Questions and Answers

Geo Tracker Taking On Water Q. Dear Vince, I just purchased a 1996 Geo Tracker 4WD convertible. I noticed some dampness in the driver side carpet last night after a rain storm. What prompted me to check this was when I inspected the car prior to buying it, I seemed to detect some dampness at that same location, but it wasn't real evident that it was damp or just cool from the A/C blowing toward the floor.

I checked after the rain storm and it is definitely damp, though not soaked. There are rubber floor mats, so it's not coming from my shoes.

My question is: are you familiar with Tracker having this problem and how might I correct it? Or, where are the most likely nooks and crannies this could be coming from. I know if I get under there it probably won't be obvious, so I thought maybe you might know of some less obvious places to look as well.

The dampness seems to be in the center area of the driver side front floor board. I don't know yet if it's coming up from the wheel well area or leaking down from the windshield area or maybe even through the fire wall. Appreciate your advice.

Thanks,
Jeff

A. Water comes in through some strange places! My first guess would be the top. The best way to find leaks is to sit inside with a good flash light. Have someone spray a garden hose on the car starting low and working their way up to roof.

You will need to crawl over and under to look in all the areas that you suspect of leaking. Also make sure the HVAC condensate drain is working and not backing up inside the car.