When it rains and I start driving the car (2006), I hear a sloshing sound of water from somewhere in front of the steering wheel. I can't find anything. Does anyone know where this is coming from?
Check the air conditioning system water drain outlet to make sure it is not clogged. There is a box under the dashboard where condensation or any water that enters into the system from the fresh air vents fall into. A small drain tube from the box lets water out onto the ground. If the box fills up, it will sound just like you said. I don't have any experience with 2006 Prius having this issue... Its just a standard for all cars. And I know the Prius has it, because i see puddles of water under the car (in the dashboard vicinity) during the summer, after its been parked for a while. Good luck.
Yes, the problem is that you have leaves and dirt clogging the two drains in the metal cowl pan. To fix this, you have to remove the windshield wiper arms, which requires a 14 (or else 12) mm socket. Then you can remove the two plastic fittings on both ends of the two-piece black plastic cowl cover, and finally remove the cover. Now you will be able to see into the cowl pan. Note that a drain is located at either side. Clear the dirt and leaves out, and the drains should work again. If the plastic fittings break (as they are fragile), you can obtain replacements at your Toyota dealer parts counter. Each door has a couple of drains located at the bottom. You can see these when you open the door and look at the underside. Clear the drains using a flat blade screwdriver or piece of wire from a wire hanger.
