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2002 SL2 Sloshing sound

Our Saturn has been great for us, a 2002 SL@ with 140k on it. No major issues or repairs - it is just getting harder to get in and out of as I get older.

We are getting a sloshing sound somewhat frequently that sounds like it is behind the dashboard on the passenger side. I probably first noticed it 5 or 6 months ago but it might have been going on longer than that. It has definitely not been with us for the life of the vehicle.

It happens most often when making a hard left or right turn but I can't say I hear it 100% of the time. It happens less often when accelerating straight ahead from a stop. The sloshing sound is like a large volume of liquid initially then it trails off to a small amount of liquid, maybe 2 seconds in total.

I don't know if anyone can explain this or confirm similar symptoms. I have an independent repairman who does a lot of work when I need it and a local Chevy dealer with a trained Saturn technician I sometimes go to as well. I won't make a special trip in but will ask both about it the next time they have a look at the Saturn. It would be nice to have more of an idea what is going on before I say anything to them.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

Reply to
Fvert
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Check the air conditioner condensate drain that it isn't plugged. Could also be pooling of water under the air plenum (forward of the windshield and under the wipers). I believe that there are drains that can get plugged with leaves, pine needles and all manner of schmutz that falls on the car.

I took a car out for a test drive many years ago and noticed a sloshing sound in the rear. When we got back to the owner's house, popped the trunk and found the spare tire well full of water and rust... no sale.

Reply to
Oppie

I have the same issue. Seems to happen less when it's REAL hot outside or in the winter. Hope someone has a suggestion on this.

Reply to
Jeff

Have you also looked at the space under where the windshield washers come out? There is a plenum under there that separates out most of the water before it gets to the HVAC air intake. Any water that accumulates is supposed to drain out through the side drains (down between fender and rear side of wheel well). Trouble is that over time leaves and dirt tend to accumulate, plugging up the drain. Over time, a new drain is created by the rust holes that form from standing water...

If it's not too late, try to access the area and wash down with a garden hose sprayer. Might need to snake out the drains. Use something plastic or at least softer than metal wire so you don't scratch what's left of the paint. I've also used a small diameter tube attached to my shop vac to get into crevices.

Reply to
Oppie

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