Sunroof Drain Cleaning

[@TimmyTheToolman]

In the video, I say the driver side rear drain travels down the B-Pillar but it actually travels down the C-Pillar and then over the wheel-well and into the drain tray.

[@luiscortez5700]

Timmy The Toolman Hey my friend you know where is the drains for scion tc 2014 because my car is leaking when is rain

[@anthonyleone9605]

I opened floor to track front passenger drain tube. 2008 Toyota Highlander. Tube is full of water but runs from front to rear of car. Looks like going over rear wheel well. I see some water behind front wheel but just drips. Noticed water running down outside of tube under carpet

[@anthonyleone9605]

Keep trying to open front tube to pinch well but no go. My car does not have opening to pull tube out. My car has it sealed. Pooping water into top tray only goes down floor wall under carpet. Help me😫

[@mattprice37664]

Luis Cortez it’s normal for scions to 😭

[@japes2912]

Ln​@@luiscortez5700

[@patrickguy8869]

Hint: Using a candle or torch, heat up the tip of the weed whacker line to form a ball about double the line diameter and it will travel up and down the line much easier than a straight cut end and also clean debris better. If you really need go clean out the line more positively, do the above but once you are out the other side the slip an appropriately sized flat washer over the end of the line you are pushing from, "ball up" the line behind the washer and then pull it through from the other side...

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Patrick, great suggestions. I like it!

[@DRNLR]

Thanks for this video. Exactly the same thing happened.. water flooded my cup holders.. this was the consequence of blockage on the front portion of the sunroof drain holes; causing an overflow of the channel; subsequently water traveling to the path of least resistance entering the tiny openings of the front sunroof seal. The seal is in two parts joining; a tiny gap open over 24 years and allowing water to flood me out. Following your video we sealed up the gap with RTV ( black) and more importantly cleaned out the drain.. Godwilling another 24 years we will do it again 😊.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're very welcome. I hope your leaking sunroof problems are over.

[@curtishadden1871]

Found this video trying to figure why my 2012 Lexus RX 350 sunroof leaked when going through a car wash and let me tell you even though it wasn’t my car, it is by far the best explained DIY video I have ever seen. Thank you so much. You will be my first look from now on. Keep up the good work.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Curtis for the kind words. We appreciate it very much. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!

[@mink19611]

Hi. This video really helped me understand where water is coming from in my truck. I also appreciate the complete demonstration on how to unclog the drains. I am not inclined to do this myself but now I am educated on unclogging the drains and can avoid being taken advantage of at a repair shop. Thank you.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Wanda, glad you found the video informative. You're welcome and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@junal27]

Your videos are gold, you helped me with my whole break unit replacement, you have helped me with this drainage issue and you will eventually help me with a hesitant transmission on my 2002 4 Runner. I appreciate very much how professional you are and your videos, I wish best for you in your life

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We truly appreciate what you wrote. Thank you! We wish you the best as well.

[@genedebsfan]

I had a 98 Camry AC condensate drain clog. I found the drain under the car and used a wet dry vacuum to suck out about a a gallon of condensate and one piece of cellophane candy wrapper. Thanks for the video, helped me not to bother looking for drains!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome and good job diagnosing and fixing your issue.

[@garymartin8619]

I just bought a 99. 4 runner I found a channel for my repairs I’ve replaced the radiator and just put a new taillight in this evening these machines have been engineered to be repaired pretty simply plus thanks for your videos Timmy

[@TimmyTheToolman]

awesome dude! thanks for the comment! glad you are fixing up your new toy with our videos/\

[@marke.1021]

Great video to show where and where not to look and what to remove as well. Saved me a good 30-90 minutes of wrong spots.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Solid! Glad this video helped out with your project! - Sean

[@kmartens93]

Timmy, you're the man. Every problem I have, you have a video for it. Thank you.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

That's great to hear our videos have helped you out Kiefer. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!

[@jasonrotairo]

I am coming across this problem right now. My family and I spent the day at Monterey on Jan 2, and it was pouring in the evening in the way home. My 4Runner was at home. The next day, I was going to install seat jackers and saw the wet driver side floorboard. I’m so glad you are on this platform.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

The water intrusion could also be coming from the main firewall grommet where the wiring harness comes through on the drive side. If any additional wires have been pushed though for lights or whatever, this can compromise the grommet and let water through.

[@jasonrotairo]

@@TimmyTheToolman I actually have not done that yet, but I plan on it especially after watching your light instillation video. So thorough like all the others you do. Simply the best.

