Honda Element - Rear Roof Area Water Leak Find and Fix

After taking my Element to an automated car wash (I hand wash in the warmer months (this was the first automated wash I have done since I got the Element)) I noticed water dripping from the rear drivers side seatbelt top anchor. At first I thought it was the sunroof drains, but those were clean as could be. I found this post about a similar scenario: www.elementown...
Decided to document my work and the fix since it was hard to find other good videos of this.
It turned out to be a small defect in the body that has either been there since the car came from the factory and the previous owners prior to me never realized the leak, or never used high pressure water to clean the car. Washed the car maybe 1 dozen times since I got it in early 2020 and never noticed a leak till the cold weather forced me to use automated washes.
The area in question was under the drivers side rear garnish. Honda part info:
Honda Part No.:75245-SCV-A01ZA
Garnish Assy., L. RR. Roof NH661 (EX WARM GRAY)
Part Link: www.hondaparts...
Tools used:
-10 MM socket (www.tekton.com...)
-3/8" Drive Ratchet (www.tekton.com...)
-5 mm Craftsman Allen wrench AKA: Hex Key
-3/8" 10" extension (www.tekton.com...)
-WD 40 to help take off the 5mm hex screws
-Permatex® Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (www.permatex.c...)
-Cleaning materials to wipe down the paint (water spray bottle, paper toweling, cotton rag, and tooth pick)

[@alfpenner647]

I have EXACTLY the same car (year, colour, etc.) with the same leak! Thanks a lot! It's got 356 000 km and still going great

[@brycecarlson]

You are welcome! Hope the video helps to find the leak!

[@RetNemmoc555]

The dealership I worked in had a "squeaks & leaks" guy who was as methodical and patient as you. Personally, I draw the line at mushrooms growing in the carpet. If I can't find an obvious leak, It either goes to the body shop or onto the street with a for-sale sign.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Very well done! The photography, editing and narration was fantastic! 10 out of 10.

[@brycecarlson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoseRodriguez-hl9zh]

Hola gracias por la ayuda en mi caso tengo un 2004 Honda Element y el Sun Roof de atrás los drenajes que tiene cuatro estaban desconectados en el panel lateral detrás de la base del cinturón desde ahí inundaba la rueda de repuesto y corría hacia delante y tenía Inundada toda la alfombra hasta los pies del chofer, es un tremendo desarme para poder secar la alfombra pero creo que es la solución.

[@flyingdiscproductions]

we had someone blow out those tubes with an air hose ... leak fixed!

[@canuckfixit7722]

To make reattachment (and future removal if needed) of the garnish easier, you can add a small drop of silicone grease on the plastic clips.

[@SuburbanBeard]

thank you! i figured there had to be something to make it move if needed.

[@MrQuipster4k]

Get Renew Protect Blak from Amazon. It's a trim stain that works miracles for the Element's trim pieces. I posted my review of before and after on my 03 Element. You won't regret it.

[@PPP1987JG]

I have the same leak but no hole.... It can never be easy.

[@brycecarlson]

Yeah; might be like the scenario I found in the description: www.elementownersclub.com/threads/water-leak-at-rear-anchor-latch-point.111185/

[@brycecarlson]

Hard to track down for sure

[@8325A]

Samething happend to my element, i add flex seal and problem solved

[@brycecarlson]

That must have been "a lot of damage": kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIuvcnt9m9-hors But yeah Flex Seal or any rubberized sealant is the way to go.

[@YeoldeOrange]

I also have a 2003 Honda Element but mine leaks on the suicide door windows and driver side door. I don’t know what the issue is but I’m assuming bad weatherstripping? I don’t know but I may end up selling.

[@brycecarlson]

Yeah could be the weatherstripping see if it is dry. You could try and moisturize it: www.hemmings.com/stories/2019/09/26/hondas-secret-weapon-squeaks-door-leaks-shin-etsu

[@dorrdepew]

OUTSTANDING video! I, too, am tracing a leak on my Element (07 EX). I’ve eliminated the moonroof as a suspect and the next step is to remove the trim panels as per your video. My leak has been intermittent over the four years I’ve owned the E, so I’m thinking there’s a small leak between body panels and “crud” has gotten in there and sealed it most of the time. Your video will make the panel removal much simpler. Thank you!

[@brycecarlson]

Glad it could help! Good luck with your project!

[@sixtonshark2854]

Thank you for this! I'm about to address the same issue, but on the passenger side.

[@brycecarlson]

Good luck!

[@sixtonshark2854]

@@brycecarlson WELL, I removed the rear and middle roof edge panels and found no leak. But I certainly wouldn't have been able to remove the rear panel without your video.

[@brycecarlson]

@@sixtonshark2854 I would also look under the front panels. I have no idea how to remove them as I have not myself. But I would assume if you park on an incline facing forward maybe it is leaking and running to the back inside the headliner. Alternatively; maybe check the rear moon roof (if you have a AWD model where it comes standard) drains (take the glass out) and make sure they are clean. Might be coming in right there in the rear.

[@heatherdomzalski5991]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I got my Element at last this year and had the same exact problem in roughly the same place. All fixed as of today thanks to your video~

[@brycecarlson]

Nice! Glad to hear it!

[@pmaxim5126]

I have a 2004 Element in Russia and fixed the same leak. Thanks a lot for finding the problem root! There was no great hole but i had a clue and finally found a small crack in the paintwork Sealed and fixed!

[@brycecarlson]

Nice work! Glad it was helpful!

[@josetonyserrano8224]

Hi Mr. Carlson my name is Tony and I have the same problem and it's leaking from the back could it be the same I don't know, please help me, what can I do to fix the problem.

[@brycecarlson]

The only way to know were the issues is to take the panels of like I did and look for a source of the leak from the outside. Alternatively; you could trace it back from the inside. I did not do that because I did not want to disturb the headliner in my vehicle for fear of it not going back into place.

[@flyingdiscproductions]

$325 for that little piece of plastic?

[@SuburbanBeard]

this just started happening in my 03

[@michaelcozzini5252]

My 2011 has a leak at the back right corner that drips through the molding n pools on the floor. I hve to put a small bucket on the floor under the molding area to catch it when it rains. I thought it was getting inside the life gate at the wiper washer hose fitting. It tried to seal it but still get water inside

[@rebeccawilson2138]

thank you so much! this is exactly what I needed to watch to fix my leak as well!

[@brycecarlson]

You are welcome! Glad it helped!

[@mattgrady518]

This was extremely helpful!!!

[@brycecarlson]

Glad it helped!

[@kevintorres9928]

Well done. Love the color of that Element.

[@brycecarlson]

Thanks. Love Galapagos Green Metallic G-511M as well!

[@jeffkeni]

Nice how-to!

[@brycecarlson]

Thanks!