WATER LEAKS AT THE COWL AREA - DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. Chevrolet Celebrity 1982

For 1990-2009 cars

# WATER LEAKS AT THE COWL AREA - DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR

Comments of water in rear floor area, water dripping on feet, water on or under carpet, or musty odor may indicate a cowl water leak. This bulletin covers the diagnosis and repair of cowl water leaks at the following locations:

(1) At Heater - A/C Module (2) At Cowl Seams (3) At Front of Dash

#### LOCATING AND REPAIRING LEAK

The vehicle may have to be water tested to pinpoint the specific area of water entry. Refer to Section 1 of the Fisher Body Service Manual for water testing procedures. Listed below are some specific areas that should be checked for leaks and procedures to repair them.

HEATER - A/C MODULE -------------------- 1. Check the heater - A/C module mounting bolts to insure that they are tight.

o If not, the windshield lower chrome molding must be removed to access the upper module mounting bolts. o Tighten the bolts to 2-4 N-m (18-35 in. lb.) in the sequence shown in Figure 1.

2. Check for proper application of sealer around the heater A/C module.

o Sealer should be applied only to the top and sides of the module flange as shown in Figure 1.

#### COWL SEAMS

1. Check for proper shimming of the fenders.

o Incorrect shinning will place extra stress on the cowl seam. o Loosen bolt shown in Figure 2. o If excessive gap, add shims. o Tighten bolt.

2. Check for proper number and location of spotwelds as shown in Figure 3.

o Correct as necessary.

3. Check the seam between the lower hinge pillar panel to the dash panel for sealer placement or cracking.

o Proper sealing of the cowl seam involves a thumb grade sealer applied under a flo-on sealer in the locations shown in Figures 4 and 5.

#### FRONT OF DASH SEALING

1. Check all holes in dash that wiring harnesses or cables pass through for sealer.

o There should be sealer over each of the areas indicated in Figure 6.

o Seal as required.

#### FINAL CHECK AND CLEAN-UP

1. Check for water under the carpet.

o Lift the corner of the carpet up to check for trapped water. o Check the condition of the floor pan. o Correct as necessary.

2) Check for mildew odor.

o If odor is present, replace the matting under the carpet.

o Scrub the floor pan and the back of the carpet with Lysol disinfectant or equivalent.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.