drain duct cleaning

[rlim]

I bought a second set of key which requires cutting and programming for my 08 Cayenne. I brought it to the dealership yesterday to get the key cut and programmed when the consultant started asking me about the history of the car as he doesn't have it on file. I purchased it about a month ago and this is the first time I've taken it to the dealership.

I left the car with them and it seems that the consultant had requested one of the mechanics to go through the car as I received a call an hour later that his mechanic had pointed out areas of concerns ... wheel alignment, spark plug replacement, and clogged drain.

I declined both the alignment and spark plug replacement as I explained I will be looking to upgrade my wheels and will deal with the alignment at that time. As for the spark plugs, I told him I will consider it for another visit.

However, he stated that the clogged drain should be looked at as it is a very common problem with Cayenne resulting in flooded interior causing other major problems such as electrical shorts. He told me they have a few Cayennes that came into the service center with this problem. He quoted me $175 for the service. He explained they needed to remove panels to perform the work which sounded quite labor intensive. Anyway, I agreed on it.

If clogged drains is a common problem with Cayenne, is there a DIY on clearing the drain duct? I would hate to spend $175 having the dealer clear the drain whenever I visit them.

Thanks

Edited November 17, 2011 by rlim

[JRBLACKBOX]

I had the same problem, the front passenger seat carpet on MY04 was soaking wet. Apparently there are a number of drains and they could become clogged with leaves and debris etc.... There is also an AC drain hose that runs in the front passenger seat area under the glove box that has been known to get clogged. The drain that was clogged on mine was behind the front passenger tire, had to remove tire and the wheel well liner and you should see the drain, I believe there are 2 drains there IIRC. Just stick your finger in there and and pull the clog out.

[rlim]

JRBLACKBOX, thanks ... I'll check it out.

[RicksCarrera]

The 2008 model also has a a/c drain duct that protrudes through the firewall on the front passenger side. It can be reached from the engine compartment to the firewall on the front passenger side. It is a rubber duct/spigot the size of a straw with a flap that can stick closed which causes a backup of water in the air vent systems and water dripping on the carpet. No service is required, just reach in and ensure the duct can drain.

[mudman2]

Find another dealer

[tom__w]

I found some moisture in the rear well (next to the spare tire) of my 06 Cayenne. Where are the drain lines (entrance / exit) for the back of the car?

Edited December 22, 2011 by tom__w

[deilenberger]

I found some moisture in the rear well (next to the spare tire) of my 06 Cayenne. Where are the drain lines (entrance / exit) for the back of the car?

Probably the sunroof drains.. they come apart in the C pillars. R&R of the trim panels is necessary to fix.. If this isn't fixed your woofer in the spare tire well will end up getting destroyed by water.

[tom__w]

Thanks. So are there more drains on the sunroof than the ones that drain to the front of the car? If they are the same, perhaps I could use the same technique for clearing these:

I used compressed air to clear the front drains. Any thoughts?

[GlenC]

The sunroof should have 4-drains. The two in front should be able to be cleaned with compressed air. To check the drains, you can pour some water in the drain channel and see if it drips out in four points under the car. The rear drains are a bit more difficult to reach.... possibly some small semi rigid plastic tubing. Start lightly with the compressed air, not sure if there are any rubber connections that could be dislodged.

[tom__w]

My fear exactly. Imagine that nightmare!!

[RENN 951]

I've had some issues with the front cowl drains clogging up. Two years ago on my 04 C-S during the 80K mile service the dealer said the drains needed to be cleaned and it had to be done manually. They said compressed air would blow the hoses off. No wet carpet at that time, but several hours of labor charged to take things apart to access them for cleaning.

Two weeks ago I the carpets on the 04 CTT that I purchased in late August (w/CPO) were found to be wet, and the dealer said the drains were clogged allowing rain water to back up and flow into the fresh air intake into the cabin. They recommended removing the carpets to allow them to air dry and to also dry out the wiring and electronics on the floor. The selling dealer (not the same as the one servicing it now) performed a 40K mile service before I took delivery, which would have included checking the drains. I find it hard to believe the drains could clog up that bad in less than 4 months, so I asked for it to be covered under the CPO. PCNA denied the request.

[deilenberger]

A rather common technique on BMW sunroof drains is weed-wacker plastic cord - it's stiff enough to push through the tubes, especially if they're hard tubes.