That happened to me about 7 yrs ago. I figured it out on my own. I can't believe Lincoln didn't correct this issue.

Funny how they never changed the gasket to something that would last…still a great car and a great platform. 👌

It is super easy to add a cabin air filter on the '98 to '11 Town Car. Just get a cabin air filter for a '99 to '10 Jeep Grand Cherokee - then with just a single cut trim off the excess end. Viola! - you now have a cabin air filter that fits just like it was made for the Lincoln. Easy peasy.

So this is supposed to be such a great car and Ford let this issue go on for 13 yrs! It’s great you are showing how to repair this,Thanks

That is so nice of you, taking care of your buyer and helping all TC owners.

Pray that you never have to take that apart again. RTV is a MISTAKE!! I used a rubber weatherstrip from the hardware store. It's not messy, it's only stuck to one side so if I need to remove it it's easy. My blower motor is failed and I need to replace it now so I am in that situation now.

Alternate solution. I found RTV, at about 12 bucks a tube, messy on so many levels, but agree the foam "drys out". I used a product called "M-D Building Products" (Oklahoma City, OK) Platinum Expandable Foam Weatherseal. Claims to be WATERPROOF when compressed. 1/2" wide, 1/8 to 1/2" high when it expands. It is malleable and bendable which creates a perfect seal when it turns a corner. I'd cut the seal not on a 90° butt type joint, but use a carpenters 45° cut (like when a guy joins 2-8 foot section of wood molding) giving you a cleaner joint. A little dab of sealant can't hurt. Product #03120. Tip: After installed on the plastic, gently warm the gasket with a heat gun or hair dryer set on low to expand the gasket. Or leave it out in strong sunlight to get the same effect-expanding the foam strip fully...just takes longer. I just bought the car (03/2023) and only by resealing do you have likely an 80% or better of getting rid of this common leak. Another thing. On a 2007 Lincoln Town Car (Designer), there are FIVE bolts holding the plastic piece in. "Professional" installation (what an overused misnomer) held it in with only FOUR bolts. D'oh. Make sure you use ALL fasteners...check and double check but your bolt # may vary model to model, year to year. One nice feature of the foam is you can "feel" the gasket being compressed when screwed into position. Appears to have solved the problem on my car, with only 38K on the odometer. I purchased the product at either Home Depot or Lowes...I just can't remember where. One last thing I'd also do is peel back the carpeting from the passenger front and back footwell only. It's an easy job, surprisingly. Back seat's a snap to remove-push lower cushion BACK, then it'll lift up (then out). Front seat as well...4 bolts (1 is a different size and you may need a deep socket.). I removed the seat thru the rear door, and re-installed it thru the front. Two wire harnesses under the seat. Standard 3/8 socket set and a #50 Torx on a 3/8 ratchet driver for the seat belt is all you need. Once the carpet is freed from the side molding (they simply lift up and out-3 pieces, IIRC) removed, carpeting simply peels back and you can prop it up with scrap wood. I used a GOOD cleaned out ShopVac to suck out as much water from my wading pool in the back seat and the cushioning/sound deadening foam, then put a heater in the closed rig (two windows open about 1 1/2 to 2") and let it run on moderate temp sporadically over 3 days and it's dry. Hit the floor where it was rusted with a wire brush, then Rust-Oleum automotive primer (2081830) and buttoned it all back up. Once the carpet it pulled up, you can easily see WHY water flows to the back footwell. Simply the lowest point on the car, AND there's a channel between the front and the back ribbing with a cut out and water simply flows downhill. Look for rust here as well. Surprisingly easy job...and yes, you can do it.

Anthony - thanks for sharing - looking forward to the next “do it yourself” repair video.

Thanks for this walk through. I just picked up a 2000 signature that desperately needed this job done.

Just the video I needed. Never would have guessed the source of the leak. Thanks.

I learned how to evaluate and buy a Town Car from you and found a real beauty, a 24,000 mile, always garaged 2009. The existing foam weather strip was in perfect condition. I tore it off, scraped it smooth and gave it the "Anthony Treatment"! Many thanks- for everything!

I trimmed the bottom of that flap to prevent a clog from happening!

You have a lot a knowledge on these cars Anthony . Pa Pa Bear is Hollywood quality camera 📷 man .

Thank you so much for this video. I just finished working on my car while following this video. If I could do it all over again, I would've bought two tubes of Permatex. I managed to do two beads with one tube, but just barely.

Papa Bear is a great cameraman!! Excellent work!

really appreciate your help on this issue. Glad i found your site. So good instructions and camera work, lighting, everything. My opinion , if well maintained and garaged, one of the best driving cars on the road, especially on a lengthy road trip. Nice and smooth and quiet. I remember driving my parents newer LT on a 4 hour trip one time and it drove so smooth and quiet, i almost fell asleep on the interstate highway.Thanks again for your excellent instructions.

Just got a garage-kept 2001 with low miles so this repair is on my MUST DO list. THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO!!!

Anthony I love your how to videos. they are very thorough!