[@jasonrotairo]

Sometimes I wish I can just have you take a look at what I’ve got going on overall on my 4Runner and see what your thoughts are. After all, I am in the Bay Area… 🤔

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@jasonrotairo I could take a look at whatever for you and give you some advice.

[@pwgmcc]

perfect. Missed this 5 months ago, would have saved lots of grief. reverse-unclogged both sunroof drains in the 2000 4runner. thanks for the great information.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good job fixing your problem. Glad our video could help you out.

[@francismitchell575]

I searched several other sites before finding yours. Yours should come up first This was exactly what I needed to here and how to fix it. Great Job

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Francis, good to hear our video provided the info you were looking for. You're very welcome and good luck with the job.

[@philkobi5066]

Awesome video. Great camera angles, lighting, explaining, everything.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Phil. Glad you like the video.

[@herbjohnson3027]

It took me looking everywhere to find this! Thank you! The front drains are clear, it's the back ones that are causing the leak into the rear area.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. Hope you're able to get the rear drained cleared out.

[@herbjohnson3027]

@@TimmyTheToolman I have a 2010 RX350. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find any drain line on the passenger side. My covers are different, no screws, just clips, and will require more extensive removal of covers (which are attached to each other) in order to get to the inside of the driver side panel. Will try again.

[@tom721100]

Thanks. Very well-explained. You are a natural teacher, sir.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@tom721100 You're very welcome, and thanks for the nice compliment.

[@CraigWeston62]

This is the best video on this subject I have seen. Whish I had watched this first before trying to unblock my front drain pipe on my Kia Sorento. Would have saved me some time. I used curtain wire but still had to put boiling, soapy water down the pipe to soften the blockage before it would unblock.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks. Glad you like the video. The boiling soapy water sounds like a good technique.

[@ronj5714]

My gosh. This was insanely informative. Showed me how to take the car apart too. This was awesome! You know there is someone on KZbin showing how to put Draino down those 2 back drains. I thought what- that could possibly eat away the plastic tubing in the car. People are doing it though. Thank you for being so informative. Loved it.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the nice compliment of our work. We're glad you found it so informative. Hope you get your drains unclogged and you can stop any leaking into your headliner. We have another video that shows how to drop the headliner and also shares a common water intrusion spot on the sunroof glass trim. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4etiGOOgperaJY

[@gnawty4662]

Phenomenal. Had a random piece of ornament clogging my driver-side drain. The water backed up and travel down the A-Pillar. Now I’m worried if any electrical could be damaged 🤦‍♂️

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're probably ok.

[@raisas5591]

I have a toyota sequoia with a leaky sunroof, someone at work suggested i use silicone sealant...i'm so glad i found this video....thank you!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hope it works out for you. Check out how we fixed my buddy Mark's leak in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4etiGOOgperaJY If you have a sunroof glass trim similar to the ones on our 3rd 4runners, maybe water is simply getting in through through the seam in the trim and a little silicone sealing that seam will fix it. Get in your vehicle while somebody is concentrating water over your roof with a garden hose and maybe you can see water dripping from a seam gap. If that isn't it, you most likely just have a blocked drain and roto rooting them with some weed whacker line will fix the problem. Good Luck!

[@GK-mx9qb]

