Water may be found on the front passenger floor of some 2024-2026 Equinox EV and 2025 OPTIQ models. The water leak may be caused by an unseated A/C drain tube in the instrument panel bulkhead. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
If the passenger-side front carpet is wet, inspect the A/C drain tube and reseat it if it is disconnected. (Fig. 2) If there is a visible discoloration on the underside of the carpet or any odor retention, the carpet may need to be dried out or replaced.
Fig. 2
Body Seam Seal
On Equinox EV models, also check the body seam under the passenger-side front carpet. (Fig. 3) If the drain tube is seated properly, the body seam may be allowing water to intrude into the passenger compartment.
Fig. 3
To access the body seam, it will be necessary to remove the passenger seat, disconnect the seat harness, remove the door sill and center console side trim, and then remove the passenger-side carpet. Also remove the Brake Electronic Control Module (BECM) bracket. The BECM does not need to be disconnected; just lift up the module and set it aside.
Next, from under the vehicle, remove the underbody panel and drive unit. Locate the body hole on the passenger’s side of the frame in front of the high-voltage connectors and battery pack. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
Check for a leak in the paint shop sealer by applying water from under the vehicle at the seam.
TIP: If excess sealer is present in this location, use a long pick or an 8-inch flathead screwdriver to remove it from the underbody prior to cleaning and re-sealing the area.
Apply sealer along the seam between the sheet metal. (Fig. 5) Use a small brush to push sealer into the gap.
Fig. 5
Refer to Bulletin #25-NA-149 for additional information, including part numbers.
Odor Due to Water Intrusion
Anytime there is water intrusion in a vehicle, check porous and semi-porous components, such as carpet, fabric trim covers and foam insulation, for visible staining and odor. Isolate the odor source inside the vehicle or remove and segregate interior trim and components to isolate the source. The vehicle and interior trim should be evaluated separately to determine if the odor stays with the vehicle or the interior components.
For detailed information on odor diagnosis and correction, check out Document ID 5735421 and 5652134 in the appropriate Service Information.
Refer to Bulletin #25-NA-291 for more details on odor elimination.
– Thanks to Kurtis Hoezee
