Hi! I've got a 98 Beetle (no sunroof) that collects water in the rear, drivers side, passenger foot well when it rains. When this happens, the battery dies, guessing that something is getting shorted out <?>.

I initially had a leak in my windshield, so I'd get water in the drivers side floor in both the front and back. I had the windshield replaced, so that's not the issue anymore. I'm guessing there's probably another leak, but no idea where to look.

I've seen some posts around here about what to do if you have a sunroof and you get standing water in the back, but that is due to clogged drain tubes from the sun roof (which don't exist in this case).

Anyone have any ideas? I guess I'm looking for what might be the cause of the leak (it seems like quite a few people have complained about VWs leaking), if it's related to my electrical issue and if there might be another issue (ie - a clogged drain) that is exacerbating the problem).

I do see a puddle under my car, underneath where the water is in the car, but there's a very slow drip feeding it (rather than a steady trickle).

any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

Man, what's the deal with leaking Beetles? I'd check your weatherstripping and your door drains.

 

I'd love to know what the deal is with leaking beetles!

The weatherstripping looks fine. What exactly is the door drain? Would it cause only the rear part to fill up with water if it was plugged?

How fast should water be coming out of the normal drains? If they were operating correctly, could there be this much water in the car (when you step on the carpet there's a nice wet sloshy sound)?

thanks!

-k

 

The door drains drain water that comes in through the bottom of the window where the rubber strip is. If the door drains were clogged, it could fill up in the door and spill over from underneath the door panel. I guess it could also be coming through the rear window. Those are the only things I can think of but, it doesn't mean I'm right.