Roof Leaks both rear doors and back lift door.

JOANOFARC57069

MEMBER
1999 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

I noticed some mold on the ceiling in a few places last fall (above and to the left of the driver's side sun shade) (on the head liner next to the middle of the window, both sides of the car) (the left, as you face the car, rear head liner by the back lift door). We had not had rain for quite while and no heavy rain. So, the head liner in all these places was dry.

I was taking the car in for some rust removal/repair anyway, so talked to the body shop about the leaks. He said it was likely the sun roof drains. He said they'd run water on it and see. They fixed the drains and everything was fine. Of course, again we didn't have much rain or snow, unusual for South Dakota.

The car is not garaged, and we have temperatures in summer upwards of 90 degrees and winter average about 10 - 20 degrees. This past winter we had a few weeks of below zero, some 20 below.

This week and last we've had a deluge almost every day. Except for the driver's side sun shade, the leaks have returned. I checked the upper door seal on the driver's side back door and it appears to have a hole in the upper surface, but not the side towards the door.

Any ideas what is leaking? Also, what's the best way to remove water and dry the carpet/head liner?

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

I hate to say it but it most likely is the sun roof or sunroof drains. The drain tube usually goes down the drivers side a pillar and drains out under the car. I would say the drain tube may have a crack and or is plugged again. The other thing it could be is the if there is a drip rail it may be leaking buy not being sealed well enough. As for drying it heat and fan with the windows cracked and if there is standing water on the carpet a good wet dry shop vacuum to get up what you can and heat and fan.