Hey Timmy, I had a "duh!!!" moment when I read your response - wonderful idea and goes to show how important getting others involved for ideas especially those with more experience! Before going the hose cutting/ clamping route, tonight I decided to try checking these rear lines again for drainage. I pulled van onto metal car ramps to get van at higher incline than before and did same as mentioned in previous comment - put rag in front part of sunroof channel to block water from going in that direction. I then poured water into outer channel as you showed in your great video and this time the water drained out rear drain lines - wahoo!!!!! Apparently the van wasn't inclined enough yesterday where I parked when I did the same thing. So good news being the leak isn't coming from the sunroof drain lines but coming from elsewhere .... sigh.... I thought I would leave some helpful info that was beneficial for me in clearing out the sunroof drains. When using weed wacker line fed through front corner drain lines, it's a very cramped area where moving weed wacker line in and out, side to side, in circles, etc is tough on the knuckles as well a little bit hard to control (few inches between end of your fingers and where hole is so more 'play' in weed line). Out of frustration with my hand and fingers being tired let alone knuckles red and sore, I decided to try something with a regular ball point pen. I unscrewed the back leaving off, pulled out ink cartridge and spring and the end pointy part I clipped with a pair of scissor so opening was just a hair bigger than weed wacker line. I then pressed pointy end of pen down to where drain line hole is, shoved wacker line down center of pen and down into drain line hole. Because pen sleeve is hard plastic and about 4 inches long, it gave a lot of stability and control in feed line allowing easy maneuvering to rotor through drain lines plus saved my knuckles from jamming against sunroof parts - hallelujah! At times I wasn't quite sure how far I had come and would pull wacker line out to only discover I had gotten line down but not near as far as I needed. To help gauge this, when line was pulled out, I marked line first with marker so I could easily tell how far I got once reinserting wacker line and thus would give me a good idea how much further I needed to go. Once weed wacker was used on the front sunroof drain lines and I was assured rear drain lines were draining correctly (mentioned above), I used an a/c drain cleaner product "AC Line Build Up Remover for AC Drainlines 8 oz." purchased from HomeDepot at Lowes Home Improvement price ($2 cheaper at Lowe's $6 and HomeDepot $8 will price match :) These types of products are used to help clear out and keep junk from building up in a/c lines so figured it would work the same on sunroof drains buying me more time before having to do this project again and what's not to love about that?!?!? Before pouring cleaner in outer sunroof channel as Timmy shows in his video, I placed a small bucket under van where stuff comes out bottom of drain line so bucket would catch the Build Up Remover allowing me to pour it back through the sunroof channel down through the drain lines multiple times. I ended up using 3 bottles for the 4 sunroof drains cycling like this approximately 4 times with each drain line. If vehicle is parked on grass, it helps to put cardboard under where you think drain lines are, test first with regular water and this will help to locate correct position to place bucket so wasting less of the Build Up Remover. I spent hours (and hours....) online trying to figure out how to clean these drain lines and Timmy your video was superb! Your video was very detailed which helps me to one, understand the process clearly and two, because of this, gave me the confidence to "go for it"! Sadly I'm still left with a van that leaks water into the rear cargo area, 4 plus years now :(, and really tired of only pulling it out from under the carport after I check my local weather forecast for the day. Living in Florida it rains a lot, especially in summer, so needless to say this is getting very old and cramping my style! Next I'll work on the rear weather stripping around rear hatch and gap above rear tail lights and go from there. Again Timmy the Tool Man, thanks soooo much for taking the time to help us all out! And good luck to all you Toyota guys and gals with leaking vehicles; I feel your pain and wish you luck! P.S. Timmy, need to replace rear left driver speaker (or woofer?) as I blew it a few years ago. With this trim panel already off while searching and hunting for sunroof drain line, seems now is the time to do so! Do you have any video's that explain how to do this? Many Thanks! GK

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Does your vehicle have a roof rack? If so, the screw holes are a known leak point. Remove the rails, clean up any dirt and debris and put them back on with a shot of RTV silicone in each screw hole.

[@brandonblair408]

There is a perforated plastic plug in the bottom of the drain hose. It easily gets plugged with debris. After removal of the plastic trim near the corner off the door frame I popped it out by pulling on the hose with a pair of needle nose pliers. 5th generation 4runner

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I guess it's different for a 5th Gen 4runner. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@Dan762X39P]

Ex 3rd gen t4r owner that upsized to a lc100. Also somewhat local from fairfield area. Thank you so much for the content. If you ever work/film a cruiser, please post. After watching your vids im thinking of getting another 3g t4r for my lc100. (Gas savings and investment i can pass down to my kid 14 yrs from now)

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. No work on land cruisers yet.

[@bbchuck]

Awesome video. Thanks for all of the information. Just trying to track down where water is getting into my 2012 Sequoia's rear well. This is a great help to get me going!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks and I hope you figure out where the water is coming in.

[@mccardieclan1755]

One of the BEST videos trouble shooting sunroof drain issues and solutions!! Thank you so much @Tommy The Toolman

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the nice compliment. We appreciate it. You're very welcome and Happy Wrenching!

[@GlennHill-l3u]

Great job and thank you. Really only took this on after watching a number of times. I did come up with a tip/trick for removing the A Pillar grab handle screws that are glued in. I made a phillips head bit to fit in my soldering gun, heated the screw and that melted the glue making removal easy. Note, be careful obviously because of the heat, and time as it can melt or soften some of the surrounding plastic, but patience and care will get them out easily without an impact driver.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome, and thanks for sharing the soldering iron trick.

