Water leak seeping into trunk spare tire well

[JCB]

Good afternoon - new owner here and I have to say pretty stupid for not checking the vehicle prior to purchase for any leaks

My issue is that water is collecting in the spare tire well - have removed the tire and carpeted piece since I now have a mildew smell

My mechanic checked it and found the pass side trunk hinge was either loose or bent, and after tightening it , it “seemed” the leak went away

That quickly, it was back - I’m at my wits end as to what it might be - I’m hoping that someone here may have some ideas for me?

Thank you - Jay

 

[Action]

I can not offer you any experience of a MKZ or specific areas to check for water leaks.

And water leaks in a trunk can be easier to find if not obvious. I worked at a FLM dealership in the Pacific North West. (PNW) Lots of rain. And on occasion, we had to empty a trunk and put a tech inside with a flashlight and some paper towels. Then have another tech spray water from a hose at all joints in and around the deck lid. (Rear windshield and tail lamps are common) One time we did that by running the vehicle through the dealership car wash.

Other suggestions -
Make sure there is absolutely no debris in the gutter around the deck lid opening. In fact I would suggest waxing that gutter area. Waxing keeps the water moving down and out the back of the vehicle. The longer the water hangs around, the more opportunity for water to enter the vehicle. This is especially true in the PNW. Many vehicles are parked outside because of the non-freezing weather and under trees where the vehicle never really fully dries out. And mold occurs.

Inspect and treat the rubber weather strips. Make sure there are no damaged, cut or twisted rubber. Then treat with a spry product for the use. (Maguires, 303 or Mothers) Some of these weather strips are glued into a channel or a body retaining piece. If correct make sure the adhesive is still intact all the way around.

I would wax the entire vehicle. Just to keep water off of the vehicle. Especially horizontal surfaces. And the car looks better too.

Good luck.

Action

 

[bbf2530]

Good afternoon - new owner here and I have to say pretty stupid for not checking the vehicle prior to purchase for any leaks

My issue is that water is collecting in the spare tire well - have removed the tire and carpeted piece since I now have a mildew smell

My mechanic checked it and found the pass side trunk hinge was either loose or bent, and after tightening it , it “seemed” the leak went away

That quickly, it was back - I’m at my wits end as to what it might be - I’m hoping that someone here may have some ideas for me?

Thank you - Jay

Hi JCB. In addition to the good information provided above by Action, I would add: While water leaks are not common, when there is a leak, there are two usual suspects. The first are the two rearward moonroof drains being clogged, disconnected, etc.
The second are the fasteners/fastener hole areas which hold down the large, half-moon gloss black trim piece below/behind the rear window.

You can easily check for clogged drains by doing a water test. If they are clogged, clear them.

Checking for disconnected drains lines can be a little more difficult, as you may need to at least partially pull down the rear of the headliner and remove the interior trim in the trunk area to gain access to them.

To check the gloss black trunk trim fastener areas for leaks, remove the trim on the underside of the trunk lid and check for signs of water leakage/water damage.

I am sure others will jump in with more suggestions, so let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[Action]

I will add that clearing a moon roof drain can be done with thick plastic fishing line or plastic weed wacker line. Far easier on the drain than something metallic like wire or a coat hanger. (Do they make metal coat hangers any more?)

Action

______________________________

 

[JCB]

Just wanted to give everyone an update - after checking multiple things, the water was coming in inside the lining of the trunk decklid. There apparently is a piece (500.00 ugh) which is known to go bad on these vehicles, and is affixed with 27 holes. Sometimes a body guy can seal it if it hasn’t been mucked with. Sadly, mine had been, so only recourse as to replace the part.

 

[Nsevec]

Just wanted to give everyone an update - after checking multiple things, the water was coming in inside the lining of the trunk decklid. There apparently is a piece (500.00 ugh) which is known to go bad on these vehicles, and is affixed with 27 holes. Sometimes a body guy can seal it if it hasn’t been mucked with. Sadly, mine had been, so only recourse as to replace the part.

can you share that part number? I have the same issue.

 

[bbf2530]

can you share that part number? I have the same issue.

Hi Nsevec. I believe, but am not 100% sure, that JCB was referring to the piano black half moon (sort-of) trim piece, on the exterior of the vehicle, at the base of the rear window.

An owner or two who had leaks from the holes/fasteners used to secure that trim piece to the trunk, used silicon sealant to solve the leak issue. To do so, the interior trunk trim would be removed to gain access to the area, then silicone sealant used to plug the leaking area and then the interior trim would be reinstalled.
Or alternately, if one would like to try a more thorough/professional job, remove the fasteners of the trim piece before sealing with the silicone sealant.

Hopefully JCB will jump in if I am mistaken about the piece he was referring to.

Let us know how you make out and goodl uck.