Hot air leaks into driver compartment

[Saibomb]

Hello, I have a 2000 I30 (82,000 miles) and I have recently noticed that hot air has been leaking into the driver compartment from the little gap to the right of the gas pedal (where all the wires and stuff go through). This only occurs when the car is moving though, when it's stationary there is no air coming in.

Does anyone know what the problem may be?

[Markc]

Think about it for a minute as you read your own statement.
Hmmm, should there be a gap there? Should I seal it up? Hmmmm....

[Saibomb]

Well, it just seems strange to me because the gap is pretty big, probably 4 square inches...if I somehow knocked down whatever was in place I would think I'd be able to detect it or something.

Anyway, the air can get pretty hot, so what exactly would be the best material to use to cover the gap?

[loystock]

Right now, heat is only the issue. It will get worse as there is the possibility of damaging the wires in the harness (rubbing against the firewall) and dirt and water can get in during rainy days which could damage sensitive controllers/components inside the car.

Looks like the protective cap/ harness housing came off. Most likely, somebody messed around with it and did not install correctly or simply did not put it back.

Unless you can get the original component back (try junkyard?), you have to find a shop which can insulate and protect the harness while at the same time sealing the gap. Without seeing the actual gap and firewall opening, it's hard to prescribe a repair.

[Saibomb]

I did have a guy replace my struts a couple of weeks ago...but I'm not sure if that should have anything to do with it...

I will get you pics ASAP.

[Saibomb]

Ok, here is the pic:



I've circled in red where the air is coming from - that little black rectangular tube...

Edit: lol I guess that could be the same place where the air conditioning comes through but obviously something is messed up that's causing the hot air from the engine to leak through.

[Markc]

That's the heat duct! Is your climate control turned off?

[Saibomb]

lol I realized that soon after I looked at the picture. But climate control is off, I know it for sure, especially considering nothing blows when the car is stopped and the faster you go, the stronger the hot air blows.

[loystock]

Pix really helps. Could just be the warm ambient air getting into the system.

[Saibomb]

Ok, so I guess it's no big deal then...but do you recommend I take it to the mechanic to get it checked out or is there some way I can fix it myself?

[loystock]

Yes, take it to a trusted mechanic. Something could be amiss.

[Saibomb]

Alright, thanks for your help. I appreciate it very much.

[Saibomb]

Just got back from the mechanic today, and something seems very strange.

Apparently, it isn't the ambient air, it's coming from the AC/Heating system. When I turn on the cooling (to about 70 F), then turned it off, the air from the duct began to blow cool air. Then when I raised the temp to 85, and turned it off, it went back to warm air. And again, this only occurred when the vehicle was in motion.

Now, I've made totally sure the air conditioning turns off when I hit the "OFF" button on the dashboard. You can easily hear it when it turns on/off. Yet somehow, it still blows the air the same temp as it's set at. I don't understand how the car is able to cool the air while the AC is off, that's unbelievable to me...the mechanic said some technical stuff to me, although I didn't understand everything but anyway, I'm just going to leave it alone. I'll set it at a comfortable temp and just enjoy my ride