[@stevejette2329]

Yet another TTT video with lots of likes and zero dislikes. I just tried using a heat gun, rented here for $12 per day, to turn chalky white plastic trim back to original black on my 1994. Works great. Gotta avoid paint. Does not work on all plastic parts, depending on type of plastic used. Went as fast as a spray rattle can would go. Used high setting, maybe two inches away.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I did hear about the heat gun technique to renew plastic trim. I chose to use the Detail King product I showcased in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYeQl5x4hbpobNk I think it worked great but it does scratch off and you need to touch it up here and there as time goes on.

[@Mr12275575]

This is great!!. By watching the video I was able to follow the step by step procedure to solve the leakage problems on the sunroof of my 4runner limited.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

That's good to hear Thomas. Glad our video helped you out.

[@julia7001]

Pink liquid wax, from the car wash, stained the interior grey cloth liner of the passenger A pillar of my 2010 prius. Now I know what to do to start repairs & prevent further damage. I appreciate the tutorial!

[@julia7001]

Well of course the prius is a different design, so I'm now looking at other possibilities. I learned that if the windshield was replaced incorrectly, it could have a bad seal in places... more research to do, then scheduling an appointment with a pro.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Ok Julia, good luck getting it fixed.

[@Mac4Willy]

Thank you! You cover everything clearly and logically. I enjoy your channel. Great job.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. We're glad you like our channel. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@chriss8327]

Dude. This is what I'm going through and you explained it so well. Awesome vid

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Chris. Hope our video helps you get the leak fixed.

[@kathycusack8510]

Chris S A

[@rickyrack7]

Great class on tackling this leaking problem! Professional for sure! Thank you! a six pack is on the way!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the compliment and we appreciate the six pack. Happy Wrenching!

[@solidday3123]

This video saved me a bunch of Franklins, thank you!!!!!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

That's great to hear John and you're very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment and let us know.

[@pep7890]

Thank you so much for doing this. My sunroof is all taped up because we have a leak. I want a better solution and did a search and this video showed up. I never knew sunroofs have drains. I'm gonna go a check my car and see if that's the issue. Your video is very well put together. You have a new subscriber.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Well, I hope you get the leaking issue fixed. Let me know how it goes and thanks for subscribing.

[@pep7890]

Timmy The Toolman We took the tape out and yup, the drain was blocked by some debris. Poured some water and nothing went down. We got ride of the debris and ran some heavy gauge wire through it just to make sure. Tried he water again and down it went. Woohoo!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good job getting it fixed. No more leaks!

[@KINGARTHUR3341]

water drained in after rain and left a puddle in the passenger side and in the back passenger side as well. where could it be coming from? thanks

[@justacynic]

@@KINGARTHUR3341 For the passenger side, he covered this. Pay attention at 9:33.

[@prosser369258]

Had water on the floor mat of my G37. Used this trick and worked great to clear a clog from the hose. Thanks!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good to hear it worked out for you. You're welcome.

[@bill-yg2qp]

I was wondering how to check the rear drains. Thank you you are really informative

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome Bill.

[@thomastasse6517]

Dealing with a leak now. Your video is very helpful and clear instructions on where to and how to check for leaks. Thanks Timmy.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome Thomas. Hope you get it figured out.

[@DuhKoDuhCantrell]

Great video. Thank you for continuing to show how to clean the drain lines even though that wasn't the issue for his 4Runner. Again, great video!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Dakota. Glad you like the video.

[@TeagueJL1]

Great video. Will do it after I try some quick fixes. Not sure it’s only the sunroof that’s filling up my foot wells. Tried to diagnose with a water bottle poured into the front sunroof channel. Water only exits under the drivers side fender. My first question was how do I access the passenger side drain hole to try to clear it? No luck finding it yet. Only change is now when testing with a garden hose with Camry curbside not level passenger side tiling toward curb hose spray on closed sunroof leaks profusely from the passenger side front corner of the sunroof frame drenching front seat. Seems like an added problem. That’s new. Only had foot wells filled with rainwater previously. Bottom line can’t find the passenger side drain hole and don’t know if I have more than one problem. Leak from sunroof and leak somewhere else? Will try air compressor on both sides to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for your video. Any other comments welcome. John Teague NY.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Water can also enter via the firewall grommets that the main wiring harnesses run through. Sometimes people run accessory wires through the same grommet and ruin the integrity of it allowing water to travel through. Hope you figure it out.

[@russellatwell2000]

great job! i need to clean my HHR drains I am so glad to see a pro at work Thank You

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I don't know if we've reached Pro status, but it's cool you think we're Pros. In reality, we're just DIYers sharing our knowledge so others can benefit. We do however know quite a bit about these rigs and gaining more knowledge all the time. There's an endless amount to learn about auto mechanics and I guess that's one of the cool things about it. You can always be learning and it never gets boring.

