I’ve been noticing a wet patch in the passenger footwell and for a while just assumed it was water coming in from opening the door.
However I’ve investigated and looking up from inside the footwell can see where the water has been running and causing rust.
My car is just out of warranty (but no doubt this leak has been long term).
Is this a common issue? Any ideas? See pictures below.
Have a look at this thread it mentions the problem here
https://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst88101_MK3.aspx
Assuming you have no electrical problems it seem like you just need to seal/replace the grommets to stop the leak. A how to is mentioned but there are plenty of threads mentioning what’s needed including the one above with links.
I agree. I had a major leak through the grommets which caused big electrical problems (it comes in right by the inside fuses). best advice, get it done before the long term rains. very cheap fix,
WOW.
So I just called the dealer. My car is just a couple months out of Warranty. I’ve spent tens of thousands over the years at that dealer. I’ve even taken out their service plan for servicing.
Just explained the problem including that it’s no doubt been leaking from well within the warranty period and been told “£90 diagnostic charge to ‘confirm’ the leak, and then additional hourly rate to fix the problem”. They also have absolutely no knowledge of this being a common issue.
In one short phone call I’ve just severed my relationship with the dealer. They’ve always been my ‘best friend’ when I’ve handed over £20k to buy a car, I would have hoped for a little better after sales.
So I’m fixing this myself then!
Such a shame the dealers won’t admit there is a known issue with the Mk3, it’s a quick and cheap fix but if you leave it there is a possibility it becomes an expensive fault when that water invades the electrics.
You can get a new grommet or you can silicone seal around the old one, silicone the new one too if you decide to change it.
Do a quick google search for
“mx5 water leak grommet”
it is very common
hope the mk4 has a better grommet or whatever fixing device
Thanks all.
I’ve done a little reading. I’ve ordered replacement grommets from MX5-Parts and also replacement plastic covers for the cowl which apparently break easily on removal. I will also buy some black silicone sealant and seal up the new ones.
I’ve also had my windscreen replaced which seems to be a common theme. On previous cars I’ve also had issues following windscreen replacements. They never do a great job.
I’m not great at DIY but this looks like a doable job.
Thanks again everyone. Without this forum I wouldn’t have a clue how to fix this and would be handing big chunks of cash over to the dealers!
I don’t reckon black silicone is needed because once the cowl is back on, the screw/grommet is way out of sight underneath & never again seen. the black cover is just that. it has no sealing function so your usual white or clear silicone will suffice.
Done this on a few different cars now, would view it as an essential preventative step on the MK3 series, possibly something to do at an Area Tech Day.
We used Fernox LS-X leak sealer.
The plastic covers you need to remove on the way in are made from eggshell, so easy to break the tabs!
Will be investigating the design of the MK4 in the spring to see if it’s a likely problem in the future.
In honesty I had the same initial response from my local Mazda dealer, at the time I was tired, bit lazy but had been working to many hours and just needed it fixed.
Went in knowing the problem, guy point blank refused to accept it was a common issue, eventually (after I left) tech looked at it for 10 mins and went “grommits it is a common problem.” Lass that was on reception got chatting about forums and how helpful they were and she had a go at him…and she had the tech seal the new ones in no issue (no diag fee either even though originally there should have been £50!)
It gets to me that these common issues end up at some stupid cost when it takes 5 mins to just look. The fix is dirt cheap though.
that’s worth every mk4 owner noting for the future
Ok so for the first time since buying the car it has pissed down and I have noticed the water on the passenger footwell so I guess this is a job for tomorrow when it is forecast dry,been looking at pictures and reading up on it so not expecting to many problems,a big thanks to everyone who has shared their knowledge and experience in identifying the problem ??
good luck with it & put lots of sealer in & around the screw hole/grommet area. I did cos I dont want a repeat of my waterfall problem
gonna check mine in the morning.
me too, been raining all day, so if it leaks at least I’ll know how to fix it
cheers
Paul
This is a well documented problem on all Mk3s. It can be especially damaging on the passenger side as it can result in water running through the fuse box causing a whole array of electrical problems.
Not seen any water in mine, but will checking tomorrow
Please be warned & check your grommets
my 5s scary story from nearly 18 months back;
Please be warned & check your grommets - it’s a £5 fix to avert any more leaks
if you want to know why this is important, read on.
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst82085_HELP-HELP-HELP---UPDATE.aspx
