I own a 2001 Dodge Neon and have found condensation in the...

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Answer by Charger72
Submitted on 2/1/2005
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Hello, I used to own a 2001 Neon LE, just traded it for an Intrepid R/T. Had the same problem - water in the trunk (inch) under the spare tire and water on the rear passenger's side floor. You could actually see the pool of water on the floor. Mine probable started about a year ago as condensation but then it was like someone had dumped a few litres (Canadian) of water in the trunk. After searching the web took the advice to change the gaskets around the tail lights. When to my local dealership picked up two gaskets (thick black foam $32 Canadian for the pair) took 15 minutes to remove 6 screws and the leak instantly went away. Even though mine didn't look bad they were. The gasket starts to get hard and brittle. If your keeping your car for any length change the gaskets, it will save you hassles.

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Question by Susan
Submitted on 4/12/2004
Related FAQ: rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6
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I own a 2001 Dodge Neon and have found condensation in the trunk near the spare tire and water on the floor in the back seat and do not know where it is coming from. Has anyone had a similar problem?

Answer by Dan
Submitted on 5/3/2004
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I have had the same problem with my 2001 Neon. I can not find out where it is coming from. Additionally, the car will not start on cool, moist mornings. Somebody please help us!

Answer by odtaa
Submitted on 5/30/2004
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Susan, condensation or H2O in trunk can come from loose seals around the tail light assemblies. I removed, siliconed and re-installed mine....no more water.

Answer by Monicabfh
Submitted on 6/14/2004
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I have a 2001 dodge neon, and had the exact problem, took it to a dealer the first time, they replaced the seals around the brake lights, $400.00, then a year and a half later, same problem the replaced the trunk seal, now a month later, more water, I wonder what they will try and replace next, I think there is a defect somewhere in this car.

Answer by sue
Submitted on 9/22/2004
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I own a 2001 neon and have started to notice the same problem with the water on the floor behind the drivers seat as well as condensation . How much does the seals cost? I have had my car for almost 3 1/2 years and this problem just started.

Answer by Lynn
Submitted on 10/31/2004
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We have a 2003 Neon in Hilo, HI with the same water problem, made worse I'm sure because of the nonstop Hilo rain aka Kanilehua. Any more thoughts on this?

Answer by Richie
Submitted on 11/25/2004
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I replaced the deck lid seal 3 years ago after my Neon took on water in the trunk and the rear floor. That solved the problem until last week when it loaded up with water once again. Solutions?????

Answer by your friend
Submitted on 12/10/2004
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Sell your car!!!

Answer by mystrygues
Submitted on 12/19/2004
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I also have a dodge neon and water is pooling on the floors in the rear. What is going on? How do I fix this? Haven't noticed any water in the trunk, but will check tomorrow. Slight dampness on the passenger front, far right side of the floor. Could be running back to the rear??? Again, what's the cause? please email: mystrygues@aol.com

Answer by Diana
Submitted on 12/28/2004
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I bought a used 1997 3 years ago and 1st time it rained, sopping wet trunk. The dealer refuses to do anything about it because "I didn't notice it when I bought it" (which was in the summer). It took me a while, but I finally figured out the water is entering through the taillights, which I am trying to empty and dry out. I think we should bring a suit against Dodge and make them fix this!

Answer by 96neon
Submitted on 1/2/2005
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I had a 1996 neon and had the same problem my back seat floor panel would get up to 2 inches of water in it when it rained. I do think it was the rear light housing because it all happened when I removed the light housing to clean and install new light bulbs. Interesting that this same problem still is around in the newer neons. Have a 2003 Altima now no problems. Later

Answer by twixieann
Submitted on 1/12/2005
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i don't know if anyone checks this message board anymore but i thought that i would try anyway. i just bought an 2005 neon and have had the same problem. it's been an raining a lot and i noticed that the floor in the back seat was soaking wet. i checked the trunk and found a pool of water in with the spare tire. i took it into the dealer and they said that my rear windshield was not properly sealed. since i still have my warranty their doing it with no charge. they are re-sealing it tomorrow and if anyone is interested i will let u know if that does the trick. if anyone wants to get a hold of me the can email me at twixieann@yahoo.com

Answer by mimi
Submitted on 1/18/2005
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What exactly did you replace? Did this help with the car not starting?

Answer by april
Submitted on 1/24/2005
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I have a 2003 dodge neon and have the same problem with water around spare tire took it to the dealer and they said they were noting wrong with it. everything in it is moldy from it.

Answer by Ivan
Submitted on 2/24/2005
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I have the same water problem. As you know it's been raining a lot in CA, in the moth of February of 2005, I noticed that their was a smell to my car I looked around and found water on both sides of the back floor. I went to vacuum the water out and noticed that the back seats are wet from the bottom and I found that out by trying to track where the water came from. So by that I would think that there is a defect with the 2001 Dodge Neon.

Answer by Dan/NC
Submitted on 2/18/2006
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The starting problem is likely caused by condensation in the fuel tank which is more likely to occur during cold weather and high humidity. Eliminate the problem by adding some (1/2 a pint) methanol to the tank. It is available at auto part stores by the name of "Heet" (I'm sure there are others) or from a pharmacy (where the cost should be less). You can reduce the condensation problem by keeping the tank full.

