2005 Wrangler (TJ) Hard top

During rainy weather the carpet in the rear cargo area (behind the rear seat) is getting significantly wet. I have checked all the seals surrounding the rear window and tailgate. During my inspection I noticed some water stains coming out of the vent holes (on the inside surface) in the tailgate itself. Almost as if water is blowing reverse through the vents and into the cargo area. Now that we are on that subject. I also notice a great deal of air compression when closing the doors with the windows up. I don't know if those two issues are related but in speaking with the dealer he said those vents are there to allow airflow when using the heater/ac fan and so it won't be difficult to close the doors with the windows up. Being that this is a hard top I was surprised to find a significant leak such as this. Anyone know about a rubber flap inside the tailgate that opens up when there is airflow or when closing a door? The dealer said there is such a flap and it may not be installed correctly or is in the wrong position or is gone altogether.

Any input would be helpful guys.

Thanks!!

I am also getting a wet carpet right behind the rear seat. Doesn't seem to leak all the time but theirs a water stain in the carpet. I also have the hardtop. My guess is that the seal that is on the window may be the culprit.

Are you sure it's water and not windshield wiper fluid?

Definately not washer fluid. With the tailgate open you can see the vents in the sheet metal. The center, top set of vents is now water stained with a path leading from the vent to the bottom of the gate. Water is being blown through the vent back into the rear behind the seat. It's quite alot not just a drip. The washer fluid feed hose runs along the top of the harp top above the rear window to the area which holds the wiper motor and washer nozzle. Not coming from there I just checked again. The dealer is going to look at it after the new year. I am guessing they will not help. Any more ideas?

I had a similar problem behind the passenger seat on my '02 Wrangler. I pulled the carpet up and discovere the seam between the floor and wheel house needed to be re-caulked.

funny you say that I filled my windshield washer fluid and it leaked out. I thought it must have had a leak in the tank, but the rear wiper is not hooked up. I think that was when the wetness appeared in the cargo area.

I have the exact same problem with my hard top. I get water build up on the carpet right at the back edge. To me, it looks like the water is running down the inside of the back window and settling there at the bottom. I've checked the window and seals out thoroughly, and everything appears to be in good shape. If anyone could help assessing this issue, is would sure be appreciated.

As for the pressure/vacuum you have with closing your doors when the windows are up....
I really wouldn't worry about that. Mine does that too. In my opinion, that's just a sign of a good seal between the hard top and body of the Jeep. I'd be more worried if it DIDN'T do that. It would make me think that something WASN'T sealed up the way it should be.

But if it really bothers you, just barely crack one of your windows before shutting your door, and the problem will go away.
(Not recommended when parking in rainy and snowy conditions)

welcome to jeeps...the tops always leak somwhere eventually but chicks still really like em....at least the college chicks do

^^^ chicks love them and well we call that wet spot in the rear pre lube! hahah sorry had too

Hmmmm you just gave me an idea.

- Top off

- Remove rear seat

- Install hot tub

- Get girls and forget about water problem

You guys are my inspiration

So I Went to the car wash last night and focused most of my spraying in the back. After a thorough washing I opened the tailgate and searched for wet spots. The only parts that got wet is where the rear seat belt mechanisms are on each side. But nothing on the floor at all. So this must be happening when it's raining and whilst driving down the road. I gotta look closer at the seals this weekend.

I seem to be having the same issue. Went out to the Jeep this morning and noticed and abnormal amount of moisture inside(on sound bar, sun visors, etc) but what make me worry was the amount on the driver side window. It was pretty damn foggy. I'm thinking I need to take the top off, put a new seal down and replace any of the older hard rubber ones.

My 04 Sahara has wet spots right behind where the back of the roll bar is in the
back of the Jeep on both sides. No other wet spots. It's been raining everyday for
the last 2 weeks here. Some days it just pours. Never seen my Jeep dry. I"ve looked
everywhere and can't see where it's coming in at. I can only conclude that it's the seal
right around the curve there.
I wonder if a bead of RV Silicone Cauking might cure my problem? Anyone ever try
something like that?
Dano