[@brandim8669]

You just saved me a bunch of time and money. I really appreciate the knowledge. Thanks for sharing.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're very welcome.

[@williamblackstock6785]

Great video guys my 4Runner is leaking driver side under dash just bought it from someone drains are ok don't know where's it coming from but carpet stays wet not a puddle but wet. I liked the video. Thanks for posting

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Check to see if the wiring harness grommet in the firewall is properly seated. Also, sometimes people run accessory wires through that grommet and compromise the integrity of it allowing water to get in.

[@williamblackstock6785]

@@TimmyTheToolman Thanks so much I didn't even think about that. Mine is 2000 I am a Toyota guy always this is first 4Runner and im not a mechanic lol.. I just came across ur video im be watching ur videos. Thanks man

[@beow27]

Great video, as always. Can you offer any advice for those of us who have beat the heck out of the pinch weld area to clear larger tires before we realized the sunroof drain was in there?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Not sure. Does it look like you could drill a couple small drain holes?

[@leeskolnik2261]

Great video! I've got water collecting on the passenger floor near the door. Seeing how the whole drain is routed helps a ton.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Lee. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@kirkslog2111]

Love it. I need to find out why my sunroof doesn't open. It doesn't flip open or even open. I hear the motor, just doesn't lift or move it

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Usually the reason the sunroof gets stuck is because the tracks got gunk in them, causing them to stick and not move. You’ll have to remove your headliner like we show in this video to remove the track with the glass and clean the cable/tracks out.

[@pkeegs]

Such a good vid. Our 98 Limited is leaking from center seam, and after a car wash on passenger side for sure. Doing drains tonight but I suspect center seam issue or completely disconnected drain on pass side which is just dripping into headliner.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

It's probably the seam. Over time, the plastic shrinks and finally cracks at that glue joint. Just fill it with some clear silicone and you'll be golden.

[@pkeegs]

@@TimmyTheToolman thanks Tim. I tested with some grease in the joint and that seemed to work for a bit, so probably correct.

[@aaron_knight]

Excellent video, I haven't tried to fix my leak yet but this was a HUGE help in what steps I may need to do

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Aaron. Hope you figure out your leak issue.

[@JohnDoe-ft2nh]

Thanks for the video,it's very helpful.My Lexus ES 350 sunroof leaks,I've unclogged 2 front drain holes by using the air pump tube of my fish tank.I now have to do the rear holes.I'm trying.Wish me luck.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Once you locate the drain tubes you will be golden! Good luck and take your time

[@rafournet]

I melt the end of the weed wacker line until it's a fat little ball so it doesn't get caught on any drain hose connectors. Your instructions have inspired me again to find that 2013 Highlander leak that's ruining my wife's car. I actually have water coming in the driver A pillar right above the fuse box. Not even sure how that's possible.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

The front sunroof drain tubes probably travel down the A-pillars. I wonder if the drain hose became detached at the top where it slips over a nipple and is secured with a clamp.

[@backroadseeker08]

Hey Tim, hoping you get around to pulling the actual sunroof and showing how to clean/lube the cables. Seems to be a common issue as these rigs get older and the sunroof stops working. I'm looking at a low mileage truck now that has that very issue... Your headliner removal will be helpful for sure if I get it!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We have plans to make this video at some point.

[@8953147]

Looking forward to the sunroof fix! You could also blow shop air at the exit point of each tube, to unclog them. I've used this method on clogged tubes with great results. Thanks Tim great video!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I was thinking of mentioning blowing air up the tubes because it wouldn't be an issue with forcing the tubes off the fittings but I changed my mind at the last minute because I thought there would be a chance of making the blockage worse by packing the blockage tighter in the tube or the debris gets stuck right at the fitting which is the narrowest diameter of the drains. Good to know that it works.

[@huntercynthia1]

Thank you. I never even knew vehicles have moonroof channels.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. Learn something new every day.

[@shaneintegra]

Love your videos! Wish you would make a video about diagnosing the heated seats as both of mine stopped working at the same time

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We're glad you're liking our videos Shane. Sounds like you have an electrical issue. Have you troubleshooted the switches and wiring that powers the heaters? Did you check for a blown fuse?

