Water intrusion

I suspect this is a common issue, but I thought I'd share what I think is the source of water getting in the cab.

A day after a high-pressure drive-through car wash, I noticed my fan wasn't putting out air very well. Recently, I installed a new cabin filter and blower, so I knew those weren't the issue. Looking at the floor, I noticed water. I pulled the cabin filter out, and it was soaking wet.

I ran the fan without the filter, and it was putting out air like crazy.

Can't say for sure, but I believe the source of the water is the trim at the bottom of the windshield. It appears not to be sealing very well. Does this seem like a likely avenue for the water to get into the fresh air "box?" Anyway, I thought I'd share.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/water-leak-passenger-side-floor.335026/
Check out post #7

 

YES that is a common spot to fill the glovebox area. is your windshield oem or replaced? old truck?
i pre-emptively ran gorilla tape across that entire spot as preventative

 

It's a 2013 from AZ so things are a bit dry. And yes, it's a replacement windshield. I think I may try some adhesive first, then take the deeper dive into pulling it off and putting a baffle over the box area.

 

funny you say that. my truck ive had 6 mos, had it shipped from AZ
and you can tell it was hot and dry, all the little clips are so brittle, spare tire dry rotted, breather hoses frayed on tcase but fixed it

good luck w your windshield

 

Below is a helpful link also. Before getting into sealing the trim piece, make sure the channel under it is clear or debris at the ends. That is also a source of leaks. My trim piece is very loose (OEM windshield) and I’ve never had a leak so I suspect it’s the channel under the cowel trim.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cowl-water-leak-and-linkage-seized.604576/page-2

 

I had 3 windshields in 3 years. I replaced the cowl and that stopped my leak

 

There's a guy on here that designed/sells kits to help prevent this kind of water intrusion. Its a 3d printed cover for the cabin filter. You can also redirect your intake to the cowl area as an alternative to cutting a hole in your fender for a snorkel lol

 

Found it!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pele-prints-cowl-intake-snorkel-kits-and-hvac-screens.820061/

I have no affiliation to the guy. I haven't bought one either, I just think its a very clever solution