WET FLOOR PROBLEM ON A RENAULT CLIO MK 2 -

In this article, we’ll show you how to solve the problem of a wet floor on a Renault Clio.

It applies to the MK 2 Clio, both the model we’re showing as well as the redesign.

The solution is simple and can be done without any special tools or car knowledge.

All you’ll need is a bit of patience.

THE CAUSE OF A WET FLOOR

Before we start it would be good to mention that the problem of a wet car floor is often misinterpreted as a bad heater core problem.

Mainly because of the wet carpets which is a telltale sign for this problem also.

To avoid this mistake that can lead to a costly and unneeded repair, take a look at our article specifically about the heater core problem by clicking here.

Also, you can watch our video on the same topic on our YouTube channel.

Back to the cause of the problem:

The cause is a clog in a smaller rubber drainage hose located partially in the engine bay.

This hose is in charge of the water drainage from the compartment where the wipers, ventilation system and wiper fluid container are.

This hose is rather hidden, it is located in the middle part of the compartment and it hangs out into the engine bay, from the firewall.

One side of the hose comes from the compartment and the other goes into the engine bay. So, some of the water that pours from the windshield should go through this hose, out in the engine bay, and outside.

Also, on one side of the drainage hose, there is a loose rubber lid that protects the opening.

The problem starts when over time, this hose gets very clogged with dirt and filth.

When this happens the water can’t get out, stays in the compartment, and eventually leaks into the passenger cabin through an opening for the ventilation system.

It leaks mainly through a rectangular opening under the plastic air duct cover. It’s easy to leak since there is only a sponge seal which is only meant to prevent an air leak.

SOLUTION TO THE WET FLOOR PROBLEM

Cleaning this drainage hose or the even whole compartment usually solves the whole problem.

You have a couple of ways of solving this problem.

Clean the drainage hose only

This way is much easier but a bit more tricky.

Use a smaller bottle brush, piece of wire, or something else that is convenient, and try to clean the hose from the engine bay.

It takes some time and patience, but it is doable. Just make sure to open the lid on the bottom of the hose when cleaning.

Use this method if the clog is minor as the quality of cleaning is not really good, to be honest.

Remove the drainage hose only

Grab the hose and just wiggle it out. Know that this also demands patience since it’s a pretty tight space to work in.

The problem with this method (at least from what I’ve encountered) is that you’re never sure if you’ve returned the hose properly and that it won’t fall out later during driving.

Remove the plastic cover, and drainage hose and then clean it.

This way involves a bit more work but is a more quality solution.

You’ll have to take off one of the plastic covers under the wiper arms.

In this case, it’s a left-hand drive, so the right one is removed. It’s fairly easy to do on the Clio, just take off the rubber seal for the hood, and some plastic clips and remove the cover.

By doing this you’ll get an opening which will enable you to put your hand inside and help get the hose out and return it in properly.

As you’ll see this is also a bit tight but you should be able to manage as well as to see that you’ve returned the hose properly.

Honestly, this is the best option with the least work and dismantling but with the best results.

Remove both plastic covers, wiper blades, wiper arms, and else.

Use this method only if you need to clean the whole compartment from leaves, filth, dirt, and else that accumulates over time and causes clogs.

Otherwise, there is no need.

Know that all this involves taking off the wiper blades, wiper arms, ventilation system, wiper fluid bottle, and wiper linkage.

It may sound intimidating but on the Clio, it’s pretty simple and straightforward. Especially if you know your way around cars.

When you do this, there is no problem with the drainage hose. You’ll easily remove it and put it back.

Also, you’ll get a nice wide open compartment which you can clean with a hose if you want to.

While you’re at it, know that there are two openings on each side for extra water drainage that can get clogged.

Remove the rubber lids and give the openings a good clean as this is also known to cause leaks into the passenger cabin.

Cleaning the drainage hose

If you’ve chosen to remove the hose completely use a stick, brush, some detergent, and warm water or pressurized water and get all the filth out.

As you’ll see if it has not been cleaned for a long time a lot of filth and grit will come out.

One simple cause of a wet floor but one that causes lots of problems.

After the cleaning is done, return the hose back into place and make sure it sits in properly.

Finally, test if everything is OK by pouring water on the windshield and near the compartment and checking if there are any leaks into the passenger cabin.

Make sure that afterward, the carpet is bone dry on both sides of the footwell.

Then return the plastic panel or panels, rubber seals, or else that you may have dismantled.