I own a 08 Lincoln Town Car Executive L Series and noticed this problem. Love watching your videos. Always learning something new. Thanks for making a video on this issue. Peace be with you and God bless.

really appreciate your help and taking care of your customer car i just bought 2005 lincoln town car same as the one you have and i see the water behind front passenger seat thanks again will be working on it tomorrow ASAP

Thanks so much for this information! I just bought an 07' and couldn't figure out where the leak was coming from. You're awesome!

MY 2006 was $46,000 and it still developed the leak... WOW... Easy fix and a great video... Thanks...

How incredible is that! I found that pool of rain water in front of the rear seat in my 2000 Town Car yesterday, and then today I find this video from you on how to fix it! I didn't even have to google anything. Thank you so much!

Great tutorial, Anthony! I did this on my white ‘03, four years ago. Glad to have the tip on putting a bit of RTV on those 11mm nuts. About to undertake this on my new Silver Birch ‘03 Signature as preventative maintenance. It’s such an easy task, that prevents getting your carpet ruined. Wish everybody knew about this when buying a TC!

I love how new and clean it looks under that hood. 👍

This is exactly what was going on with our 2004 car.. it was going on for so long and not noticed because of all the "protective" extras and no one really was in the back seat.. that it had a lovely smell. We got it all cleaned out today and now I am ordering this sealant to get it repaired. :)

This was such a great help I literally just got done fixing it for my younger sisters who were having this problem. And my car mechanic abilities have only extended to replacing my lights.

Awesome. Just picked up an 05 and you saved me a ton of research and time.

I have a 2006 TC Signature Ltd. It hasn’t started leaking yet , but this. Is very informative !!!!! Thanks so much !!

Thank you so very much for sharing this information. I have a 98 Towncar Signature that I inherited from my brother 2 years ago. I was in tears everytime it rained and his baby was taking on water like that. I followed your instructions and did this to her on Saturday. It's definitely going to prevent a lot of damage to this beautiful car.

Thank you so much I've been fighting with my parents over this for the longest time on how that water was getting in on my car

This looks just like my 2006 TownCar. Excellent presentation. Thanx.

Did an excellent job on this Video Anthony!

THANK YOU!!! Man I thought I was going to have to spend an arm and a leg to fix whatever it was that was causing it to do that! Thank so much!

Great video Easy to watch and you explain it fast and simple Thank you so much I have been dealing with this for so long and could never find issue.

I've had two 2010s, one Signature the other a Signature L. The L had this issue and found several videos on KZfaq about the clogged up drain and disintegrating gasket. I fixed it myself.

Amazing tip.... thank you Anthony. God Bless.

Awesome vid and very thorough with the info. I had an '09 Grand Marquis, but didn't have it long enough for that issue to have happened, but still great to know💪🙂

That's great that your giving tips and making How to videos, Especially with Lincolns.

Thank you Anthony I could not understand why i was getting water in my rear floor board I did this and found that seal was shot and the tray was plugged up with junk thank you so much for this video.

Thank you so much for your help because my 2006 Lincoln town car signature limited had a little shower tube in the left side back

Awesome video. I would have absolutely been lost without your video. You rock my friend

Wow Anthony this is great I’ve seen a lot of videos and I’ve stayed aware of this problem but yours here is the clearest, and best produced, most comprehensive and detailed; thanks very much, I’m so impressed, & good camera work Papa Bear!

This is a problem I wasn’t aware of but will 100% reference back to this video if the problem comes up. Will check this today or so. I have a ‘07 TownCar but has been babied and only been parked outside for 1 winter 🤞🏼🤞🏼

I just purchased a 2005 Lincoln TC 60k miles and was bummed when I saw water getting in back. Thanks for this video and helping me not to have taken it to a mechanic who woulda upsold me on bs

Thank you very much , making this job so simple , this is the best video on that lincoln. leak!

I don't know why I didn't find this video before - exactly my problem. Thank you!!

Very informative and I appreciate your how to video.

Thanks for a great Video! My Daughter set her purse in the rear floor on mine and said Dad it is wet back here , So Looks like time to check out the Seal on this! Love my Lincoln and definitely want to keep it pristine as possible!

Thanks for the video. Now I got to get mine done.

Thank You For This Video - I only wish I knew this before I just went and bought a musty smelling town car and woke up to 2" of water on the floor in back seat foot well.

THANK YOU SO MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEO BECAUSE I HAVE THE REAL PROBLEM IN MY 2006 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ESPECIALLY ON THE WINTER SEASON

Watched this video 4 weeks ago👍Went to Lowe's and bought $3 10ft roll of Frost King ½"×½" vinyl/foam weatherstrip. No more leak. Used same roll on trunk lid plate cover. No more water in trunk lid.🙂 Thanks for posting.

Good details instructions!!! And a very simple fix!

Too easy. All thanks to you!!!! You seem like a great guy too. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

We have had that problem with every 98 plus Towncar we had and I had no idea how to fix it including our 2010. I had a feeling it was something pretty straightforward but never figured it was from the front of the car. I will get the RTV and fix it in the next few days. YOU ARE THE MAN! All the best to you and the poppa bear!

