How to clear EVERY Water Drain Port on a Porsche Cayenne & Volkswagen Touareg (DIY Tutorial)

Don't want water to get inside your interior? On the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, it is important to periodically clear out every drain port or water can enter your cabin and ruin your interior and the electronics. Additionally, you want to take preventative measures so the water drains never get clogged in the first place. In this video, I'll show you where every water drain is located and how you can prevent them from getting clogged. For step-by-step instructions, check out ecarguides.com/maintenance-gu....
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[@jeremy339]

On a 13 cayenne S, the rear drains are located next to the exhaust pipes under the car. No need to remove the wheel well cover. They are readily accessible to cut. Nothing needs to be removed. There is a left and a right drain. 👍🏽🇬🇾

[@charlielozano1047]

ever try a shop vac?

[@therealgaragegirls]

Thank you! I learned about 4 drains I didn't even know my old Cayenne had! 😅

[@randalstout]

I was able to purchase a gallon of a product similar to Simple Green. Using the microwave, I heated up a quart to near boiling and was able to use it to degrease and clean the drains using your method. Then it was followed up with about 2 gallons of hot water to finish the job. Thank you!!

[@TheFransVenter]

Good video! Thanks, been looking for the front sunroof drains for a long time.

[@jeremy339]

Thanks bro. You just saved us hundreds from the “stealer.” Next time include the drain located inside the gas fill. I used a pulsing pressure washer to clean mines.

[@RAM5500CAMPERTHING]

Thanks for taking the time to do this and show us

[@christophergrupp8784]

This is video is great, and much better than the PCA video which only partially covers the subject.

[@simplyjennyl2542]

Thank you for this video ...I Will work in mine pretty soon

[@issylockhat423]

Thanks for the post. Helped with clearing my Touareg rear drain plugs. Although I did not have to undo the wheel arch cover. I could reach it from under the car.

[@drdre251]

Hey this man. Great video and excellent explanations. I love this particular model and I'm so scared to buy one but I'm rlly glad for these videos. I'm feeling much more confident

[@fookyoutube7274]

Have you bought one yet?

[@artisanconcrete1212]

Most excellent and satisfying to watch as well! Thank you.

[@CarFanatic]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@g.j.p8187]

Thankyou my friend 👌🏼 all of mine had leave’s and water pour out.

[@keithslarke7312]

Well done perfect clear and did the job

[@misukkk]

Best video of all them! 100thanks!

[@jfk5star]

Thanks I'll be looking and checking thanks

[@OlivierGaston]

Thank you for this 👍

[@YtseFrobozz]

This is a great, comprehensive video. There are forum posts scattered about the internet about all of these different issues, but if you're getting water into your interior, I think it's best to look at all of the potential trouble spots instead of chasing leaks one after the other. Also, this is one of those times where doing it in a video format makes it easier to see where on the vehicle things are happening, instead of trying to do some kind of logic puzzle to figure out where on the vehicle the super zoomed-in photos are. Nice work!

[@CarFanatic]

Thanks so much!

[@williealston9120]

Best video for this issue.

[@CarFanatic]

Thank you!!

[@classics.report]

useful Video! ... helped me a lot! You've got my subscription.

[@angelogiasi4783]

Very nice Video! I am surching so long time for that.... thnx

[@yyz125]

Nice demo

[@frankh9529]

Great video, however, I could not get out the driver's side footwell cover. I broke a plastic bracket that holds it up above the gas pedal. Is it necessary to take it out - and if so, how? (I did unscrew the one screw that holds it in the front, but it still did not come off). Also: the driver's side plug for the sunroof is apparently behind the main wire harness. At least I could not find it - but maybe I will once the cover gets removed. Any advice would be appreciated. The removal and cleaning of the sunroof drain plug on the passenger side was very effective. It was totally clogged, with lots of gunk in it. Once removed clean water came out that was trapped in there. I cut the end off the plug and now it's clear. Thanks for the video, again!

[@jslaughter453]

Great work. Cleaned a few out today and the rest tomorrow. Found about 8oz in the sunroof front passenger drain. Also it was not connected in the firewall very well at all. I think it was just flooding the passenger side and the culprit. However as you said it trimmed up the outlet then plugged it well within the firewall.

[@CarFanatic]

Nice work!

[@brucerouffian2630]

Thank you. I really wish I had seen this last September, before the drought broke.

