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2004 XC90 AWD: Water in the Footwell

A mid-size luxury crossover SUV, the Volvo XC90 made its debut in 2002 at the Detroit Motor Show. Recognized for its safety, practicality, and comfort, the XC90 is a popular vehicle around the world. The XC90 proved to be very popular, and very good for Volvo's sales numbers, since its introduction in model year 2003 (North America). P2 platform.
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brunocerous
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2004 XC90 AWD: Water in the Footwell

Post by brunocerous »

After the large storm in the northeast US this week, I ended up with about two inches of water in the right footwell. The left (driver’s side) was completely dry, although this is usually the side I have a problem with.

I’ve cleaned out the sunroof drains that end in an L on the front pillar, and I thought that had fixed the problem. But last week, while driving through the previous storm, I felt water drip down on my right (accelerator) foot.

The drains were clear, so it seems the water was coming from somewhere near the windshield wiper motor.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bruno
2004 Volvo XC90 flooded footwell
2004 Volvo XC90 flooded footwell
2000 V70, base, MT, 'The Silver Bullet'
1998 V70, base, AT, 'Blue Steel'
1998 V70 T5, AT, project
2004 XC90 AWD (sold)
1999 V70 XC AWD, AT (RIP)
1998 S70 T5, AT (RIP)

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SuperHerman
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Post by SuperHerman »

Two possibilities - the lines may be clear, but the hose is not tight enough as they appear to shrink with age. The fix is to pull the trim and gain access to the hose and add an inch or two of hose for length, which is really about six inches. If this is your problem you can find off the shelf clear house with an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the existing hose and silicon the hose and then slide it on. A little heat to the new hose helps as it will be a tight fit. This worked for my 2004 XC90.

The other possibility is that the drains in the engine bay are clogged and the water builds up and pours in throw the blower motor intake. You need to look. There was a problem with this on early versions and there are various fixes from sealing and cleaning to adding a plastic water bottle cut to size to raise the "dam" so to speak. Do a little digging and you will find write ups on it. Usually this is on the driver side though. Water pools and takes out the CEM.

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volvolugnut
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Post by volvolugnut »

Another possible water leak path is from the seal at the blower motor and fire wall/cowl. See my post for a solution I made for this problem.
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=71407&p=473882&hili ... an#p473882

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SuperHerman
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Post by SuperHerman »

volvolugnut - yes - that was what I mentioned in paragraph 2. Thanks for your work.

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