Update: Water in passenger footwell.
 

<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/462698.phtml"> Earlier Post</a>

As I had posted earlier, I had water enter the passenger side footwell during a car wash. On Sunday I spent time investigating the issue. I thought it might be good to post what the issue turned out to be.

There are three clips that secure the plastic cover closest to the windshield as indicated in this photo.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/76151/clip_locations.jpg">

My car was missing two! The center and passenger side. Here's the original post of the pollen filter pointing out the missing securing clip on the passenger side.

<img src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d104/kmloveless/Car%20Photos/A6/Pollen%20Filter-Water/Picture005.jpg">

During my investigation, it was apparent the cover was not secure. I could easily lift the plastic cover...therefore, it would be easy for carwash blowers to forced water down through the gap.

<img src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d104/kmloveless/Car%20Photos/A6/Pollen%20Filter-Water/Picture016.jpg">

So, my fix was to find a temporary solution to secure the cover. A little thought, I came up with two heavy duty paper clips! (until I can get the clips from the dealer)

<img src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d104/kmloveless/Car%20Photos/A6/Pollen%20Filter-Water/Picture017.jpg">

I was able to attach the two clips and the cover appears to be secure.

<img src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d104/kmloveless/Car%20Photos/A6/Pollen%20Filter-Water/Picture020.jpg">

In discussing this today with a friend in the business, the thought was that the clips were removed during a maintenance to help gain access to the filter...and not replaced. (Thank you some mechanic in my car's past).

Thanks goodness I have not sustained any damage to date. My car is a 6-speed, who knows what would have happened if it were a Tip with the TCM under there.

Anyway, I'll call the dealer this week and order replacements. If I find anything different out, I'll post another follow-up.

Glad to hear you got to the bottom of it. Makes sure to dry the interior of the car very
 

thoroughly. I might place a small portable heater in the footwell for a while, and maybe use some large packets of desiccant to pick up any residual humidity. It could get very nasty with mold and/or bad connectors nearby.

Elementary my dear Watson. Nice work :-0

Amen to that. You might what to check under the carpet too - see my old post...
 

The TCU is actually located on the floor even though Audi says "footwell". It is under the passenger's right foot in a three inch deep well - a great spot for water to collect.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/459229.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/459229.phtml</a></li></ul>

I popped a couple of those off on my car last time I changed the pollen filter.
 

Sometimes they pop off when you stuff the water tray (aka plastic battery cover) back in. I replaced them, but I think I'll take a second look this weekend.

Glad to hear that you found the problem. Water leak detection can be very frustrating....
 

It took me over two months to find the leak in a '98 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg Cab PU. The leak was so bad that I had water sloshing around the passenger side footwell.

I just went out to check:
 

Pulled the glove box and covers. It appears to be dry underneath...however the carpet is pretty wet. We have what appears to be a 10 day dry spell, so I'll leave it all open until it is thoroughly dry.

I would be a little nervous putting a heater in the car anyway!

Thanks as always.

Staples to the rescue! Great going.

Happens all the time, glad you found it.

If it keeps happening after this fix check door vapor barriers. BMW's have a MAJOR prob when the
 

plastic vapor barrier on the door metal is broken - had a friend with the exact problem, and the dealership had removed his vapor barrier to replace a window motor, then forgot to put one back and voila - huge dump of water after rain / wash.