Leakage problem. Where are the Sunroof drainage holes (2012 Toyota Camry SE V6)?
Posted by LJeanne_WR@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 6 comments
Hello. I am a 71-year-old female who is not a car buff. This is my first car with a sunroof.
At home, for the past 10 years, I have parked outside (no garage) in a condo parking lot with lots and lots of trees. Every week, the lawn care guys cut, mulch, collect and blow leaves, grass, pebbles, and dirt into big piles close to everyone’s cars. The cars are constantly completely covered in a thin film of dirt.
I recently had a leak in my car from rain. I thought the wet carpet was from deteriorating weather stripping around the windows or something. I took the car to my usual repair shop, and they said that the sunroof drain holes were clogged and that they unclogged them by sticking a pin in the holes.
Once the repair shop gave me the info, I found You Tube videos about water leak problems and wet carpets from blocked sunroof drains or blocked cowl drainage holes, etc. However, I can’t inspect the sunroof drains if I can’t find them. I used a step ladder next to the car, lean over the car roof, and peer down into the drainage tracks, but I don't see the holes.
If you have a sunroof, where are the drainage holes? Do I have to lift up a piece of metal or something?
Thank you very much for your help.
mtrbiknut@reddit
The drains are usually in the front corners, maybe 2 more in the rear of the sunroof. You should be able to slide a piece of wire like a coat hanger or something similar through them to open the drains again. Be careful to not tear the tube with the wire, go softly and slowly!
LJeanne_WR@reddit (OP)
Some of the guys on the You Tube videos said to use pliable, but sturdy weed trimming line along with compressed air. However, some folks said don't use compressed air because you could dislodge the plastic clips that are holding the drain lines in place.
I am too chicken to use compressed air, but I did buy size 0.95 trimming string from Home Depot 4 weeks ago (I saved the receipt), but I haven't used it yet. I need to eyeball the drain holes first to see if my Weed Wacker string is the right size.
I did run a test by pouring hot water (suggested by video guys) in the area where I thought the front drain holes are supposed to be, and the water did indeed run right thru the drains, down to the ground under the car -- on both passenger and driver sides.
After I go thru a car wash, I run my fingers along the sunroof drain tracks, and hallelujah, the tracks have been dry.
This coming Friday, I plan to work on the car, so I'll search for the drainage holes again -- front and back. You are correct. The video guys say be gentle when rooting around in the drain lines.
Thank you for responding.
secondrat@reddit
I also use weed trimmer string.
The drains are up in the front corners somewhere. If they are draining you should be good.
I also like to wipe down the rubber seal around the sunroof to help keep it clean and pliable.
mtrbiknut@reddit
It sounds like you have already found and opened them, congrats! I swear I cannot remember if there were drains in the rear. I think only the front, and I'm not sure how you would even be able to get to the rear anyways.
I retired from a plant that builds the Camry and used to deliver those tubes to the line.
Sapper-Ollie@reddit
I found mine by running my finger along the sides of the sunroof.
If you can't feel them, just drop into the place that cleaned them and ask them to show you where they are.
LJeanne_WR@reddit (OP)
My goodness. I responded to your post 2 hours ago; however, I don't see it here. I'll have another go at it.
I plan to work on the car this coming Friday, Nov. 8th, so I'll search for the drainage holes again. I just may have to visit the car repair shop again to get help finding the drain holes.
Thanks for responding.