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Answer by Marco Polo
Submitted on 3/15/2005
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I had water under the mats in the back seat and couldn't figure out where it was coming from I thought I had steam cleaned the carpets and put the mats in too quickly. I don't know though. Water never came back after I cleaned it up. Thanks you guys for the advice though

Answer by kevin comeau
Submitted on 4/3/2005
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i think that only some neon have that problem i see it once in a blue moon at my garage i work at a dodge dealer ship and I've only seen it once and iv bin there 4 ,5 years now..enyway bye

Answer by Drivan
Submitted on 4/9/2005
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My 2000 and 2002 Neons did the same thing. Was leaking around the tailight gaskets. The right side on the 2000 and left side on the 2002. The spare tire well would fill up with water and also the floor behind the driver seat was soaked. Removed tailight and sealed gasket and has been fine since.

Answer by Kaylen
Submitted on 4/20/2005
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I found condensation around my spare tire also. It was pretty bad water was coming up through the carpet in the trunk. I didn't catch it quick enough and it molded, now my car stinks like mold. I don't know what to do.

Answer by Missy
Submitted on 6/8/2005
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I have the same problem with my 2001 Dodge Neon...water on the floor in the back and where the spare tire is. Also, last year the air conditioning died. Took it to the dealer and they charged me $148.00 to replace a wire. still can't figure out why it wasn't covered under the warranty

Answer by Mark
Submitted on 6/21/2005
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Hi. I have a 2001 Neon. The problem that i have is that when i press the brake pedal they make noise. I have replaced them several times and for a while they are silent but suddenly they start making noise again, only when i press the brake pedal. Any ideas?

Answer by Steven
Submitted on 7/9/2005
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I also have a 2001 Dodge Neon and I have had the same problem. I took it to the dealership and they said it was a very common thing with Neons for there to be broken seals in the trunk. It cost about $200 to fix unfortunately. :-(

Answer by blah
Submitted on 10/12/2005
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Just get a new car losers

Answer by hatemyneon
Submitted on 10/13/2005
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yup me too. same prob..but mines in the passenger side tail light...tried to change the bulb, not working still...also my brake lights and rear signals don't work at all! any info would be great!!

Answer by Jen
Submitted on 10/31/2005
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I have a 2002 Dodge Neon and the water is all over!!!!! In the CD player, in my glove compartment and in the back seat it looks like a pond. Now all the electrical stuff turned off!!! I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow!!!! I need some advice!

Answer by Georgia Girl
Submitted on 11/7/2005
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I had the same problem with my 2001 Neon. To fix the problem remove the tail lights and and use marine grade silicon around the screw holes to seal out the water them replace the light assembly. Also removed and replace the weather stripping trunk seal or removed the trunk seal and re-glue with marine grade glue. I did both of these and I have had NO MORE WATER. plus the silicon and glue costs less than $10 in Walmart versus over $300 at the dealer.

Answer by Abs
Submitted on 11/11/2005
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Yes i drive a 2001 dodge neon also, i have had the same water problem my trunk is soaking wet after a good rain as well as my backseat i have learned if you park the vechicle uphill during rain your trunk nor backseat will be flooded...also on cold mornings when the frost started my vechicle had problems starting..i have a problem with my brakes also even after they have been worked on...so who knows what is up with them??

Answer by TJ
Submitted on 11/15/2005
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Remove both tailight assemblies and apply sealant and reinstall.

Answer by Chuck
Submitted on 1/22/2006
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Listen to odtaa (may, 2004) I had the same bad water problem, with water leaking all the way into the passenger compartment. It was all from leaks around the rear tail lights. New seals from the dealer won't fix it, because there is a very small margin of error for the fit. Use RTV (silicone) between the existing rear light housing seals and the car body, and you won't get any more water. I had to take the entire carpet out and let it dry for 3 - 4 days, then put it back in. No problems after that, with some very heavy rains.

Answer by KB
Submitted on 6/18/2006
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I have a '00 neon with the same problem. It only occurs after a big rain. We think its the trunk seal.

Answer by Chicky
Submitted on 6/21/2006
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I have a 2001 dodge neon RT. I have the same issues as stated above. Do you all have sunroofs? I was told my issue is with the draining tubes that run from the sunroof to the base of the body. I was told they where clogged and need blown out. I hope this info helps out.

Answer by dan
Submitted on 7/28/2006
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I have a 2003 neon and water gets into the trunk through the tail light assembly gasket. I sat in the trunk while my wife sprayed the back of the car with a hose. I removed the lamp housings and am going to use a top grade pure silicone to seal them in. I expect to have to do this every couple of years.

Answer by killian
Submitted on 8/22/2006
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I had the same condensation problem, not to mention 3/8" standing water in the spare tire well, in my 2002 neon. I found that the bottom inner studs that hold the tail lights in place where installed wrong. Not letting the gasket around the tail light assembly to seal at the bottom. It took roughly 20 minutes, 1/2" open end wrench and some weatherstrip adhesive to fix it.