:>On Sun, 16 May 2010 12:58:58 -0700, bilsch wrote: :>
:>> My Focus drips rain water below the dash on the passenger side. Though :>> the car is a 2002 year it has had this problem since I bought it in :>> 2004. Does anybody know if these cars tend to have a manufacturing flaw :>> that causes this kind of leak? :>> :>> Thanks. Bill S. :>
:>No, they have an issue with poor maintenance which causes it. :>
:>The pollen filter is under a plastic cover at the base of the screen on :>the passenger side. If not replaced correctly it *will* leak. :>
:>The original design had three screws securing the cover, hidden by :>plastic bungs. Later ones just have a single screw. Remove the bung(s) :>and screw(s). Prise up the cover to remove. :>
:>If the filter looks dirty, replace it. (If it blocks, it will cause the :>fan speed resistor pack to burn out.) :>
:>Get all the mating surfaces clinically clean. Apply a bead of the correct :>sealant, available from dealers, to the cover along the upper edge where :>the cover contacts the screen. Replace the cover, making sure it clips in :>to place correctly. There should be no visible gaps where the cover meets :>the screen. :>
:>Refit screw(s) and plug(s). :>
:>Voila! Your passenger will no longer need waterproof footwear in the car! :>
:>Chris I live in the Phoenix, AZ area also known as the "rock chip capitol of the world". I recently had the windshield replaced on my US '04 SVT Focus. The new windshield has a molded strip attached to the bottom edge of the glass that mates up perfectly with the pollen filter cover. There is no need for using any sealant. I had the guy that did the install give it a high pressure water test right after the install and there were no leaks.
I don't know if Ford ever started using that design from the factory or not. The replacement windshield was made by PPG.
me/2