Mold/Mildew smell when it rains-Can't find the leak...

[mdisalvo]

My 04' has started to smell moldy when it rains and I can't seem to locate the leak. Even with a little rain, it will start to smell again. I can't find any leaks on the sunroof, both drains on the sunroof are working properly, and I tried pouring water in the cowl/down the windshield and I couldn't find water coming in anywhere. Does anybody have any other tips or any other ideas? I don't think this is AC related, it seems like it has to be the rain getting in because it only smells when it starts raining.

 

[gmanpaint]

Is the carpet wet anywhere?

 

[ExPlOrErImPoRtS]

check tool area at back hatch area. mine was leaking from rear window gasket slight drip when washing had the area damp. where jack is stored

 

[mdisalvo]

I just checked that, totally dry. In the process I did notice a small water stain above the rear passenger door, near the weather stripping in the center of the door. I was thinking maybe there is a leak in my roof rack allowing the water in, as I carry my kayaks on the roof a lot...maybe repeated use of the rack wiggled them lose enough to let water in?

 

[Exproblems]

I just checked that, totally dry. In the process I did notice a small water stain above the rear passenger door, near the weather stripping in the center of the door. I was thinking maybe there is a leak in my roof rack allowing the water in, as I carry my kayaks on the roof a lot...maybe repeated use of the rack wiggled them lose enough to let water in?

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I found the rubber gaskets/weatherstripping around my doors and rear tailgate on my EX to be loosely attached to the vehicle. Basically, they were fitted to the vehicle to hold them in place, no sealant used on the underneath side to attach them. When I bumped them while cleaning the door jams, a corner edge would pop out of place and I would have to pop it back in place. I can see where water could find it's way past them and cause a leak. On the area's of the gasket that popped off, I took some clear silicone sealant and applied it to the rear groove on the gasket and pressed it back into place to hold it there for good.

 

[mdisalvo]

I did notice the weather sealing on that door was popped out a bit in the corner, so I pushed it back into place. I'm hoping this will solve the problem, but I won't really konw until the next time it rains. Until then I plan to silicone the corners like you mentioned, hopefully that will keep them in place.

 

[Exproblems]

Until then I plan to silicone the corners like you mentioned, hopefully that will keep them in place.

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Just don't apply too much silicone in one spot or it will ooze out of the rear groove of the weatherstripping when you press it into place. I find silicone is a PITA to remove from your fingers, but it works great as an adhesive as well as a sealer.

 

[mdisalvo]

Thanks for all the help, I'll post again if it doesn't fix the problem