1991 Dodge Dakota Rainwater leaks into cabin

PAINTCLOUDS

MEMBER
1991 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
12,100 MILES

Hi,
I've replaced the windshield - didn't do any good.
The interior ceiling material has come away from the frame and the carpets just stay soaked. Water even gets into both back seat wells - with the seats down! I cannot understand or figure out where the water is coming from. I've taken it to a body shop - they looked at the firewall (from the engine), soaked it with water and can't find the leak either. Any suggestions?

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:
Are you sure it's coming from under the dash area? These trucks have a common problem with the weather stripping leaking on the top section of the doors. The water will actually drip on to the floor because of where the leak is. I will assume the floor boards are in good condition (not rusted).

Joe

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Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 5:32 PM

PAINTCLOUDS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks to much for your response!

Thing is - if the water is coming from any of those spots - why is there water in the "wells" that are located under the back seats. The well area (where the jack is located) has a 2 inch tall surround that the water would have to actually defy gravity and go up and over to get into the well.
I am just mystified as to how it's getting in - and why it ends up where it does. Especially the well area - that's really weird! And BTW: The back seats stay dry - water does not leak down through the seat padding, either!
A reason why the leak might not just be at the top of the doors is because the interior roof material started sagging when the leaks started - so would the water have had to start at the very top of the cabin roof? No holes have been noted there.
Thanks again!

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Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 9:33 PM