'03 Forester passenger floor water

[James]

Decided the engine of our '03 Forester XS+ needed a quick rinse, so
went to the car wash and used a high pressure hose to quickly rinse
the engine bay. To my surprise, when I got in the car, the passenger
floor mat (all season rubber) contained about a cup of water. I
couldn't determine where the water came from.

With this car, I have the problem of freezing hands and noses when
driving at highway speeds in the winter, and warm air entering the car
when the auto climate should be blowing cold in the summer. I'm
wondering if these two "problems" are related?

I am about a month away from the 7500 mile service, and will have the
water problem addressed.

Thanks for any feedback.

James
'03 Subaru Forester XS-P
'01 Subaru Outback LLBean
Santa Fe, New Mexico

 

[Andrew Morris]

might be a condescending question, but were all of your doors fully closed?
also, you may have a leak in the plastic between the windscreen and the
bonnet (hood).... I had this problem in my Leone sedan, L series wagon, and
my first Forester...

 

[Rob Munach]

might be a condescending question, but were all of your doors fully closed?
also, you may have a leak in the plastic between the windscreen and the
bonnet (hood).... I had this problem in my Leone sedan, L series wagon, and
my first Forester...

Also, it is not a good idea to get a high pressure hose anywhere near
your engine compartment. The engine doesnt care if it is clean or dirty
and all of your electrical connectors will thank you.

 

[James]

Any chance you force feed water into the air intake just below the
windshield?

Thanks for all the responses.

Yes, the doors and windows were closed tightly. The water was
concentrated on the floor mat, none on the carpet, door or seat. I
couldn't feel any wet spots under the dash. I was alone in the car,
didn't open the passenger door at all.

I know the engine doesn't care if it is dirty or not, but my service
technicians appreciate a clean engine. It also sends a message that I
care about my car!

I had a long conversation with my service manager today as the
Forester's moonroof decided to auto retract to the fullest open
position and refuse to close. I had to use the manual "tool" to close
it, and in the process stripped and bent the tool! I will need a new
tool in case this happens again. Service manager said there have been
problems with moonroofs binding, especially in older Foresters.
Didn't seem to think it was a big issue. Of course I'm apprehensive
about the removal of the headliner, and the rattles it may create.

Heavy sigh.

James
'03 Subaru Forester XS-P
'01 Subaru Outback LLBean
Santa Fe, New Mexico

 

[Rob Munach]

Thanks for all the responses.

Yes, the doors and windows were closed tightly. The water was
concentrated on the floor mat, none on the carpet, door or seat. I
couldn't feel any wet spots under the dash. I was alone in the car,
didn't open the passenger door at all.

I know the engine doesn't care if it is dirty or not, but my service
technicians appreciate a clean engine. It also sends a message that I
care about my car!

It also sends another message........

 

[Andrew Morris]

James,

sounds like the water did come in through the air intakes....

was there any water around the bottom of the fan assembly???