Drainage System Check and Water Leak Corrections

NOTE: Prior to performing any service, first verify that the drainage system is not plugged or restricted. Use a 473 ml (16 oz.) container and pour water into the drain trough. Look at the rear of the vehicle to ensure that the water drains from the rocker panels forward of the rear wheelhouse.

The roof opening frame contains the guide rail assemblies, cable and drive mechanisms, and a drain trough that encircles the sliding roof panel. Attached to the roof opening frame are four sliding roof panel drain hoses. One sliding roof panel drain hose is attached at each corner of the roof opening frame. The two front sliding roof panel drain hoses are routed down the front body pillars and into the cowl sides exiting behind the RH front fender splash shield and the LH front fender splash shield. The two rear sliding roof panel drain hoses are routed down the rear body pillars, along the inside rear quarter panel and out through a grommet in the quarter panel.

If the water flow is restricted, use compressed air to blow out any material in the sliding roof panel drain hose system. Test by slowly pouring water into the system.

After making sure that the drainage system is not restricted, verify that gaps do not exist between the roof sliding panel weatherstrip and the roof panel. If a gap exists, the gap must be brought to specification before any further action is taken. Adjust the sliding roof panel gap.

With clearances within specification, and the sliding roof panel closed, have an assistant spray water on the sliding roof panel while visually inspecting the area from the inside to see if an excessive amount of water is entering the drain trough. A large volume of water indicates that an excessive clearance exists between the roof sliding panel weatherstrip and the roof panel.

Sliding Roof Panel
The sliding roof panel is designed to have a controlled water leak at the roof sliding panel weatherstrip. A properly adjusted sliding roof panel should result in a snug fit between the roof sliding panel weatherstrip and the roof panel around the entire opening. The fit can be checked by using a feeler gauge set at 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) between the roof sliding panel weatherstrip and roof panel. If these specifications are not maintained, water will overflow the drain troughs and enter the roof panel, running down into the passenger compartment when the vehicle is stopped abruptly. Also, increased wind noise could result if the sliding roof panel gap is not within specification.