Help!...I've got a leak.

[ArunAlec]

Is this the sort of thing?

View attachment 54295

Doesn’t look like a T5 or 6 window?

 

[ArunAlec]

Found a pic on the web.I've added my scribbles to show how the dodgy drains are connected.
I suspect the bonding of the plastic drain to the glass could be the culprit as far as water getting in.

 

[AlisonF]

Found a pic on the web.I've added my scribbles to show how the dodgy drains are connected.
I suspect the bonding of the plastic drain to the glass could be the culprit as far as water getting in.
View attachment 54301

That’s extremely helpful. As I’m being a bit Of a numpty (sorry) can you also indicate which arrows show where the drain SHOULD go and where it is leaking.
It’s probably all there already... I just want to know for sure before (if you’re on with that) sharing with my dealer when the van goes in.
Thanks in advance.

 

[EddieEagle]

Found a pic on the web.I've added my scribbles to show how the dodgy drains are connected.
I suspect the bonding of the plastic drain to the glass could be the culprit as far as water getting in.
View attachment 54301

Thought as much, so its basically down to the care of the original fitment as to whether the water which goes into the drain channel doesn't go back into the van.....

 

[ArunAlec]

That’s extremely helpful. As I’m being a bit Of a numpty (sorry) can you also indicate which arrows show where the drain SHOULD go and where it is leaking.
It’s probably all there already... I just want to know for sure before (if you’re on with that) sharing with my dealer when the van goes in.
Thanks in advance.

The plastic assembly marked in red should direct water from the 2 drains straight outside (dotted yellow). (The one in the photo is damaged where the window was removed). Any water escaping from the assembly "above" the sealant will be running down the inside of the body panel.

 

[fraser500]

Ok so it's been into VW and it's the side window seal that's leaking or so theyt say...

So it's going to have to have a whole new side window fitted/bonded.

The VW Van Centre have spoken to VW Customer care and there is no goodwill offer from them to help cover the cost.

Which is a bit of a disgrace bearing in mind it's a 2016 vehicle.

Is it worth me calling VW Customer Care UK myself to push this as it's seems ridiculus to me for them to not pay anything towards it?

But at least it's going to be fixed, next week as it cant be done any sooner.

Lets just hope they connect up the drainage bits correctly.

 

[MartG]

I thought your taping of all the joints would have discounted the seals....

You mentioned you've only had it a few weeks, no warranty with the purchase?

Worth a call to VWCC to say you've only just bought it, with no indication of water issues prior to sale, but I wouldn't hold much hope but worth a try...

 

[AlisonF]

Ok so it's been into VW and it's the side window seal that's leaking or so theyt say...

So it's going to have to have a whole new side window fitted/bonded.

The VW Van Centre have spoken to VW Customer care and there is no goodwill offer from them to help cover the cost.

Which is a bit of a disgrace bearing in mind it's a 2016 vehicle.

Is it worth me calling VW Customer Care UK myself to push this as it's seems ridiculus to me for them to not pay anything towards it?

But at least it's going to be fixed, next week as it cant be done any sooner.

Lets just hope they connect up the drainage bits correctly.

I’ve received a notification for the test for my window, at the end it says...
“As always please make the customer aware that the ingress has to be quite severe to get authorised by VW, and if new windows are authorised, they will likely leak to some extent, depending on the volume of rain and the angle it hits the window at.”
Which does make me hesitate going through the hassle of tests or new windows (requiring kitchen dismantling) if the new ones are not guarantees to not leak...

 

[MartG]

That's a very vague statement Alison that you've received, with "quite severe", "likely leak to some extent" and "volume and angle"! What's acceptable? No leaks are acceptable to me... I would not want any intrusive work done either which may make it worse with no guarantee.

 

[Digger]

Totally unacceptable response by the dealer. The California is for habitation use and no leak is the default. I would advise them of their responsibilty - but knowing the dealers up here don't hold your breath. This is sad and seems you have been treated badly. Keep fighting and don't give up.

 

[AlisonF]

Totally unacceptable response by the dealer. The California is for habitation use and no leak is the default. I would advise them of their responsibilty - but knowing the dealers up here don't hold your breath. This is sad and seems you have been treated badly. Keep fighting and don't give up.

It doesn’t read as though it was written by the dealer. Seems more like guidance they have received to pass on to the customer...

 

[AlisonF]

@Digger
I have a bit more time now, so my quote in total reads...

“Check for both side sliding windows leaking. Diagnostic session on fault above Price quoted £125+ VAT for initial diagnostics...

Water tests have to be carried out
Tests require a special tool fitted on to a water hose operating at a specific pressure, and video has to be taken of the water ingress, then send it to VW Germany. If VW technical feel the ingress is too much they will authorise replacement windows.
If they feel it is acceptable they will only authorise the window slides to be cleaned and lubricated with petroleum grease.
If a window(s) are authorised, some of the interior has to be removed to allow the glaziers in to change the windows. Depending on which side is leaking, this may involve the complete removal of the interior of the vehicle.
As always please make the customer aware that the ingress has to be quite severe to get authorised by VW, and if new windows are to be authorised, they will likely leak to some extent, depending on the volume of rain and the angle it hits the window at.”

