[clairegrow]

California's had a lot of rain in the last few weeks but today topped it off by messing with my electrical system. rain.gif

I noticed after the rain that the passenger side brake light stays on (even if the car is off and the light switch in set to off). After turning the car on and driving to work, I very quickly realized that it was probably due to the amount of water that literally came flowing down like a little waterfall from under the glove box.

The carpet was soaked and there must have been about 1/2 gallon of water that came out from underneath the glove box. Shortly after, my passenger side automatic lock system was having trouble too (it kept clicking and clicking trying to unsuccessfully unlock itself). After looking up a few other threads to look for help, I found that there is very likely a leak in the area and damaging the smart junction box.

What I would like to know is what any one of you may do in this situation. I've heard that for the most part, this issue usually clears itself up once it's had some dry days. However, with the amount of water I saw continuously pouring onto the carpet, I fear the water may have really messed up my sjb.

I've never touched or even hear of the sjb til today, but i'm willing to find and try to fix it on my own if possible. wrenchin.gif Does anyone have any good references, pictures, articles, etc on how to go about the sjb? Not only that but does anyone also have any good references for where to find and how to fix leaks in this part of the car?


Any help would be greatly appreciated!
:hugalove

(Driving a 2006 V8 Coupe that is not under any warranty)

 

[MirageII]

As far as the leak goes, the water is most likely coming in from the cabin air filter. There are a couple of drains under the cowl that are supposed to let the water out, but they often fill with debris, leaves and such, and the water backs up into the cabin air filter and then pours onto the passenger floorboard and SJB. I'd start by checking that sitiation first. I don't have pictures right at hand, but if you search a little bit you'll find them.

 

[Dana W]

You can also check to see if the A/C condenser (heater box) drain hole is plugged with debris. That one gets a number of people in humid weather.

Once the clogged drain hole issue is eliminated, then the common S197 leak issue location is below the right side of the windshield corner where the firewall/inner fender/door jamb meet. There is a seam in there somewhere that did not get sealed properly in the factory. Some have been able to see light coming in when laying on their back, looking up into that corner with the hood open and/or with the black plastic cowling removed. Body seam sealer can be used to "caulk" it up. I don't know what if any TSB status the leak has any more. It's been an issue for about 12 years now.

 

[night rider]

California's had a lot of rain in the last few weeks but today topped it off by messing with my electrical system. rain.gif

I noticed after the rain that the passenger side brake light stays on (even if the car is off and the light switch in set to off). After turning the car on and driving to work, I very quickly realized that it was probably due to the amount of water that literally came flowing down like a little waterfall from under the glove box.

The carpet was soaked and there must have been about 1/2 gallon of water that came out from underneath the glove box. Shortly after, my passenger side automatic lock system was having trouble too (it kept clicking and clicking trying to unsuccessfully unlock itself). After looking up a few other threads to look for help, I found that there is very likely a leak in the area and damaging the smart junction box.

What I would like to know is what any one of you may do in this situation. I've heard that for the most part, this issue usually clears itself up once it's had some dry days. However, with the amount of water I saw continuously pouring onto the carpet, I fear the water may have really messed up my sjb.

I've never touched or even hear of the sjb til today, but i'm willing to find and try to fix it on my own if possible. wrenchin.gif Does anyone have any good references, pictures, articles, etc on how to go about the sjb? Not only that but does anyone also have any good references for where to find and how to fix leaks in this part of the car?


Any help would be greatly appreciated!
:hugalove

(Driving a 2006 V8 Coupe that is not under any warranty)

Google Ford TSB 08-26-07 for the water leak.