VW B5 B5.5 Passat water leak diagnosis and repairs! Fix all the leaks!

[@Happy-Me.]

Great video. I did a good clean of my B5.5 plenum tube. She's 21 years old now and nearly at 100000 miles. Such a well made car!!

[@Ferretfanatic69]

Ones you missed on this car 😁 Door carrier panel bottom edge! Very common this rots and allows water to run inside and onto carpet. ECU seal,also in the plenum chamber,can allow water to run under carpet. Also Bonnet pull cable grommet also in the plenum chamber! Can allow water in and run underneath carpet. Also A pillar in each foot well can allow water past where cables run through for the front doors. As for the cabin filter! Get some Butyl tape instead of Silicone!!!! It will seal better and won’t leave a mess if you need to remove/replace anything(and can be re rolled and used time and time again. I’ve owned several of these in wagon and have sealed every one asap after purchase 👍🏻

[@Durk11780]

Happened on both sides of my b5.5 tdi wagon. Wet under both front seats after a hard rain

[@marfaworks]

Thank you - I have the same wagon (2002 B5.5 GLS) and no leak issues until the last week or so - after a few days of heavy rain, my transmission went wacky and discovered passenger side carpet soaked - primarily in the back seat where there appears to be a sump space beneath the carpet. Anyway, seems I need my TCM replaced and will get to work on finding the leak - I do have a sunroof sso I will start there. Many thanks again -

[@karnubawax]

My 2000 GLS B5 got taken out by the torrential rains we had in California. I ripped up the carpet and removed the TCM and sprayed contact cleaner into the harness, and replaced it with a new TCM (same part number, found on EBay for $55 including the harness! Thank God I didn't need to rewire anything!). Worked like a charm. I checked under the battery and it was pretty clogged. Cut the nipples off of the sunroof hoses. I think my main problem was that the cover covering the wires going from the firewall to the door on the drivers' side had come loose, and it is, of course, located directly underneath the drain for the sunroof! It didn't occur to me to check the antenna! That's tomorrow. Wish I'd seen this video a few months ago!

[@rudolfhuijs4526]

Very good video. I had the A-pillar hose detached where it connects to the nipple. Indeed a nightmare getting there, carpet removal and drying process. Fantastic cars if looked after properly.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching! Yes, fine cars but not without quirks.

[@rylesh4124]

Très bonne vidéo. Ma passat 2.8 v6 syncro de 1999 est toujours embuée. Maintenant je sais pourquoi. C'est au niveau de l'antenne et du filtre d'habitacle. J'ai jamais vraiment comment une voiture allemande prenait l'eau alors qu'il pleut tout le temps en Allemagne 😉 La réputation des Volkswagen est surfaite. En tout merci pour ces conseils El longue vie à ta chaîne KZbin.

[@jamesgibson7954]

Great video. I have a Passat B5 which I love - but it has leaked. A very practical car.

[@StuffOffYouStuff]

thanks for this video, very helpful. I will now check the drainage holes under the doors. I have water getting into the nearside rear passenger for a while now.

[@lukewalken1316]

Just started having this issue

[@karatas3564]

Did u find the problem

[@Michael57825]

Much appreciated. I have a wagon 1,8 T -99

[@ferenczsinko6770]

what about the ECU box gasket ?

[@oldworldchris4187]

I learned a lot about my Jetta, thanks for the vid!

[@stephaniepowell1181]

Hi! Came across this video tonight while searching remedies for my 02 Passat sedan leaks etc. Can't wait for these rains to stop so I can begin the clean up around drains, sunroof, etc. Almost every minute of this video had an informative tip! What about the snowboard racks I installed in 04...would those cause a leak at the "clamp"? I also joined passatworld forum this evening finally but so much there :/ driving in the rain got bad today as I blasted cold air defrost and it wasn't making a difference on my foggy windows so I had a towel wiping while driving

[@chrisbyers4726]

The roof rack absolutely can leak, I can send you pictures. It’s a m8 stud going through a hole in the roof and held down by a nut. It’s not hermetically sealed and when the gaskets deteriorate it’s over.