I’ve not been quoted the £125 and there is no sum on the invoice. That maybe an internal charge between the Dealer and the Warranty department. But I will check it out.

 

[ArunAlec]

The drainage is p

@Digger
I have a bit more time now, so my quote in total reads...

“Check for both side sliding windows leaking. Diagnostic session on fault above Price quoted £125+ VAT for initial diagnostics...

Water tests have to be carried out
Tests require a special tool fitted on to a water hose operating at a specific pressure, and video has to be taken of the water ingress, then send it to VW Germany. If VW technical feel the ingress is too much they will authorise replacement windows.
If they feel it is acceptable they will only authorise the window slides to be cleaned and lubricated with petroleum grease.
If a window(s) are authorised, some of the interior has to be removed to allow the glaziers in to change the windows. Depending on which side is leaking, this may involve the complete removal of the interior of the vehicle.
As always please make the customer aware that the ingress has to be quite severe to get authorised by VW, and if new windows are to be authorised, they will likely leak to some extent, depending on the volume of rain and the angle it hits the window at.”

I’ve not been quoted the £125 and there is no sum on the invoice. That maybe an internal charge between the Dealer and the Warranty department. But I will check it out.

My query back to VW would be, when they say “ingress has to be quite severe” does that relate to water getting into the vehicle through the window seal? Or getting through the window seal and flowing into the cupboards due to faulty drains? If they consider the latter to be acceptable, then they really are having a laugh!

 

[fraser500]

The leak was from the window in the end, new side window fitted and now dry inside.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions, now looking forward to getting away and enjoying owning such a great van.

 

[ArunAlec]

The leak was from the window in the end, new side window fitted and now dry inside.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions, now looking forward to getting away and enjoying owning such a great van.

Welcome to the window club!

 

[Calimagg]

Just back from the Looe meet and looks like I’ve joined the window club! Cupboard under sink soaked, so now reading all the suggested solutions. Fingers crossed.

 

[ArunAlec]

Just back from the Looe meet and looks like I’ve joined the window club! Cupboard under sink soaked, so now reading all the suggested solutions. Fingers crossed.

Welcome! If it’s the faulty drain, then it really is a replace window job. If still in warranty don’t be put off by the “threat” that the kitchen unit has to be removed..... it doesn’t.

 

[Calimagg]

Welcome! If it’s the faulty drain, then it really is a replace window job. If still in warranty don’t be put off by the “threat” that the kitchen unit has to be removed..... it doesn’t.

Thank you! 2016 and out of warranty. Window was opened and closed quite a lot this weekend.
I syringed both drains and the water came out under the glass. Have cleaned all the channels and treated the rubber around the windows.
45mph winds and heavy rain, so am hoping that may have been the reason. Only time will tell now

 

[Perfectos]

Thank you! 2016 and out of warranty. Window was opened and closed quite a lot this weekend.
I syringed both drains and the water came out under the glass. Have cleaned all the channels and treated the rubber around the windows.
45mph winds and heavy rain, so am hoping that may have been the reason. Only time will tell now

Hi Calimagg
sorry to hear about your issue,
Can you share what you treated the rubber seal with ?
was it Gummi Pflege?
multiple treatments with Gummi Pflege will benefit the rubber and make it more pliable, help it seal and prevent sticking.

 

[Calimagg]

Hi Calimagg
sorry to hear about your issue,
Can you share what you treated the rubber seal with ?
was it Gummi Pflege?
multiple treatments with Gummi Pflege will benefit the rubber and make it more pliable, help it seal and prevent sticking.

Hi there
Yes it was Gummi. Did all the rubber about 3 moths ago, but forgot the sliding windows

 

[colintfcolintf]

View attachment 54221
The slit that you're lighting is the drain hole - mine does not have what looks like two holes each side... but that, and there's one more at the rear (left) are the usual culprits...
I'd recommend a visit to the dealer for a replacement trim or try and seal around the drain hole - don't seal the drain itself!
If the drains are blocked, it may be causing the water to flow into the void below, so check that the drains are clear... you may get away with that, and clean the window seals...

Thankyou, this just reminded me where the front drainhole is

 

[Gozzie11]

I really hope someone can help with this, I'm at my witts end.

Only had my California a few weeks and was really pleased with it until I noticed my teabags were getting damp in the cupboard.
Upon further investigation I noticed water dripping down from inside the cubboard right at the back on the cupboard just above the waste water tank. See pi attached.

I initially thought it would be the sliding window as I'm aware these are prone to leaks but after complely sealing that up the leak was still there.

So I taped up around all the windows on that side of the van but unfortunatly its still dripping in the same place.

I've cleared all the drain holes front and back on the roof and cleaned out along roof channels but its still leaking.

I'm at a loss at this point and wondered if anyone had any advice on this issue or where I should check next?

I really like this Van as its a 4Motion with a very good spec but I cannot put up with a leak.

I look forward to someone being able to shed some light on this.

Many thanks in advance.

Fraser

View attachment 54000

Definitely sliding window drain hole draining into the van! New window I’m afraid! Had exactly the same problem on our 24 6.1!!!