2001 Tacoma leaking in cabin onto passenger floor ...is there a fix?

Ive been noticing this for years and have realized this a a common problem for this 1st generation tacoma. The truck is my workhorse so im tired of letting this go on!!

Can anyone provide a thread where this has been fixed or any tutorial videos? They dont use salt in Oregon so I dont have any rust despite all the wetness.

Id rather not re-invent the wheel here so any help appreciated! Not looking forward to tearing into the truck which Ive owned since I was a young man!!!

Thanks
Abraham

 

It’s not the heater core?

 

Common with 1st gens for the windshield seal to leak right at the base of the dash. Toyota actually has a TSB out for it.

 

Im not sure about heater core, no anti freeze and only when it rains does it leak. The windshield is cracked though. Could it be only the windshield? Maybe replace it and get lucky?? Lol. The TSB looks awful, not sure if I can do that. I need to start using a tarp at least when its parked.

 

A search will show 2 main suspects for your symptom. The AC evap drain hose missing coming off the firewall in engine bay passenger side and the fresh air cowl above the hood/under the windscreen can need further sealing up. Lots of info here for you to educate yourself with if you want.

 

Could always call a dealer and see what they could do. Very likely theyve seen the issue in the past.

 

Where can one access this TSB? I have a few other ones saved on my computer but I didn't know about this issue.

 

All the links Ive found for it are dead. But heres one guys fix. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/passenger-floor-board-leak-fix.432290/
Just google "1st gen Tacoma passenger side windshield leak" and a million threads from various forums will pop up.

 

And by the way, welcome to TW!


Sucks you aren’t here under happier circumstances; My 2nd Gen was a present from my parents when I got my learner’s permit more than ten years ago and I love my truck, so I understand where you are coming from!

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place if you want your truck fixed!

 

Here's what worked for my '01...I noticed the water in the floor board, and then that the A/C didn't drip under the truck anymore.
I crawled under there and shot compressed air up the drain tube for a second or 2. A whole bunch of mud came draining out and the leak inside stopped. I've had to do it twice over the years.
I haven't taken it apart in the cab to see what might be going on as a result of shooting air up through there, but it seems to be fine. I'm not concerned about most stuff though.

 

I could try that to keep it maintained but I don't notice the water when the air conditioning is running otherwise it would be wet inside in the summer when I run it, I only notice the wetness when it's raining. I'll check on that as well. Thank you!

 

Mine was leaking water on passenger side floor only when it rained. It was a ripped rubber grommet on the passenger side fire wall. Filled hole with silicone and been dry ever since. Maybe yours is ripped also?

 

Did you have to remove the dashboard to get to it? Or just peel the carpeting back? Also, After Im done with whatever im doing , how does the carpet get reattached?

 

I could see and repair the grommet from under the hood. Never had to remove anything from inside the cab. It was a big grommet with a wire harness going through it. Hope that helps you.

 

It might be the the cab separating under the windshield cowling. Thats what happened to me.

 

Carpeting comes out pretty easily... Once you remove the seats, plastic thresholds and center console it's pretty obvious. Mine's out till I can fix this leak.

 

@skycamper

I actually really like the way your truck looks with those older 1st Gen wheels! As opposed to the newer 1st Gen (2001-2004) wheels, that is...

 

Definitely because this truck originally came with steel chrome wheels that look awful but what I really like are these 1993 4Runner wheels that I got from my uncle's 4Runner. The only problem is that they are 15 in so I need a taller Tire to meet the original specifications to not throw off the speedometer

 

In my opinion, the only way to get a 100% accurate speedometer is to buy an old cop car at auction; They’re specially calibrated!

 

I was trying to eliminate the obious problems and thought I had it....I noticed my truck does not drip water when running with the AC on, I even turned it to the hot side with the ac running but did not see any water dripping under the truck, not one drop. Did this for 20 minutes!!! I thought ok i'll try unclogging the AC drain in the engine compartment. See photos!! There seems to be no leak. Also, in this photo I did not see any water running down the fire wall. I guess next step is to put a hose on the truck windshield and see if I can see anything coming inside.

Thats wont explain why I see no dripping from the AC and the AC drain is clear!! BTW...take a look at the broken pieces I found under the carpet!