[@notsofast2539]

Totally agree.... 2004 Jetta GLS wagon. Passenger side center roof rack mount is leaking. Gonna pull it off, see if I can seal it with some silicone. I'm just hoping the nut will unscrew off the stud due to rust. Western Washington State weather is a vehicle water intrusion testing ground!

[@cptnjoao]

I have a massive amount of water gathering in the rear right footwell. I’m thinking it’s the door drains now. Thank you for this video!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomboyle7289]

Outstanding video! Well done

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching Tom! Good luck with your repair.

[@damiantuttle1348]

Absolutely brilliant video, really appreciate your time to have put this together. Just one quick question... so my CCM is causing issues with some interior functions as you mentioned, I'm assuming once it's been full of water it's scrap and needs replacing, so my question is , will a replacement ccm need Re programming/ re coding to my car or is it simply a case of plugging in a new unit ? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards Damian.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

It will need coding if you get it off a car that has different equipment as yours. If you find a junk car with the same exact equipment it will work. You will have to reprogram your remote part of your key in any case. Hope this helps!

[@simonscott8636]

Why was this not a recall 🤔 from the manufacturer

[@MFSE7EN]

Interesting video, I'm indeed dealing with my B5's windshield fogging up when it's very humid or raining outside at the moment. Maybe sealing the airbox from 3:36 will help, I'm still hoping it's not a leaky windshield (I have no sunroof)😬

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Could be the drain under the battery as well. I hope you find it, and thanks for watching!

[@stevencornish3188]

If it's your windscreen, a good way to check is soapy water on the seal outside, and use a compressor to blast air at the window from the inside. If theres a leak it will bubble up on the outside. Sorted👍

[@stevencornish3188]

If it's your windscreen, a good way to check is soapy water on the seal outside, and use a compressor to blast air at the window from the inside. If theres a leak it will bubble up on the outside. Sorted👍

[@onepcwhiz]

Oh man, this is good stuff. Thanks!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching!

[@onepcwhiz]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB What do you think about bypassing the heater core? I see the reason for doing it, but is it safe to drive that way? This video shows a guy doing it and it takes only a few minutes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4jMmJSunq-Ej9k

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@onepcwhiz I’ve always just replaced them, so I can’t say I have any experience. However, I don’t think it will harm the car. I have a video on how to replace the heater core the easy way on my channel as well.

[@onepcwhiz]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB Yep, I've watched it. I'm in a tough spot starting a new job in a part of the country 1200 miles from my regular home, so I'm looking for a quick fix. I can live with no heater, but I can't live with a huge repair bill and I don't have the time to do it myself. I appreciate your videos and insight!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@onepcwhiz oh man, sorry you are going through a rough patch. Good luck with it my friend!

[@crescentandstarglory]

Great video

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching!

[@baffinharpersr7095]

How much is a TCM for 2003 Passat on the driver side.

[@karnubawax]

I just replaced the TCM on my 2000 GLS B5. Part with shipping was $55 on EBay.

[@DJTJ13]

Thank you Soo much!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevencornish3188]

If you get this problem you can also mount your ccm behind the dash so it wont get wet in the future

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Good idea! Thanks for watching.

[@llegendababs5271]

Hello, I have a question My past B5 1.9 TDi with a red It gives me a problem When you put it in first gear to start it jerks, then in second and third gear it doesn't do it. Sometimes my car shuts off when I release the pedal faster because it shifts too high.Do you have any advice where the problem is.

[@karnubawax]

QUESTION... as I said in previous post, 2000 GLS sedan B5 got flooded during the big rains we had in California. The TCM is replaced and it's working great. Only problem is that the airbag light is still on. Would a VAG reader tell me what components need to be replaced? Would just replacing the ACM do it, or could there be other issues? And finally, what happens if I do nothing? Thanks!!!

