Just had my 2002 F-150 XLT windshield replaced to cure an interior leaking problem and I still have rain water dripping from the interior grab handles. Could it possibly leaking someplace besides the windshield?

 

DO you have a sun/ moon roof?

If no....then odds are good that who ever did the glass replacement didn't get it seal

 

My 2000 does the same thing and I never had the glass replaced. I want to pop the covers off of the handles where the screws hide and put some putty in there behind the bolts. I have a sneaking suspicion that's the culprit

 

This.

 

All that will do is force the water to exit lower, you won't have fixed anything.

 

AND trap water inside the frame work of the windshield where it WILL cause rust. You need to find out where the water is coming in and prevent water from getting in in the first place.

 

Yes, I do have a sun roof. Best way I check for possible leaks there?

 

Look at the seals for cracking and for any that have shrunk and pulled away from the glass,, etc. You can also use a water hose with the water down to a small stream and work your way around the seals while someone sits inside and looks for a water leak. But it might take some time before they can actually see water and you may have moved to a different area so it can be tricky to find the leak. Also some leaks only happen when you're driving and the wind is pushing the water up into different area of the cowling, windshield, etc. You just have to be persistent and keep checking. Pull the plastic covers off where you see water coming inside and try and follow the water back to it's source. Water will always run downhill inside the car but on the outside, wind and driving may drive it to a higher point and the leak could be above where the water was originally at.

I don't know if your sun roof has drains but if it does then check them to see if one is plugged. A LOT of sun roofs don't have drains but have a gutter around the sunroof opening and those will almost always rust out and cause leaks. If I were you I'd start with the sunroof gutter and on the front left corner (nearest to where you're seeing the water leak).

 

Thanks, Joe51. Yep, I pulled the left side headliner and, sure enough, the sunroof drain pan is dripping. Flushed drain lines with compressed air and soapy water, and they appear to be working fine. Guess it's time to pull the front half of the headliner and seal the drain pan with silicone.

 

You're welcome. Sun roofs are a real Achilles' heel for causing rust and allowing water leaks in cars. FWIW I check the drain lines on my sun roof every time that I wash my car by gently running water into all four corners and making sure that each of the lines are draining. I also check the gutter for any sign of rust and if I find any I clean it up and repaint it in order to try and prevent any rust through. Leaves and dirt tend to collect in the gutter so I make sure that I get all of the debris out before it can get into the drain lines and clog them. I also apply silicon grease the rubber seal frequently to help it seal and it also helps preserve the rubber.