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Water (or something water-like) is dripping...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by treehuggr, Mar 27, 2010.

  1. treehuggr

    treehuggr New Member

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    I'm the original owner of my super-reliable 2004 salsa-red friend. We've logged about 55,000 miles together, and so far, all has been just fine.

    However...

    I just returned home after being away for a week, and I immediately noticed a small puddle of liquid beside the front driver's side tire.

    Before my taxi had even driven away, I was crouched on the ground, inspecting the liquid. I found my car dripping, maybe a drop every 10 seconds or so. It seems to be water, and I considered tasting it (to see if it's coolant?) but decided against that.

    I opened the hood to see if I could see anything amiss, and everything looks normal to my untrained eye, including normal fluid levels. I then used a mirror to try to see where the drip is coming from, and it seems like it's coming from right behind the front driver's tire (but in front of the driver's door), like maybe it's running down the inside of the body...?

    I decided to start it up, and it seemed to start just fine, with no warning lights or odd sounds. I didn't drive it-- I just backed it up a few feet to better monitor the size of the drip puddle.

    It's definitely not condensation from the air conditioner, because the car's been resting quietly for days. I have no idea if it's been dripping for the entire week or if it just started recently.

    Could this be a dying water pump? I'm really stumped on this and dreading a consultation with the dealer. Any ideas or similar stories?

    Thanks for your insights!
     
    #1 treehuggr, Mar 27, 2010
  2. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    treehuggr,

    Down under the plastic piece just below the windshield wipers there is
    a tray that collects the water that the wipers push to the center, or
    that otherwise gets the base of the windshield/top of the hood. I would
    guess that you've got some debris -- leaves, whatever -- pretty much,
    but not fully blocking the drain to that tray.

    Getting to the tray so you can clear the drain is somewhat
    complicated, but not at all difficult. The complication comes from
    having to remove the windshield wipers.

    Take heart! There are illusrated instructions to do this here, thanks to
    gadgetdad. The write-up with pix is actually about installing a
    strut tower brace. But that process starts with taking off the various
    bits and pieces covering up the tray you need to access.

    Hope this helps.
     
    #2 Rokeby, Mar 27, 2010
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I agree that it sounds like your cowl tray drain is partially plugged with leaves, and that the fluid is water. It would be a good idea for you to remove the two-piece plastic cowl cover so that you can examine the metal tray and clear the debris.

    Rather than taste the fluid, it would be better for you to use a white paper towel to wick up some of the fluid. The color of the fluid may give you a clue regarding its identity.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Mar 27, 2010
  4. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I agree with the 2 preceding replies, but I wanted to add that it is unlikely to be coolant based upon your description of where the leak is dripping. There aren't any coolant hoses in that area and the water pump is on the opposite side of the engine.
     
    #4 dogfriend, Mar 27, 2010
  5. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    #5 2009Prius, Mar 29, 2010
  6. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I suggest you taste it.
     
    #6 TonyPSchaefer, Mar 29, 2010
  7. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    +1, I double-dare you!
     
    #7 don_chuwish, Mar 29, 2010
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If the fluid is pink, it is antifreeze which is highly poisonous.

    If the fluid is yellow, it might be dog pee...
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Mar 30, 2010
  9. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    Has your neighbor got a dog? It could be the mark of the beast.
     
    #9 mad-dog-one, Mar 30, 2010
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