[@vdubing01]

Hey thorough. Thank you.

[@frankkeller6139]

Klasse gemacht - hat mir sehr geholfen - Danke aus Germany

[@wbathrick]

When cleaning out the drains in the sunroof, do you recommend using air blasts from my air compressor to clean things out?

[@karidelavenne1321]

I have a 2017 Cayenne , bought used with 7000 miles. I have had it two years. Beware, drains 2017 and prior have the old design. It should be a recall. My car literally flooded from the inside its cavity and shorted out the AC, the stereo, HVAC, lights, in as little as 18 months etc. With regular visits to the shop on time, it still flooded. The drains are a design flaw and this vehicle should have been recalled. Service dept. even admits it. I also got new carpet installed as black mold was growing inside the cabin and I am asthmatic. I live in the Valley of Oregon , the State with the Nationally highest volume of annual rainfall and park outside in the driveway thanks to my car-enthusiast husband. Thankfully I had purchased an extended warranty and repairs were completed at no cost to me, but the $5,ooo. worth of parts and labor cost Porsche The problems however keep occurring. It's been in service 5 times, without loaner car, and I live an hour away from service-I am a mom and work so needless to say, this car hasn't been worth it considering now the turbo "sport" button doesn't light up therefore not really a SPORT car to me afterall. Back in the shop I go, if my calls ever get answered. Meanwhile my husbands sports car is getting the boot. I want my space back.

[@ashtonwoods]

What are those small tiny drain holes For under Rocker Panel where we put our foot to enter the car door behind Wheel wall ? Good VDO

[@user-zi3uc8is8j]

Great video… just a quick question, do I need to take the inner wheel liner off to access the rubber bung? I’ve a 955 by the way. It looks pretty impossible to simply pry it open. Wheel off too I guess? Thanks

[@nardeezy]

Great vlog! Interestingly, we executed this procedure and we did not have the rubber piece/valve in the front wheel wells. We have a 2008 Cayenne GTS. Purchased it pre-owned in 2011 with 25k miles from a Porsche dealer. Currently, we have about 137k miles. There was a significant amount of dirt/debris within the wheel wells near the rocker panel. I cleaned up all of that but where the rubber piece/valve is supposed to be is just a hole approximately 0.75” diameter and there is no debris within that hole. When we removed the wheels liners it appeared as though the wheel liners were never removed. Do all cayennes have these rubber valves? So weird. The only drain issue we observed in the past was the ac condensation and I was able to resolve that a few times but it comes big every now and then. We will begin the rear drain cleanup next weekend.

[@khanhnguyen-hy6hg]

I think they all do. I actually pull that rubber piece out and never re-installed it. After that, there's no more junk built up. before that I basically have to clean it every year since I park under the pine trees on my property.

[@Dimapbs]

Hi, great video. Wanted to let you know that the link with step by step instructions doesn't work.

[@THEFLYESTDJGCUE]

I have an 2009 Cayenne S with the panoramic sunroof...The middle roof gets stuck in a lower position, which doesn't fully close to seal the first and third roof sections. Do you have any knowledge on this? If so, could you help me or point me in the right direction? In the meantime, I've placed a plastic bag over it to avoid any rain getting inside.

[@HeuerCalibre12]

I was wondering if the left side and right side tubes in the rear are for if you have 4 zone climate control? Please let me know thanks.

[@HawkMillFarm]

If you have access to an air line I’d give a blow back up the pipe to make sure they are clear as well. Good to know where to find the outlets, thanks.

[@CarFanatic]

One warning with compressed air, some people have blown off the sunroof drain plastic elbow that connects to the drain hose. So you want to be careful with that method. But it might be needed if the other methods don't work. Thanks for watching!

[@vicbliz]

Great Video with comprehensive instruction. I do have a question : Is the a drain in the Fuel filler area behind the flap?. I often see water sitting in there.

[@jimharder7832]

I just changed out my air filter in my 2015 Touareg, found water at the bottom of the air filter basket, drain there was plugged, also found water in the plenum to the air filter basket. Easy way to destroy your engine, the plenum also has a drain, both were plugged. You should do a video on it, could save someone lots of money.

[@user-in4uf7to5d]

What about back side drain ports on sunroof, same story?

[@christophergrupp8784]

Mr. Car Fanatic, any tips on the cleaning and maintaining drains for 1.) the rear cargo hatch hinge openings, do they drain somewhere; and 2.) the front windsreen cover opening in between the wiper arms? Thanks!

