Drain holes and damp

[TimS996]

I have a problem with my 08 GTi. I have a lot of condensation which I think is coming from damp footwell carpets/sound insulation.

My wifes Passat has recently returned from a bodyshop where they had to remove all the carpets and insulation while doing some work. They reported that the "drain holes" were blocked, so they cleared them and dried the carpets - no more condensation.

So can you help? Exactly where are the drain holes I need to check and clear and how do I access them?

Thanks 

[AA]

 

[GTI5]

A good place to check is the drain holes for the windscreen/front of the car:



If you remove the rubber lining you can lift up the plastic and see whether you have any blocked drain holes at either side of the car. There is a duct into the cabin on the passengers side.

These can get sludged up and block leaving a load of rotting leaves and mud/standing water.

Next I would see what condition your pollen filter is in.

Sometimes changing your Air Con habits can help. For example having the smallest differences possible between the temp outside and inside the car particularly towards the end of the journey.  So it may help to turn the air con off towards the end of the journey or drop the temperature.

I have also heard some people have discovered standing water in the space saver wheel well.

On the other hand if your carpets are damp,not sure any of this will help

In the meantime I would consider getting a £2.99 Demister pad from Halfrauds.

[dmac1969]

I had this problem with my old Skoda Fabia . it seems to effect lots of VAG cars - blocked plenum drains and a soggy pollen filter.

[TimS996]

Thanks. I've already drained and dried my fog lights and headlights so ripping up the carpets shouldn't be much trouble.

[Deako]

There are no drain holes in the floor (whats being reported is as above most likely, drain holes either side of the inner wings near the a pillars). The inside should not get wet at all. Its more likely there is a perished grommet or seal somewhere letting moisture in, alternatively, you are getting in with very wet feet and making the carpets wet, which is causing the condensation.

Get one of the small plastic tubs filled with crystals for taking moisute out the air and stick that in the car overnight.

[woky]

i,ve just found out i have water in the wheel well in the boot    does anyone know how it gets in ?

[Snoopy]

Back light seals maybe. Boot rubber sealing. Sunroof drains.

The drain holes the bodyshop are on about are what has been shown. It's a common issue I just did our Leon.
Also check your door seals. Mk5 did have issues with door seals and door fit.

[TimS996]

Thanks, I have checked the door seals and they are fine, the rest of the car is ok. Ive previously had the same problem in a Leon we used to own, but never had it in my Mk3 GTi. Seems to be on the newer VAGS as my wifes Passat suffered badly from it.

Will try the crystals to dry it out. To be honest, in the past I put it in the garage for a few days with the carpets up and a dehumidifier running in it. You'd be amazed how much water came out and it was nice and dry for a while after. Unfortunately I have to park outside as I have a winter project in bits in the garage so I'll have to live with it for now.

[chrisr763]

I would 100% reccomend checking and replacing your pollen filter. If its 'shot' then it wont be helping!