This was so easy to fix. Make sure you watch the entire video so you don’t miss a step like i did. Still worked like magic tho

this is just what I needed! my 02 signature series is pooling up so easy fix thanks!

Thank you for this video. Although I have never experienced any water infiltration leaks on my Panthers, I was aware of this issue with the vent intake. Now I have detailed step by step instructions on how to fix it thanks to you!

I've got a 1993 Ford Crown Vic (panther platform like the Lincoln) and it has that exact leak when it rains. If I was a betting man I'd wager your solution will fix my problem! Thanks for posting this tutorial!! LOVE your channel and all the gorgeous Caddies you feature!! Keep it up!!

Thank you so much!!! I was losing my mind trying to figure out where the water was coming from!🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Thank you Anthony!!!! I appreciate you sharing your wisdom

This worked! Thank you for this video!

Good info for when I finally pickup a LTC for my fleet.

Great video. Thanks a bunch. You nailed my problem. Gonna repair my 2001 Town Car.

Excellent and informative!

Man thank you so much! You have know idea how much you've helped me. I'm no dummy...working union construction (industrial, commercial, and residential) for the last ten years, I love puzzles (how to coordinate jobs to flow start to finish) and problem solving. With that being said I'm car retarded. But again, love to do things myself. You have made this possible my friend and I thank you. Own an 06 town car and was about to replace my windshield thinking that's where it was leaking from but thank God I found you. Saved me a lot of money my friend thanks a million. Will subscribe to gain more knowledge. Your a Saint!

Yes you are correct every single town car has this problem. Been there done that to my town car. It works well everything you said is true when applying it. Love your channel big thumbs up....

Mine had the same exact issue and this solved it!

Thank you this happens to the 2001 grand marquis. Thanks for sharing.

very well done. easy to listen to and understand. I will try this on my car.

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

Always good info to keep in the back of your head!

So I bought an 03 Towncar and I didn't notice it when the guy I was buying it off of showed me around it but I sure noticed it when I got home, that floor was *soaked* and I've been keeping an eye on it and I noticed that after I dried it, the back floor doesn't get wet, but occasionally after long rains, I do notice a little wetness on the front passenger footwell, so I figured the leak was somewhere up behind the dash out in the engine compartment. Turns out I was right! This just appeared on my front page, and I'm glad to have noticed it. EDIT: This'll probably be the next thing to tackle after I got the air suspension replaced with shocks&coils ($800 vs. $3500+, no contest).

excellent video, very informative, all your videos are great thanks!

Great information 👍🏼

Had leak in my 04 ultimate..turned out it was a clogged drain....cleared it and never had problem since....next time will definitely reseal gasket

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you x 1000! Great video! Glad it's an easy fix!

Awesome job. Thanks.

Awesome how to video I really enjoyed it

Thank you!

Great videos thank you

Thanks just fixed mine

Thanks, buddy!

Thanks so much!

Thank you for this video! Had a water leak in the pass floor of an 07 Town Car. My cowl drain was fully clogged with leaves and the foam seal was missing. A++++++

Great how-to video! I'm definitely going to do this on my '07 this spring. No leaks yet, but I'm happy to get to it before it does.

Good job! I enjoyed this video of DIY fix. I think you should have more DIY fix in your videos.

A retired Lincoln/Mercury mechanic told me about this many moons ago. Whenever replacing a wiper motor, I always clean out and reseal or replace foam gasket. Been pretty lucky and never had a problem. "Knock on wood".

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My 2006 Town Car (60,000 miles) has been afflicted with this problem and I couldn't find anybody who knew what was going on. I am SO grateful for this video.

Great video! I was smart and bought a bunch of the original foam gaskets from Ford years ago as replacements for future issues. I've know about this issue with these cars for a long time as well. I've cleaned and reconditioned a lot of sunroofs for customers too with these cars . Preventative maintenance! 👍

Awesome vid. I didn't realize this issue happens to the whole run from '98-'11 I always thought it was the 07 & 08 mostly.

I followed your advice on this fix and thought it worked until recently when I found water in the footwell of the passenger side. I removed the rubber flapper on the drain at the base of the assembly under the hood. It has eliminated the water problem. I found that the flapper can restrict the exit of water.

I have done this repair on two of my Town Cars but your explanation video is by far the clearest and most splendid one I have watched. Well done my man! Thank you! Thank you! (Because I've got to do another on a car I've just acquired and it's been several years since I did the last two cars.)

Thanks Anthony. Mine started about a year and a half ago and I fixed it myself. I used a wet vacc and towels to dry. I also got humidity/moisture collectors from Dollar Tree and placed them in the magazine holders in the backs of the seats to wick the residual moisture from the air inside the car.

You do a great service by doing a "how to; do it yourself" video. It can save people a lot of money. Good job.

Great video I couldn't believe that where the water was coming from on my 2000 t c but it was thanks so much

Great video Thank you God Bless

Thanks