[@HueNarcisWorld]

The drain is under the plastic trim around the hinges. But going deeper inside, under the headliner there is a plastic lid that needs to be removed iot swap the gas struts. The seal on that plastic lid can be an issue. I used RTV sealant on the plastic lid after swapping the 3 gas struts (or 4, if not power lift gate)

[@charlielozano1047]

thanks, have you ever tried blowing it with air?

[@nothingtoseehere5760]

Thanks for this! How do you pull the port(s) out on the tailgate? Mine is quite firm I am concerned about breaking it...

[@nothingtoseehere5760]

If anyone is interested they are held in by 4 "tabs" in a circular shape, I was able to get them off by pushing the plug to one side and squeezing it while gently tugging, then repeating for other directions. Note the orientation of the arrows/drain exit hole when you remove them, the hole should be on the rear side (pointing up if the tailgate is open).

[@smoreno106]

Thanks, now my truck is free of water 👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnadair6108]

Great video, thanks! I currently have water in my rear passenger side footwell. Which drain do you think is most likely causing this?

[@CarFanatic]

Possibly either the front or rear sunroof drains

[@johnadair6108]

@@CarFanatic Thanks much!

[@HueNarcisWorld]

There are water drains under the plastic trims around the rear hatch hinges. If clogged, they become an issue too.

[@adannegrete6027]

I was driving my cayenne 2009 for 2 week, I hear sloshing that sounded like it was inside the driver site,. the foam under the carpet both sides is completely flooded. I should put more attention and take care of it wen i noticed water was leaking from de pasanger side... Thank for your video

[@CarFanatic]

No problem. I had to lift the carpet up, dry as much as I could with a towel, then run a blow dryer with the carpet lifted up for 24 hours to get everything dry

[@BRB722]

2015 Cayenne S e Hybrid: Despite limited visual access, you can open the hood, and feel along the firewall to flip the rubber vent door to open the AC drain. This took 2 minutes to clear, and can be your go to maintenance approach without accessing from the dash side. If you have some concern that cutting the flap off could give mice access to the cabin, here's a fix I tried: take 10 OD mm silicone tubing and cut a section to run inside the black rubber AC tubing, and extend 2" beyond the vent flap. I also fit 2" of tubing length into the hard plastic funnel end of the AC housing under the dash, as I had already removed the tension clamp from the inside.

[@nelsondaley6440]

It is much easier to access from the firewall side. On mine, the rubber flapped was fused to the tube, but with light pressure, it broke free and dumped all the water. Thanks for the tip.

[@THEFLYESTDJGCUE]

Great video. I'd like to know, do you have a panoramic sunroof?

[@Eidrian111]

Are you blind?

[@saifaldin_]

That is the regular sunroof. The panoramic sunroof is much bigger, stretching all the way to the back seats.

[@thomaswhite2007]

Thanks for sharing. The local Porsche dealer quoted us $1500 to clear out the AC and Sunroof drains....lol WTH

[@rollingartmotorsports848]

Stealerships are a right mare. Find a good Indy to save a ton of money.

[@darwinfussle5031]

Why does the mirror light's (outside) and the back cargo light stay on for a couple of hours when you turn the car off

[@edfox2725]

Could you please confirm, is there a hose or channel of some sort that connects to the “drain ports?” How does the water get from the drain (origin) TO the drain port? I’m worried about disconnecting the port from the drain channel (tube, etc)?

[@bernadettesoton7220]

Tiguan got wet in the Wells and has made the module under the seat to stop 2working what do l need to do.

[@gjkMN]

@carfanatic nice video. i just had some electronics get fried by the back right C pillar headliner after my cayenne sat in a rainstorm under a tree. i was told by Porsche a roof rack drain clogged, but you didn't mention a drain for the roof rack...do you think it was actually the sunroof drain? Doe water drain in the sunroof even when its closed? Perhaps I should pour soapy water down all my drains (thanks for that tip). After removing the drain tip, can I use some compressed air to clear things out?

[@CarFanatic]

I don't believe the roof rack has drains. Try pouring water down the rear drain holes on the sunroof (if you can locate them). Please keep me posted.