[@BarbaraAnnSchoemaker]

My 2004 Passat manual transmission Station Wagon has water collecting under the passenger seat. Both the seat heater and rear passenger window and door electronics no longer work. There is what appears to be an electronic control box directly under the passenger seat above the carpet. Once the leak repairs are complete that box will need to be replaced as it was in standing water. What is that part? Is it still referred to as a TCM?

[@brucelavender]

Hello. I am so glad I found your channel. You have made my life so much easier caring for my 2004 Passat 4motion 1.8 AWD. I have been experiencing wet carpet in the rear of the vehicle after rainfall. The strange thing is, it has only occurred on one side at a time. The wetness does creep up toward the rear of the front seat area. I have all weather rubber floor mats on both sides of the front of the vehicle and they are always dry. There also doesn't appear to be any leaks through the headliner. Any ideas where I should start? Thank you.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Door drain holes can do this, along with sunroof drains. It will leak without staining the headliner or pillars.

[@brucelavender]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB do you do outside repair work? Where are you located?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@brucelavender I do not, I am an instructor at the local college.

[@brucelavender]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB Thank you.

[@brucelavender]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB I had my local VW dealer perform a sunroof service. They stated that they cleared the drains in the sunroof. I still have a leak. During a recent 3" rain storm, I covered the sunroof with a waterproof mat. I still had water just behind the driver's seat; creeping slightly forward under the driver's seat.

[@hectorlopez7201]

Very very good tk

[@npee88]

Thank you for this video! My 2001 Passat is full of water under the floor, all but the driver seat. I have removed all of the seats, carpets and plastic panels, but cannot find the leak. I have not checked the door drains, so thanks for that tips! But there are some plastic plugs sealed to the floor, what are those for? Seems like drain plugs, but without a hole in them. Cheers!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I’m not sure, could be for options your car doesn’t have or maybe something to do with the manufacturing process. Thanks for watching!

[@jacquelynjoseph2978]

I have a 2007 Passat and it leaks please where is the shop you work at?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I work at a school, so I don’t take outside work, sorry.

[@fhuybregts]

Hi thanks for this video!!! I have a question: My 2000 Passat 3BG is leaking somewhere, causing the footwell behind the driver's seat to become wet. The car does not have a sunroof. But at this point in the video My 2000 Passat 3BG is leaking somewhere, causing the footwell behind the driver's seat to become wet. The car does not have a sunroof. But at this point in the video 10.48 you show a cap with an anti-spider bulge. You indicate that you need to make the hole larger by cutting off the top. But on my Passat the cap is closed. Is that correct and do you have any tips for finding the leak? Thanks in advance for your response!you show a cap with an anti-spider bulge. You indicate that you need to make the hole larger by cutting off the top. But on my Passat the cap is closed. Is that correct and do you have any tips for finding the leak? Thanks in advance for your response!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Yours should be plugged as the non-sunroof cars had spots for the drains. Check the door drainage holes and the antenna gasket, that’s normally where I see the most leaks on non roof cars. Thanks for watching!

[@Animallover55]

I get condensation on wetter days and I have small water droplets/mould growing in the passenger side and rear passenger side edges of the windows. Mine is a b7 Passat. I haven’t got a sunroof. Any tips?

[@Dnbme2d]

How do you clear out the back drain on a 2008 vw passat 2.0 l turbo

[@gcfdxfzsd]

Hi Mr. B, I found that the source of the leak in my b5.5 passat is from the a-pillar. The sun roof drain hose became disconnected from the grommet on the bottom of the a pillar. What is the best method to reconnect this? You mentioned it’s quite difficult. Thank you in advance.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I had the same issue, I used a long whip antenna and threaded it through the hose and worked it through the hole. I then super glued the drain to it so it wouldn’t happen again. It’s not a fun job and takes some patience. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@MrWuLove]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB I am having the same problem. The water from the sun roof drain hole (driver´s side) dissappears somewhere inside (nothing comes out of the rubber hose) and the carpet down there gets wet after some days of raining. Do I have to remove the driver´s door to get it fixed? I cannot imagine to get there without it. Many thanks in advance!

