Hello there! I am new to the forum but had a quick question. I have a 2009 HHR LS, and today I had to change my wiper transmission for my windshield wiper that stopped working. In order to do this, I had to take my windshield cowl off. After putting it all back together and putting the screws holding the cowl in place back in, I notice the cowl isnt flush with the windshield in a few spots. Is this normal, or is it a cause for concern? I know older HHRs had the issue with the Cowl Water Deflector in front of the cabin air filter, so I figured maybe it wasn’t a water tight seal to begin with. Thanks!

 

I suppose you'll find out. If you installed it correctly I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I've had mine off several times. Always went back on flush.
My guess is you don't have it "seated" straight or something is in the way of it.== The washer tubing. A forgotten tool. Acorn left in the way.
I would take it back off and have a look.

 

From what I could tell I had the washer tubing and wiring harness all clipped in correctly. If I pushed down on the spots that weren’t flush, they wouldn’t need much force to be flush, they just wouldn’t stay that way. I am started to wonder if mine is just old and getting brittle, the sealing end is semi hard like plastic, not sure if that’s normal. I’ll take a look tomorrow. Thanks!

 

take pictures of problem areas and a general view - then your concern will be clear and reasonable opinions and advice will appear

 

It does not do anything towards sealing anything out (maybe leaves), it is just "window dressing".
Only 2006 and early 2007 had the butyl patch.
I am amused by the people that put RTV all along the window.

 

Yup, mine had the RTV along the cowl, and cracks in the butyl patch. so even the added sealant didn't help much I'd guess. I fixed the patch and cleaned off all the sealant on the cowl and windshield. (06 HHR)

 

Okay perfect, I thought I saw something about there being a hole near the cabin air filter that allows water to drain out, which led me to think that it didn’t do anything to actually seal water, I just wanted to be sure. Of course my wiper failed on the one day it rained all day! It rained through the night and I did not see any wet spots inside the cab, but I am glad you could confirm it for me. Thanks so much!

 

Luckily they made the wipers and cowl very easy to get off on these cars! 10 minute job, can’t beat that.

 

The drains can get clogged. jimvw posted this pic: