How to Unclog Pollen Filter

I have an 02 Passat. I have been having water leaks on the front and back passenger side floors.

I brought in the car last month and was told the clog was due to the pollen filter being clogged (non-warranty item).

The leaks persisted, so I brought it back again. This time it was the pollen filter AND the sunroof drains being clogged.

I got them to show me the sunroof drains so I know what I have to watch for, but the service rep told me that other than keeping "debris" from going underneath the back cover under the hood, I couldn't do anything to clear out the pollen filter other than bringing it in.

Now since it's not a warranty item (supposedly) and he admitted I can't actually keep it clean myself, what am I supposed to do? Does anyone know how you can get access to this pollen filter to keep it from backing up??

hi dlove i have never heard of a pollen filter being blocked to cause water entry inside car ,the biggest culprit to cause water entry to any passat is the pollen filter (housing) itself.pollen filter housing has a seal underneath the housing which is a very thin foam strip that deteriorates very quickly and this is covered by warranty. dlove access to the pollen filter is sometimes tricky first off you peel back a rubber stripnext the plenum chamber and lift one corner up should gain you access to the filter

I have a '99 Passat Wagon with water pooling in the rear passenger side foot well. I've decided that the water is entering through the fire wall using the garden hose test. The sunroof drains seem to work fine. When flooding the windshield, it is clear this is when the water enters the rear footwell (the carpet is up now for having tried to dry up the water, sound proofing foam is still wet). During the garden hose test I think I managed to remove some of the garbage causing the problem, I used a strong stream of water in the area just below and to the passenger side of the battery (does this make sense)? The volume of water making it to the back seat floor seamed to be reduced. I still plan on a better fix of the problem, once I figure out how to access the pollen filter assembly. Is it under the battery? Is it under the air filter?

I still plan on a better fix of the problem, once I figure out how to access the pollen filter assembly. Is it under the battery? Is it under the air filter?

Dunno if this is accurate for the '99 but check out:
http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/cabinfilter/

It may be time consuming, but pull out the windshield undertray.The one that protects the windshield mechanics.You may be parking under a heavy tree, that rains its leaves on you in the fall.I found my leaks are ALL gone once I dug out all the dead foilage that was blocking my fender downward drainholes.No more moisture.Try that...