[@tomlonghorn2718]

THE REAR ENDGATE STRUTS ARE UNDER THE CORNERS OF THE HEADLINER, IF THEY HAVE BEEN REMOVED... THERE IS COVERS THAT COME OFF TO ACCESS AND IF THEY ARE NOT RESEALED , IT WILL LEAK THOUGH ONTO THE HEADLINER

[@tomasriskus9171]

After video i now why its water in driver side floor, its are full on water… I need make tomorrow check 👍🏻💪🏻

[@doynk2]

What about the door drains? Can't find mine!

[@fireli108]

What year is this model btw? Your video is super helpful, for some reason I can't find the drain port on the sides where you use the small screw driver and for the life of me cannot find the front sunroof drain on the passenger side (your mythical drain plug comment lol).

[@CarFanatic]

Mine is a 2008. The ones I poked with a screwdriver are underneath the side skirts just behind the front wheels. You might not see them initially if it's all gunked up underneath. The sunroof drain in the passenger side footwell high up towards to bottom of the glove box all the way on the passenger side. It's covered my insulation. Just move the insulation to the side. Hope this helps.

[@fireli108]

@@CarFanatic Thanks! Yeah I looked again today for the ones underneath the side skirts and for the life of me cannot find anything there (mine is the 2014 model). Everything else in the video lines up, was super helpful. I think I'm going to take the cowl drain and snip it like you did there to get more of an opening for water to run through. What's interesting is that I did a test and poured a quart of water down the windshield and looks like the water drains through and kind of seeps through the bottom of the wheel liners (through multiple locations), doesn't look very intentional. I'm thinking of just drilling a few small holes at the bottom of the wheel liner on each side so that water drips through naturally, and not seep through the liner itself.

[@CarFanatic]

Ah you have a 958. Makes sense. I'd advise against drilling holes. Have you cleared the cowl drains? If not, water could be draining funny because of that. My car seems to drain like you described. I think it's okay. Let me know how it goes.

[@jslaughter453]

I have a 2010 957 GTS and also having trouble finding the bottom side skirt drains. Looks like the side skirts can be removed but appears to be a rivet. Anyone having this problem? Seeking guidance

[@chrismike7ish]

With this type of sunroof, are there rear drains as well or just the front two?

[@CarFanatic]

There are rear drains but don't think they're accessible from the roof. Instead, I cut the tips of the tubes that the rear drains drain out of.

[@paulyshore98]

I would skip cutting the evap drain. You can just check/clean it periodically vs removing your dash to get the dead mouse out, or removing a nest.

[@yourperropapi]

Do you live in California by any chance I could take my car to you and maybe you could do work for my 05 Cayenne model S and I'll pay you

[@dziggy3004]

Snipping that opening wider, is going to create easier access for mice! (I live out in the country!)

[@mongogeek]

Hi, I gave your video a like, but I'm a little skeptical regarding the drain at 3:43 into the video. If we are talking about water drains, why would it drain into the cabin? And if it doesn't drain into the cabin, then where does the water go?

[@CarFanatic]

The front sunroof drains start at the sunroof, run to the A pills and exits the firewall to allow the water to drip out. Because of how cars are designed, there aren't a lot of places for things inside the car to exit. The firewall is one of the main spots.

[@bigred1247]

It would back up

[@gmc1887]

1:37 it seems that you’ve took the video from another person since it shows the title of the original video at the top and also it shows that we are looking at a screen recording you’ve done

[@RDubbayah]

Nice work! except my sunroof drains were clogged water dripped into my cab and now my sunroof won't open.

[@CarFanatic]

There's a way to manually open the moon roof. There should be a key in the center console arm rest. Then you can clear out the sunroof drains.

[@tomalcolm]

Mazel Tov!

[@willywonka077]

Mine leaks right there on the right off the gas pedal and when I turn to the right is pours out on my foot I have a feeling it's when I'm using the AC please help somebody

[@ES175jazz]

which is the best access to the evaporator coil??

[@CarFanatic]

Do you mean the drain port or how to access the evaporator coil for maintenance?

[@ES175jazz]

@@CarFanatic evaporator coil. I just sprayed through the passenger a/c vent Lubegard 96030 Kool-It Evaporator and Heater Foam Cleaner to kill the bad smell.

[@ron8566]

Soapy hot water. Thx.

[@Ty-qe1jb]

What year is this car

[@mac--1972]

Great video, but be cautious about cutting off too much on any drain port. Open them up too much and vermin (typically mice) can find an easy entry into your vehicle.

