar.





1. If a waterleak is detected in the strut tower area, clean and dry the area to be repaired using compressed air and a nozzle.

Important

Make sure to pump sealant under the lip of the cowl panel, where it overlaps the strut tower.

2. Using Kent Industries High Tech Leak Check Seam Sealer -- P/N 10105 or equivalent, pump the sealant into the corner, filling the corner with sealant.




3. Using Kent Industries High Tech Leak Check Seam Sealer -- P/N 10105 or equivalent, pump the sealant along the upper frame rail.
4. Verify the repair by water testing after the sealant has been allowed to dry according to the manufacturer's recommended instructions.
5. After verifying the repair, go back and perform step 6 under General Waterleak Testing in this bulletin to ensure there is no additional waterleak at the frame rail/hood hinge area.

Frame Rail/Hood Hinge Area Waterleak Repair

1. Remove the wheelhouse liner-to-fender fasteners on the affected side of the vehicle.
2. Remove all fasteners from the top and rear of the front fender on the affected side of the vehicle. Pull the fender away from the body to allow access to the area to be repaired.

Important

Excess sealer in this area can cause a drain hole to be plugged. Once the sealer has cured, water test to verify that the frame rail drain holes have not been plugged. Water naturally drains through the frame rail into the wheelhouse area above the wheel.

3. Using Kent Industries Wet/Dry Re-Sealant Pump Grade sealer P/N 90010, seal the frame rail/hood hinge area.
• Remove the screw-on tip and replace with a 203 mm (8 in) length of ¼ in diameter hose.
• Insert the end of the hose for the sealer into the J-nut slot at the rear of the front fender toward the rear of the vehicle.
• Direct the sealer toward the lower left corner of the frame rail toward the center of the vehicle.
• Allow the sealer to cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
4. To seal the hood hinge-to-body bolts remove one bolt at a time to avoid movement of the hood hinge adjustment and apply 3m® Bedding and Glazing Compound P/N 08509, or equivalent, to the threads of the bolt.

Notice

Fastener Notice

5. Install the bolt and tighten.
Tighten

Tighten the hood hinge-to-body bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the remaining bolts.
7. Water test the frame rail/hood hinge area to verify the repair.
8. Align the front fender as necessary and install the fasteners at the top and rear of the front fender.
Tighten

Tighten the front fender-to-body bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

9. Install the wheelhouse liner-to-fender fasteners.

Parts Requirements:

Depending on leak location, different types of sealers are required. When used, the sealer may be claimed as material using net item code M. Refer to the table on the facing page for the leak location, sealer required, material cost, quantity required, and material reimbursement amount.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer".  They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle.  Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely.  If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.  See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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