Firewall/dash leak at 500 miles?

[Cactus Jim]

Today when I was getting into my Ranger after work, I noticed what appeared to be a mineral stain left by water dripping under the dashboard and down the side of the transmission hump, right up against the firewall.

Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? I could also be mistaking the white stuff for that powder that comes on new rubber grommets, but I’m skeptical. We did have a huge rainstorm this past weekend that I drove in and am wondering if it’s possibly from then.

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[D Fresh]

Hopefully it's just water splashed up there from your boots in last weeks storm.

At a minimum I'd clean the flooring, and maybe place a paper towel back there to monitor for moisture.

 

[outdoorphotog]

I would expect to see a yellow tint if it were coolant

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Today when I was getting into my Ranger after work, I noticed what appeared to be a mineral stain left by water dripping under the dashboard and down the side of the transmission hump, right up against the firewall.

Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? I could also be mistaking the white stuff for that powder that comes on new rubber grommets, but I’m skeptical. We did have a huge rainstorm this past weekend that I drove in and am wondering if it’s possibly from then.

Hi Jim,

I would leave the drip tracks and take it back to the dealer. Seeing the tracks might aid them in a leak diagnosis. I could see water from your boots except it goes up too high where one would not normally put one's foot....JMO

best,
Phil

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Jim,

FYI....the metal cab part that separates the engine compartment to the interior of the cab is referred to as the dash panel. We do not use the F word including when it burns...we call that a thermal event.... Damn Lawyers....

Best,
Phil

 

[Grumpaw]

I would expect to see a yellow tint if it were coolant

Yeah, but if it was yellow it could also indicate the presence of a Gnome living in your Ranger. They are the ones who cause all those little headache s and problems that we can't find a cure for...

 

[AzScorpion]

Hopefully it's just water splashed up there from your boots in last weeks storm.

At a minimum I'd clean the flooring, and maybe place a paper towel back there to monitor for moisture.

I have to agree with Doug on this, it looks like water spots from resting your boots/shoe against it. If you look at that plastic piece and how high it is if it were a leak no way water would make it over the top of that, it would run below it. Also there would be a large spot where it puddled where your heel rests on the low point. I'd wipe it up and check it after the next rain and see if it's still there.

 

[puckdodger]

I second what Phil said. Could be missed sealer on a weld, a small gap in the windshield adhesive, or fluid leak. all potentially big problems. Take it back to the dealer.

And on the topic "thermal events", once we had a car in the end of line roll test catch fire when a transmission fluid line was incorrectly seated during assembly. The department manager kept calling it that, and my bullshit detector started dinging. I said "Do you mean Fire?" he said yes and carried on, using the term thermal event at least six more times, and I clarified to fire each and every time. He had no idea I was trolling him in front of the group. Good times.

 

[Grumpaw]

Agree with Phil. Also, if it were some "splash" from wet boots/shoes, how come nothing on the console sides, and if you look at the "go" pedal, it's squeaky clean...no trace of water or dirt from wet shoes even in the recess's of the rubber covering. There's even a trace coming from behind the console side/edge.
At least you have the vinyl floor mat...if it were carpet you might never have noticed it.

 

[halligan1201]

It could also be detail spray that wasn't wiped up by the dealer during their prep. My truck was covered in white splotches inside and out when I went to pick it up so I had to wait another 30 minutes for them to clean it all up.

 

[Cactus Jim]

Wow thank you for all the replies!
My first thought was that it was my boots but honestly my foot doesn’t touch that side of the hump, and judging from the white residue, it looks more like a drip down than a splash up, if that makes sense. I am going to bring it to the dealer next week and see what they say.

Not too bothered by it, but this is also my first new truck I’ve owned, so I’m still a little anal retentive—especially when it comes to corrosion in New England!

 

[outdoorphotog]

Wonder if it’s the drain line for the A/C evaporator that “disconnected itself ” . It’s a shot in the dark but maybe

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