GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Water Leak in the Rear Compartment Area

Subject:Water Leak in the Rear Compartment Area

Models:.



When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

Condition/Concern:

Vehicle may have a concern with water leaking into the rear compartment near the floor stowage pocket or the rear radio speaker. There are three possible areas to inspect:

  1. The pressure relief valve (driverside rear quarter) is not fully seated into the side panel. Remove the driverside carpet and visually inspect the valve.
  2. One of the fascia attaching screws, which should penetrate the adhesive bonding the tub halves together, is stripped or mispositioned. They are visible when the rear hatch (or decklid) is opened.
  3. There is a gap in the adhesive bonding between the upper and lower halves of the body tub. Remove the interior trim and inspect the rear corner(s) and/or the front near the hatch gutter drain for a leak.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Perform the following applicable repair(s):

  1. Push the relief valve into the side panel until is fully seated.
  2. a. Remove the problem screw, saving the washer.
  3. b. Fill the screw hole with urethane sealant.

    c. Install the original washer onto a longer screw (i.e. a rear taillamp bolt) and install it.

    d. Remove the taillamp for access.

    e. Install a speed nut to the bottom of the new screw and tighten.

    f. Install the taillamp.

  4. Depending on where the leak is determined to originate, it may be necessary to remove the rear fascia and/or quarter panels to gain access to the exterior of this seam. Use urethane sealant to fill any voids found.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.