Local Garage - Issues/Rights/Complains/Advise/Help

[Pshemsky]

Hi Guys. Wasn't sure in which topic I should post this message so here we go...

Some time ago (about 4/5 weeks) I left my XM at local garage (guy seems to be familiar with Citroen and OK to do asked job) with replacement second hand sunroof from RaveDave. Had the time issue from the begin - hasn't been done, difficul job and takes ages, fabric need to be clean up, need to be check for leaks etc. At the begin I wasn't too bothered about it cos just came back from holidays and was in really good mood. At the begin had some leak after washing top of the car with jet wash. Took it back and supposed to be sort out (in that time fabric start peeling of from front of ceiling/just above windscreen and I was told that I need some kind of fabric/carpet glue to sort it out). So been driving it for a few more days and then went on my holidays.
Had a great time abroad and I was aware that weather in UK was horrible (long heavy rains). When came back I tried to move a car of driveway and it all starts. I had cold shower (literally) on my back and passenger seat, wet patches around edges of ceiling, and two 'ponds' under mats on passenger side - back and front. Fabric peel off even more and at the back of ceiling too.
Took it straight back to garage to show what happen to my XM when I was away and as a result I got information that things like that happen with second hand parts, they not giving me any warranty for it. Then I was told that sunroof seal hasn't been clean properly and to bring car back on TUE so main guy will take a seal from my previous sunroof and replace it with the one from Dave. At the begin I was devastated. Angry as f... but menage to cool down and just walk away with promise that I'll bring my car back on TUE.
I got some photo for You guys so take a look please and I'll appreciate if someone could give me any advise about whole situation, responsibilities from garage and my rights in this scenario :/

PHOTOS - https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwMDv ... GpfZngzQmc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards
Prem

[Dieselman]

XM sunroofs are notoriously bad for leaking and any second hand one needs to be thoroughly checked before being declared fit to use.

From the loaction of wet patches I would think the glass to carriage bonding has failed along with possible blocked drains.

I will be surprised if the seal makes any noticeable difference.

[Pshemsky]

I doubt that they checked drains either. Every single time when ask about something to do with sunroof been getting information that someone else done this job :/

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

[Dean]

I agree With Will, for that volume of water to come in i would say the water has overflowed the tray due to blocked drain pipes, it looks like it has flowed over all round the outside of the cassette and the opening where the glass is.

The seal is there mainly to stop noise and keep the majority of the water out so as not to overcome the drain pipes.

Open the sunroof and carefully pour water onto the cassette with the car at different angles (nose uphill / downhill) you want to see water very quickly run out the back of the front wheel arches (nose down hill) and out of both rear wheel arches from above the plastic covers inside the arches (nose up hill). If the cassette fills up or no water comes out of any of the wheel arches that pipe is blocked and will be the cause of your problem.

D

[raynoon]

As mentioned above... Also check that the wiring isn't trapped between the cassette and the roof.

I manged to re-seal my own sunroof (with no previous mechanic experience) the seal was still available from Citroen too.

[Dean]

Mine had a bit of loom trapped above the passenger side front door from new that would give a steady drip onto the passenger seat during heavy rain, the deluge you have suffered must be at least partially due to blocked drain pipes in my opinion though.

D

[russ92xmsed]

I would also say blocked drains from looking at the pics. Had experience of this on my grey car and the headlinning does get soaked. The lining can be easily glued back with a spray upholstery glue once it's dried out.

Be careful you do dry out the floors, if water has got into the foam soundproofing it will sit there and could start to rust. I know, had that too.

[MTXM]

I was sorry to hear about your problem Prem and I agree with the others that the amount of water inside certainly suggests blocked and/or disconnected corner drain pipes. If there is water in the rear footwells that would be the rear pipes and I have found from experience access is fairly good after carefully removing trim around the ceiling at each corner. I hope you get the problem fixed and do keep us posted, while in the meantime a dehumidifier should come be handy! Regards, Matthew T. PS. I attach some photos from my earlier fix and the tube was actually disconnected from the cassette.

[White Exec]

Good photos, Matt!
The drain tubes (if still connected ok) can be checked for blockage by rodding with a length of electrician's nylon mouse (about 3mm diameter nylon line). Sometimes the tubes just get blocked with mud/crud. Also possible to flush them clean gently with a water feed, or very gently with an air line at low pressure. Be very careful with the latter - it can blow the pipe off the gutter snout.

[MTXM]

Many thanks Chris and I think my drain tube was actually blocked and then blown off in an attempt to clear using a compressor! As access is relatively easy I recommend removal of the trim once a blockage is confirmed, followed by a thorough clean. Regards, Matthew T.