Trunk leaks water when raining

[killeen_john]

The last few rain showers have resulted in a considerable amount of water finding it's way into my trunk and collecting in the spare tire well and lug wrench well on the driver's side. The weather seal seems to be intact, but I might replace it anyway. I can't find any other openings that would allow water to get in, however I did read on another forum that the rear light assemblies can sometimes be the source of a water leak. Do any of you have any first hand experience with this??

Thanks in advance,
John

[jamesmetairie]

lots of cars get a leak thru the tail light lense area. usually when the car is about 7 yr. old the silicon or the rubber gasket material cracks or whatever and water enters. best thing to do is get a volunteer to get in trunk with a flashlite , then you put a garden hose on it for a good while . if it,s around the tail lense you can usually remove the lense and put a bead of silicon around and reinstall. or maybe carefully run some silicon all around on the outside. be sure you buy 100% silicon and have your mineral spirits handy,cause it may get messy. it,s gonna be permanent. this method works on most cars. if your car needs lenses removed to change bulbs ,of course don,t do it.what is the year of your car?? and body type??

[JStin]

I have an '01 that also collects water. Like you, the seal looks good, I have no idea where it's coming in. No help here but you're not alone.

[killeen_john]

Originally Posted by jamesmetairie

what is the year of your car?? and body type??

My car is a 2000 (4 door) sedan.

[egraham]

My 1999 Prism (LSi) developed a trunk leak some time ago. I had removed the rubber gaskets in the wheel well to allow the water to flow out. I will try examining the tail light assembly for leaks and correct.

I have recently got a MAJOR leak that results in a pool of water in my right rear back seat foot area. It appears to be entering from above the above the set to the left side of the card and runs down the plastic to the right of the right seat back cushion. I can't tell where it's comming from because it is comming in from a plastic seam about shoulder high inside the car. Is this probably the rear window, trunk seal, or right door/window seal? I am concerned about diving into this fix for beaucoup $$$ without every solving it. Help !!!

[chrisp1]

On the left rear panel behind the bumper there is a vent with flaps that allows air to pass through from the inside to the outside. You can see it when you pull back the trunk interior lining. On my 2000 Prism, the formed plastic snaps were not putting enough pressure on the gasket, and water was pouring in during a heavy rain or during washing the car, whenever water was directed at the split between the left rear panel and the bumper. Since it appeared that you would have to remove the bumper to replace the part, I have installed a 'wedge' that compresses the gasket. The leak has stopped.

[highlandlake]

Originally Posted by killeen_john

The last few rain showers have resulted in a considerable amount of water finding it's way into my trunk and collecting in the spare tire well and lug wrench well on the driver's side.

On my '99 I had the same puddle you describe. I found out that the drain tubes on each side were clogged with pine needles. Water backed up into the trunk. These plastic tubes are located inside the trunk down behind the rear wheels. I think they allow water to flow around the trunk lid gap and safely down to the ground. After I cleaned them, no more water problems.

[ljernigan1212]

i have a 2002 prism and i have the same problem with water collecting. i am going to try some of your suggestions and ill let you know if any of them solve the problem. its also nice to know that im not alone

[vt4estr]

I just bought a 2001 Prizm with a leaky trunk. I found that something heavy must have shifted and smacked the left interior of the trunk. It slightly dented the quarter panel and broke one of the upper clips on the air release valve covered by the side lining. Any water that runs down behind the driver side rear bumper pours through the open top of the air valve and into the left "pocket" in the trunk. Checked on a replacement and was quoted over $100 for a small piece of molded plastic with rubber flaps! I'm going to try the wedge idea and maybe loosen the bumper cover enough to glue a flap of rubber like roofing flashing above the valve. Should direct the water away. Anyone else familiar with this problem?