Let me start by saying, I have not had this problem before even when it rained. The other day, we had a torrential rainfall for about 10 minutes. When I got back to the car and it was raining lightly, there was a puddle on the front passenger footwell under the dash. I could not see any leaks because by now it was only raining lightly.

Has anyone encountered this problem before? If so, please let me know where to look so that I can fix the problem. Thanks in advance!

 

You need to check the drain by the cabin filter is as it is probably full of debris. What happens is the drain blocks up and then the box fills with water and pours in through the cabin filter. Check the cabin filter and if it is wet that is your problem. There is another drain on the driver's side. I would do this as a matter of urgency as the ECU lives right under where the water enters and several unfortunate people have had the ECU die due to the water.

 

Thank you thank you Joe! You were right.. I just opened the cabin filter cover and the filter was wet. The bottom of the cabinet filter compartment was all full of debris.. I started cleaning it out but I had to go, so I’ll finish tomorrow.

What are the exact location of the drains on both the passenger and drivers side in the engine compartment? I saw a tube running along the left side of the cabin filter compartment, but not sure if that the drain.. also I definitely now want to clean out the driver’s side as well.

thanks again!

 

The drain is towards the back on the left hand side. If you stick a finger in the area it will probably be full of leaves and muck. I poke it out a bit then run a slow garden hose pipe down it and it usually flushes it out. .

 

Thanks Joe.. I’m assuming the left side you mentioned is the driver’s side.. I did see a hole I’m assuming is the drain location a few inches below the wiper arm pivot.. it was full of leaves etc..
I’m assuming there is also the same in the passenger side...I apologize for the dumb questions, it’s in my nature to have it clear in my head..

I appreciate the help!

 

FIXED

Today I unclogged both drain openings

Driver's Side: The is an opening just below the wiper arm pivot.
Passenger Side: You need to remove the cover that is housing the cabin filter. Then on the bottom left there is a drain opening.

Both were full of leaves and debris. I used a thin needle nose pliers to remove the top layer and then snaked in the holes with a thin rubber vacuum hose. After I lightly sprayed the opening with water.

Thanks again for the help

 

I changed cabin filter last year and found minimal crap in the drain. I'll do this today on both sides as preventative maintenance. The XJ* is always garaged but we live in a forested are and who knows what has slipped in. Thanks for the head whack.

 

Just thought I would add a pic of the drain location. This is from my RHD car so just a mirror image for those of you that drive on the wrong side of the road. The drain is the hole in the bottom right corner. Ive actually modified the grill with some plastic mesh behind it to stop the drain blocking up.

 

Great idea re the mesh under the grill!

My '84 Mercedes has exactly the same but not the Jag-that's progress!

I am so pernickity about the Jag that there is no chance of any leaves blocking the drain!

 

Literally a bit of wind and that's it full of leaf bits. Cannot wait to rebuild the garage so I can get the car in.