[@shkoderalbania9648]

Sistemi i ngritjes

[@bartofilms]

There's a reason the ports are constricted at the ends. Widen them and you may get critters (insects, small rodents, etc.) causing problems. Also if you ever drive through deep standing water... So I would clean out the ports, but maybe reconsider widening them. Cheers.

[@adrielismael1904]

You prolly dont care at all but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me

[@juantate5978]

@Adriel Ismael instablaster :)

[@adrielismael1904]

@Juan Tate Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@adrielismael1904]

@Juan Tate it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@juantate5978]

@Adriel Ismael You are welcome :D

[@snethss]

that pinch is intentional in the rubber fittings.

[@CarFanatic]

Yup, it is meant to keep bugs out I believe. However, it's a design flaw because the risk of a clog is greater than the risk of bugs going into them.

[@Baerchenization]

@@CarFanatic That's why you clean them from time to time, isn't it?

[@quilviorodriguez3200]

Hello do you have a whatsapp to make you some questions about kessy program and entry drive ( lock and unlock outside with buttom )

[@Charbelelieatallah]

Touareg 2005 same ?

[@AniketKumar-ye9hh]

Yes

[@CarFanatic]

Yes

[@jwagner1993]

Similar for Touareg and VW phaeton

[@Ac22768]

Cuttin’ tips.

[@micilm]

Thanks, my passenger footwell in my vw touareg was soaked and I could hear the water sloshing around, your video helped a lot it was the little grommets/runner plugs behind the front wheels for me, water streamed out for 15 minutes, I made a short video to show the water streaming out kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5vHn51uaquBo9E

[@markgendusa3624]

I just took those two rubber shitz out and threw them away. I'll take my chances with rodent intrusion. Better than the car holding and leaking water. Thanks for the video.

[@nardeezy]

I did this procedure and we didn’t even have the ones in the front. We bought the car pre-owned in 2011 with 25k miles. Kinda weird how the rubber pieces were not there, probably ever since manufacturing?

[@rogerwhybrow2785]

Ok

[@karidelavenne1321]

Additionally I am not about to remove 25 screws from a tire flap to drain something that should drain properly.

[@dallinsellers3599]

This ABSOLUTELY BRICKED my cayenne. I came out from the store to get in my 2005 S and only the drivers side headlight and taillight would light up. That is all. Then I got it towed and it basically ruined the wiring harness on the ground on my passenger side. The carpet was SOAKED! Porsche suggested changing the whole steering column for $4800. Didn’t want to do that. Got it to a local place and he told me the car was basically in panic mode cause it thought someone was trying to steal it. So it wouldn’t start or anything. Obviously the lights being on killled the battery. He eventually cleared the codes so I could just drive it a couple days at a time till it would come back but then would have to be towed again so I traded it in for $2k 🥺😢

[@CarFanatic]

Sorry to hear about your experience. It's crazy how such a minor problem like a clog can wreak havoc. There should have been a better design.

[@dallinsellers3599]

@@CarFanatic yeah I agree! Sad part is that was 4 years ago and I want another cayenne so bad now that I know how to solve the issues. I am looking at a 957 or 958 turbo 😊

[@leecarver4832]

DO NOT pull the evap drain on a 958! it is nearly impossible to get back in place.

[@billyshiestin215]

Why were they hard to go back in?

[@LuckyNikitaBoba]

It doesn't rain in California. No need to do this if you live in CA. :)

[@CarFanatic]

Until you leave California and encounter your first real rain spell 😀

[@oB_Session]

@@CarFanatic Yea like Florida LOL

[@michaelscoots]

@@CarFanatic Or until you decide to wash your car.

[@lizbethreyes704]

In Florida it rains daily and my touareg is Filled with water! :(

[@woczynskigregory9070]

you don't understand that the era of German cars has expired in Europe. even a German prefers to buy a Romanian Dacia rather than a German Vaga

[@user-zi3uc8is8j]

Great video… just a quick question, do I need to take the inner wheel liner off to access the rubber bung? I’ve a 955 by the way. It looks pretty impossible to simply pry it open. Wheel off too I guess? Thanks

[@user-zi3uc8is8j]

Great video… just a quick question, do I need to take the inner wheel liner off to access the rubber bung? I’ve a 955 by the way. It looks pretty impossible to simply pry it open. Wheel off too I guess? Thanks