Water sloshing behind firewall

[cRAMit]

A quick statement of the problem:
After leaving my truck, sit for a bit (typically rain around here), I can hear a LARGE amount of water sloshing in my DASHBOARD area when turning.
When my heat is on, if I turn left, the water seems to be dousing the heater core, immediately dropping the climate control system's temperature, and killing my heat. I can hear the water steaming/evaporating off when this occurs.

Now, I do happen to park my truck under a locust tree (tiny leaves) and am wondering if there is a plugged firewall drain hole somewhere – but I can't seem to find anything.
I've also noticed there are a lot of water issues with these trucks, so I'm wondering if I might have drawn the short straw here...

Here's a short video – you can really hear it when I rock the truck back and forth towards the end of the video.

https://imgur.com/a/QM3tSMi

I'm starting to get a bit concerned because of freezing temperatures – I doubt it'd be good to have a huge iceberg sitting in my firewall.

Anyone else experiencing this, or have any insight?

 

[yankeefan31569]

whats that crackling sound? u dont smell burning do ya?

 

[cRAMit]

whats that crackling sound? u dont smell burning do ya?

Hah – no, no burning. That was actually just my phone picking up some feedback being so close to the electronics... my phone is on its last legs.

 

[yankeefan31569]

copy...

Hah – no, no burning. That was actually just my phone picking up some feedback being so close to the electronics... my phone is on its last legs.

 

[mikeru82]

I haven't heard that in my truck. I can see why you'd be concerned though. I'd be scheduling an appointment for as soon as they could get me in there.

 

[cRAMit]

Have an appointment on Monday with the dealer – will keep this thread updated. In the meantime, I have a sneaking suspicion that I may be experiencing a coolant leak, and the sound is simply vacant space in the heater core. I've seen a few threads for earlier generations about this issue. The big question is... where did the coolant go? I'm down QUITE a bit – down to the "min" line on the dipstick.

 

[TruckDriver]

The big question is... where did the coolant go? I'm down QUITE a bit – down to the "min" line on the dipstick.

Without even watching the video that was going to be my first suggestion; you may have a leak at the firewall coupling from the coolant lines to the heater core or anywhere in the coolant system.

Good you have a dealer appt, otherwise I'd say climb underneath and look for coolant leaks. Ultimately there's air in the system due to low coolant which will exacerbate the issue.

 

[cRAMit]

Without even watching the video that was going to be my first suggestion; you may have a leak at the firewall coupling from the coolant lines to the heater core or anywhere in the coolant system.

Good you have a dealer appt, otherwise I'd say climb underneath and look for coolant leaks. Ultimately there's air in the system due to low coolant which will exacerbate the issue.

Thanks for the input – much appreciated. I hope this isn't the beginning of a downward spiral for this truck – I absolutely love my Rebel. My dealer, unfortunately, hasn't been the greatest experience... hopefully we can get it sorted out. Any thoughts on what could cause something like that to happen?

 

[Rupp]

I've had this in other vehicles and it was the air conditioning condensation "catch" being stopped up. Unplugged the drain tube issue solved.

 

[cRAMit]

I've had this in other vehicles and it was the air conditioning condensation "catch" being stopped up. Unplugged the drain tube issue solved.

I did give this a check already – jammed a screwdriver in there and gave it a very good wiggle. Seems to be free and clear.
I'm hearing what sounds like at least a gallon of fluid rolling around – and haven't been running the A/C at all...

 

[NTX_Ian]

Do you smelling burning coolant at all? I do and when I turn the truck off I can hear bubbling liquid behind the dash/firewall. Not sure if similar issues. Of course it’s because I put an aftermarket muffler on the truck so nothing the dealer can do about it.

 

[Malodave]

Drain from Fresh air inlet is blocked. I had that happen on my 2008.
It eventually cleared up. Would freeze during winter so you would not here it then.

Malodave

 

[RamCares]

Have an appointment on Monday with the dealer – will keep this thread updated. In the meantime, I have a sneaking suspicion that I may be experiencing a coolant leak, and the sound is simply vacant space in the heater core. I've seen a few threads for earlier generations about this issue. The big question is... where did the coolant go? I'm down QUITE a bit – down to the "min" line on the dipstick.

Hi @cRAMit - If you are in need of any support while working with your dealer, please do not hesitate to send us a private message. We are more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf to a specialist who can work alongside both you and your dealer.

Mark
RamCares

 

[cRAMit]

Drain from Fresh air inlet is blocked. I had that happen on my 2008.
It eventually cleared up. Would freeze during winter so you would not here it then.

Malodave

Truth be told, this is my first truck – can you offer some guidance on where to look for this?

 

[cRAMit]

Another update... After perusing the forums more, I opted to check for wet carpet in the truck's cabin. Unfortunately for me, the passenger side carpet is quite damp. I'm thinking I may have a weather/water penetration issue. Yippee.

 

[Ram Ranch]

It could be the condensation from the AC, My old 05 Deville had wet carpet and sloshing behind dash just as you describe. . when turning left, the AC condensate would slosh out of the tray and into the passenger side floor.
The AC drain was clogged near the top of the line that could only be cleared by blowing compressed air through the drain line.

EDIT: My old Cadillac and Mustang had the same issue, both were clogged ac drain line

 

[mikeru82]

Another update... After perusing the forums more, I opted to check for wet carpet in the truck's cabin. Unfortunately for me, the passenger side carpet is quite damp. I'm thinking I may have a weather/water penetration issue. Yippee.

Does it smell like coolant? You said your coolant level was low. Heater core could be leaking.

 

[cRAMit]

Update. It was the A/C drain tube, which also serves as the primary outlet for water entering through the cowling area. It was clogged with "spider eggs and leaves" ... all fixed, and my dealer has been much more amicable this time around. I think we're back in business!

 

[mikeru82]

Thanks for updating us. I'm glad they took care of you!

 

[Rebel 2020]

2020 Ram 1500 Rebel. Bottom line up front: I park under trees and don't drive it everyday. Windshield cowl drain was blocked by pollen and leaf seeds. A/C condensation drained as expected. Carpet was not wet. I had noticed that after it rained or after washing the vehicle that water would drip for days from the bottom drivers side quarter panel where it met the drivers door. I decided to pour a few gallons of water in the windshield cowl and drive the vehicle to see if the sloshing occurred again. It did, and after a few turns to record the sloshing, the noise quit and I found that water was dumping from the bottom of both side quarter panels. Another few gallons poured in and it drained right out. No more water build-up. I took nothing apart and was lucky that whatever was blocking the cowl drains was easily dislodged.