Water dripping from light dome

[Andrea]

Hello everyone,

I own a 2010 Mustang GT Convertible.

After the car has been parked outside during heavy and prolonged rain, I sometimes notice water dripping from the dome light once I start driving, especially when accelerating or turning.

I’ve inspected the top and the weather stripping, and everything appears to be fine.

Has anyone experienced something similar? I searched the forum but couldn’t find any related posts.

Thanks in advance!

Andrea

 

[Forty61]

I'm sure others will chime in but when this happens have you checked the carpets to see if they are damp too? I don't know if the 2010s have the same cowl drains as the earlier cars but my first thought is water intrusion that's just condensing in the light.

 

[Andrea]

Yes, the carpets are dry, both under the front and rear seats. The only place where water gets in seems to be from the dome lights.

I don’t think it’s just condensation, because the amount is more than just a few drops. It actually spills at the beginning.

I also checked (as a further precaution) the drain between the engine bay and the cabin, and it’s clear, no water is collecting there.

 

[Andrea]

I have checked and cleaned also the drain tubes in the pillars.
I have a doubt.
Here, should the weatherstrip be glued to the frame? Or is it ok like this because it gets pressed and sealed by the roof when sitting on it?

 

[Andrea]

Update: I had a body shop glue the weatherstrip, since they found a little moisture underneath. Fingers crossed...

 

[Andrea]

No luck, unfortunately

I've found a temporary workaround: remove the dome light, tuck a piece of cloth inside the plastic header trim (7) to the right of the dome, and then reinstall the dome.

This prevents water from reaching the dome and dripping down, but it still collects inside the plastic header trim.

I'm wondering if the water is coming from the right A-pillar (6), possibly seeping in through the windshield...

 

[whitmanink]

oh boy

so i got a crashed gt from copart..
i put a new windshield in myself,, i didnt use a wide enough bead of sealer cuz if i wash my car let alone go in rain ,, i get water in my done light above your head in the car..

its definitely the sealer degraded or is gone ..

 

[Andrea]

oh boy

so i got a crashed gt from copart..
i put a new windshield in myself,, i didnt use a wide enough bead of sealer cuz if i wash my car let alone go in rain ,, i get water in my done light above your head in the car..

its definitely the sealer degraded or is gone ..

Thanks. I’ll definitely have the windshield checked then.
Its edge isn’t directly in contact with the plastic trim, but I understand that water can travel in unforeseen ways.

 

[whitmanink]

you can always just put blk sealer on top the windsheild to make it stop,,
i let mine be as its not a daily driver and the tires arent ment for rain anywho

 

[Andrea]

you can always just put blk sealer on top the windsheild to make it stop,,
i let mine be as its not a daily driver and the tires arent ment for rain anywho

Update: The problem was indeed the damaged seal right at the center-top of the windshield where it meets the frame. I took the car to a body shop, and they applied a little bit of black sealant internally... 10 minutes work. The repair is very hard to spot and, anyway, completely hidden by the plastic trim... and fixed the leak. Thanks!