I have a 2009 Audi A4 Avant with a tiny water leak that comes in around the hood release handle and pools on the carpet/mats.

The last time it rained I took a look in around the fuse box area and found the backside of the trim piece that is circled red to be wet.



Using that logic I guessed water may be coming down the A pillar from the windshield. I found some depressions in around the top seal of the windshield and silicon'd them up. That had no effect on the leak - Next rain shower, more water.

I've done other fixes such as ensuring sun roof drains are clear and the drain holes under the wiper area are all free and clear.

There is a plug in the firewall for the hood release cable but I can never find it. Any tips on getting to that would be another place I could go search.

Any other ideas would certainly be appreciated!