[@AuntieEm30805]

Hit the thumps up button people!

[@CindyCowlesAuthor]

My driver's side had mildew spots - just the driver's seat and the steering wheel - and I had condensation on my windows. Where might you suggest looking for leaks?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I would check everything, especially the drains for the sunroof and battery area

[@jonathanstone1]

I've just resealed the cabin air filter case on my b5.5, yet now I'm noticing the cabin air filter itself is getting wet from the top and I'm still getting water ingress on the passenger side. Any ideas?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

There is a little plastic tray that snaps in above the rear of the filter. I have seen them missing on many. Could that be the issue?

[@sharkyfreeman]

Hi Mr. D, Great video! Thank you. I've got an '05 Passat TDI GLS sedan that I love. It needs a few trim pieces, right now, most pressing is a windshield cowl (the part that snaps to the bottom of the windshield and has holes for the wipers. Mine cracked in half and repairing would be a real PITA. It's possible to source from the UK where Passats are more popular - BUT the item is near mirror image becasue of right hand drive! You got any parts sources or suppliers for this car? Again great video - now I know where to look! Mike

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

There are tons of Passat pages on Facebook that do part outs. Have you checked your local junkyard? There were always a few at mine.

[@sharkyfreeman]

@@AutoScholarwithMrBm I checked the one VW junkyard near me. And an extensive search online via the google. It seems junkyards specialize in the hard parts and not so much the trim. I'm not way into FB, but I guess I'll strart :) Thank you for the prompt reply.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@sharkyfreeman thanks for watching! Good luck with your search.

[@Christian-fp9bq]

I have the same problem, cracked cowl in half, I’m glad I found this comment because I was having a hard time figuring out what the name of the part was. Did you manage to find a spare? Was it a hard install?

[@sharkyfreeman]

@Christian-fp9bq Not yet. I think Mr. B is right. Check the junkers... I could try to weld it with my ski tuning gear, but the problem is, that for a clean look, you'd need to repair it from the back side, that then must sit flush to the glass. Maybe I could heat press some steel mesh into the plastic?

[@MegaMick97]

Hi Mr B, i have noticed water in the front drivers floor and the left passenger floor. Can it be the antenna? Because the seal is broken and I can’t see any other damage or bad seals. What can it be. Thanks

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Do you have a sunroof? And yes water can get in through the antenna area.

[@mistermatthews]

WATER LEAKING INTO FLOOR NIGHTMARE So my 2005 Passat tdi wagon Transmission stopped functioning going into neutral and check engine lights going on, I erased codes and was able to drive for 20-30 mph before it reverted to the going into neutral. Had it towed to dealer ,200$ diagnoses TCM FLOODED ruined maybe some connectors on TCM plug as well. 3000$ to replace these ,LEAKING HAS TO BE ADDRESSED. probably $$$$ more if Transmission-is ruined. Bought a used TCM for $300 supposedly programmed, Transmission does the same thing as with my so called Ruined TCM. Could my original TCM still be good? Maybe TCM plug is the issue? MY QUESTION IS THIS- could this issue be fixed electronically or do I need to get a used or rebuilt transmission? My local mechanic , trusted, not VW dealer mechanic, and I can get a warrantied used transmission an with labor put it in for $3000. My fear is doing that and finding out it is only the TCM or the TCM plug wires and connectors are the problem . See these codes we have come up with. We already replaced the tranny fluid and filter. Old fluid looked terrible and magnets covered in filings.Here are the codes we have come up with. The first three the original codes P0735 Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P0734 Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio P0811 Excessive clutch Slippage Mechanical Malfunction P1763 Shift Lock SolenoidN110) Open Circuit Mechanical Malfunction intermittent P01747 Transmission Solenoid Power Relay Open or Short to Ground Intermittent P0600 Serial Communication link

[@aaaaa_12345]

I have the exact same problem. If I remove the battery will it cause the key code to missmatch? Car is European if it matters

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I don’t think so, I’ve never had that happen before.

