2003 XJ8 MYSTERY WATER LEAK

[jbmason]

Following a bi-weekly hand car wash, a slow drip was pointed out under the glove box of my 2003 XJ8. The total volume of water may have been 2-3 oz over the course of the day. I was able to collect the slow drips on a plastic tray but was unable to identify if it was fresh water or water/coolant mix. I am unsure if it is a leak from the heater core or valve or simply some water that may have blown down and into a fresh air vent. The drip appeared to be dripping down the heater blower housing. It did subside over the course of the day. Never noticed this problem following hours of rain driving. The car has 18,000 miles, remains under warranty, and I have mentioned it to the dealer for inspection, however I would appreciate any input that anyone has to offer.

 

[John S Farrington]

There is another source of a water leak from that area of your XJ8. The air conditioning system condenses water on humid days and there are drains on the left and right side of the AC/heater box that route the condensate through the transmission tunnel area to drain outside. These drains can get clogged up with dirt or disconnected from the metal pipes that feed them. When this happens, your carpets in front and sometimes your shoes can get wet. The drains may be cleaned from underneath with high pressure air or a speedometer cable/wire to act as a small roto-rooter. Check that out.

 

[jbmason]

Thanks, this is the only reasonable input offered by anyone on any of the Jag lists. The dealer did solve the problem and cleaned the drains.