Leaky trunks
pst-off
05-26-2005, 07:40 PM
I have discovered a design flaw that allows water to enter the right side of the trunk of Cavaliers and Sunfires. On the right side of the trunk, behind the carpet there is a Air Pressure Relief Valve. This valve has two small rubber flaps that flip out when the trunk lid or a door is closed. The valve is sensitive enough it will open by blowing on it.
From the outside, this valve is located directly behind the rear right wheel. The turbulence created when driving is enough to open this valve allowing water and road grime into the trunk of the car.
Evidence of this can be found by lifting the carpet in the trunk after driving in the rain at highway speeds. You will see a collection of silt, water and other road grime.
Concerns, other that rust. If water and road grime can enter than so can carbon monoxide.
Here is a link I have founnd with more details on this
http://www.coheadquarters.com/COMotoVeh/coMotoVeh1.htm
From the outside, this valve is located directly behind the rear right wheel. The turbulence created when driving is enough to open this valve allowing water and road grime into the trunk of the car.
Evidence of this can be found by lifting the carpet in the trunk after driving in the rain at highway speeds. You will see a collection of silt, water and other road grime.
Concerns, other that rust. If water and road grime can enter than so can carbon monoxide.
Here is a link I have founnd with more details on this
http://www.coheadquarters.com/COMotoVeh/coMotoVeh1.htm
mike_05_sunfire
07-10-2005, 11:15 PM
This is a problem that is easily solved. My 05 did this after 4 months of winter driving (i had about 3 inches of water in the well and it rotted all my stereo wiring that was in there) and the dealer was more than happy to fix and clean it (under warranty). They had an external company come in and do a water test on the car then applied a black tar like sealant to any leaks, one being that valve (totally sealed it off). I have not had another leak since. As for any worries of CO entering, i would not the exhaust is on the other side of the car, I would be more worried about getting it cleaned out before you get rust. See a couple of pics of my damage (keep in mind the rust colour is from the stereo wiring not the car)
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44959
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44958
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44957
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44959
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44958
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=44957
Dan4444
01-02-2006, 07:39 PM
I seem to have the same problem, but on the left side??
Is there a valve there also or something similar??
Any help appreciated!
<[email protected]>
Is there a valve there also or something similar??
Any help appreciated!
<[email protected]>
mike_05_sunfire
01-06-2006, 05:12 PM
I seem to have the same problem, but on the left side??
Is there a valve there also or something similar??
Any help appreciated!
<[email protected]>
The valve is on the passenger side, but I also had leaking from around the tail light assemblies & a couple of welded seems. There might also be a bad seal from the weatherstripping around the trunk, water will find it's way in the smallest crack. I would suggest having it checked ASAP as not to have the water sitting inside the car and causing problems later.
Is there a valve there also or something similar??
Any help appreciated!
<[email protected]>
The valve is on the passenger side, but I also had leaking from around the tail light assemblies & a couple of welded seems. There might also be a bad seal from the weatherstripping around the trunk, water will find it's way in the smallest crack. I would suggest having it checked ASAP as not to have the water sitting inside the car and causing problems later.
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