[@aaaaa_12345]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB Thanks!

[@markoradosavljevic5840]

Hey. My Passat is getting wet on driver back seat floor. I have no clue where it is coming in. There is no clog below battery, front driver carpet us dry. Also no clog on drainage holes on back door. 2 weeks ago I renewed with waterproof silicone door part below plastic interior. I was checking also door seals, they look OK. During rain from the interior I cannot see anywhere where water is coming in but carpet is wet and it is increasing during rain. Any clue what can i check?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Is this a wagon? May also want to check antenna sealing.

[@noisy43]

Druze, nadje li rjesenje? Isti problem imam. Iza suvozacevog sjedista bude voda do članaka.

[@karatas3564]

Same problem. Have you found the problem ?

[@motorax.service.motociclete]

i've tried everything, in a sedan, no sunroof, sealed everything. in the end i'm left to change the chassis to door rubber seal (which is damn expensive) can't figure out how people are solving this with silicone sealant on the window wall to the door because mine didn't solve it.

[@SuperDenise57]

Hello I have a 2001 Volkswagen Passat and I had a little box like rectangular box that was changed out before because it had gotten too wet and I think I'm having that problem again is it possible you understand what I'm asking you about the box that I'm asking you about and also if you do could you text me back and let me know the name of the box so I can go get it checked out or go get another one up please thank you

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Is it on the floorboard? Driver or passenger side?

[@aubrey3235]

So this happened and I fixed it but do you have any advice on how to get my car rolling again? At first I was getting multiple lights going off on dashboard and now the car won't move out of Park. It's just stuck. First it was stuck in neutral. Its a 2003 VW Passat Wagon. It's just sitting there all alone and I have nothing to drive this winter. Much love from the PNW.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Did the transmission control module get wet? It is on the passenger side front, under the carpet.

[@aubrey3235]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB I would say most definitely since I did have a semi pool party I wasn't invited to several weeks back on the passenger side of my car. And I couldn't get it completely dry bc over here in Northern Washington right now we've had tons of rain.

[@aubrey3235]

Personally I think it's still wet. I can't find anything to get through that small long hole from the sunroof to the door jam so I just got fancy with it and put a shower curtain over it so it wouldn't get any more water inside. It's looking super good outside amongst my neighbors cars. Help me!

[@aubrey3235]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB I would say definitely yes. Now what?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@aubrey3235 you would have to replace that and clean the connector, or possibly repin the connector if the pins are corroded. You can find a used control module fairly cheap online and recode it to your car if the part number is the same. A telltale sign is if your TCM isn’t communicating with a scan tool.

[@chirondalamaduka]

Where are you located? If I’m lucky enough you’ll be close and I can just come to you.

[@curlykipper]

cabin air filter tray is a pita to remove!!!!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Indeed it is!

[@tomboyle7289]

Only thing to add is how to get a piller off.

[@wklorenz]

Please help me. My 2000 Passat is getting water on the driver's back seat floor. The drain under the battery is clear. I'm at my wits end. Bill

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Check the holes in the bottom on the door, if they get clogged water will spill over into the inside of the car.

[@wklorenz]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB thanks I'll look tomorrow. I recently replaced the broken window regulator for that door. Also, is it possible that a sunroof drain line could be at fault? Bi

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@wklorenz yes, very common

[@pickamove]

Please don't use any silicone since it might contain vinegar that will make metal to rust. Use glue meant for automotive use. I recommend elastic Sika products.

[@debunkthejunk1]

I keep goldfish in my battery compartment.

[@ericherrera5405]

I had the experience of a gush of water coming from the sun roof area while going through the car wash. I have a 2001 passat . What could be wrong? The seal of the sunroof looks okay.....

[@Rt-iy5hp]

Looking for a front driver's set cover 2000 passat glx..owning since new...