[@unknownbell]

Ah, that is super helpful and am convinced that's whats going on in my 2008 4runner. Off to HD for some roto rooting line. Thank you for your excellent video and helpful hints.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome Mark and I hope roto rootering your sunroof drain lines fixes your problem. Another common leak spot is the OEM roof rack screw holes. You could remove the screws that hold the rack onto the roof, shoot some silicone sealant into the holes and then put the screws back in. Let me know how it goes.

[@harryabdabdullah1412]

Thank you so much, now I know it's the sun roof drain pipe is blocked. And the best part is that I can do it myself.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. Good luck with the drain clearing.

[@sonnyblazer5504]

Well done good buddy & appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks!

[@Tom-ob8yb]

Great clear video. What if your front drains are working properly, but you get water on the drivers side floor? Thanks, Tom.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Another common source for water to get into the driver side foot well is the wiring harness grommet in the fire wall. People that run accessory wiring often times use this grommet as the route for the wires. Once you push other wires through there, it doesn't seal as well and is a path for water to get in. When you look at how the water drains down from the windshield towards the hood, it hits that area near the windshield wipers and then will drain along it and drop off the sides. If you analyze it, the water literally drain down right on top of that that wiring harness. Some guys have added some type of deflector to steer the water away from that wiring harness and their problem is solved. Others just layer some silicone around the wires to stop water from getting in. I suggest you get in the rig and let somebody with a water hose direct water onto the windshield while you got your head under the driver side dash looking at that grommet. I think there's a good chance that's the source of your leak. I've seen on one guy's rig that the grommet wasn't properly seated and all I had to do is reseat it and his leak went away. Let me know what you figure out.

[@tommyschepens]

Excellent video - well done! Clear and well-focused camera work, concise explanations throughout, easy to follow and simple. One possible suggestion I might add (respectfully) - instead of trimmer line, maybe try a steel brake cable with some tape around the sharp end? It may be easier to twist and rout through the tubing...

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Tom, We're glad you like the video and that's real good suggestion you made. I immediately thought of bicycle brake cable or derailleur cable but those might not be long enough unless it was meant for a tandem bicycle rear brake or rear derailleur. A tandem cable might be long enough for the front drains but definitely not the rear. Do you know off a bulk cable you would suggest for this application?

[@dougmoore-w9f]

If you get a brake cable for a tandem bike, that should be long enough. @@TimmyTheToolman

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@dougmoore-w9f Only for the front. The rear is too long of a distance even with a tandem length cable.

[@danlambert4467]

Thanks for the great detailed breakdown of doing this job 🙂 👌 👍

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome Dan.

[@SIALFORCE]

Super detail oriented video, thanks for this informative video.... and i just noticed that your video watermark "Tim" is similar to the Toyota TEQ logo... wow! 😊

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Glad you found our video helpful. You're very welcome. Sean did the TEQ Tim design. I love it!

[@JtheInvincible]

Thanks for the video mine started the exact same leak!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome Joe. Hope you got your leak fixed with the help of our video.

[@charlese.malone2594]

Like the video. A little Diagnostic actioning happening with a little maintenance and a possible repair later nice! :) I've seen it before, where there was a clog in one of the roof drains but it was not the true source of the leak. It is always a good idea to double check your work. I personally like the use of black butyl calk (RTV), if your repairing if not replaceing the main roof window seal.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Mark and I are actually going to try some Permatex Clear RTV Silicone to seal the sunroof glass seam. While testing to see if his rear drains were working well, we discovered a second leak. The sunroof is leaking water into the headliner somewhere before the passenger side drain. We pulled back the headliner a bit near the C-pillar and I could see that the drain tube was properly attached to the drain nipple and that the leak was dripping down somewhere in front of it. So, we're actually planning on removing the whole headliner too to investigate this leak. And, of course we will video it.

[@scottfleming6166]

the weed trimmer line was a good idea

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We borrowed the idea but thanks. Hopefully you're drains are clear now. Happy Wrenching!

[@sglenn6]

Outstanding Video. I cleared mine on a Honda Pilot with my Air Compressor. Sounds like as a maintenance procedure we should clear these out once a year or so. Do you agree Timmy? Thanks for the great videos!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Steve, other people have used an air compressor with success but the worry with using compressed air is if the obstruction is pretty bad, the air pressure required to clear the obstruction could force the drain tube off the fitting and then you're pulling your headliner down partially to reattach the hose. I don't think this is a thing that requires regular maintenance. What I would do to reduce the chances of future clogs is not leave the sunroof open when parked, especially when under a tree where tree litter could drop into the trays of the sunroof. Glad you like the videos we're making.

[@MF_Jah]

hey timmy everything was accurate but i have a 2021 gmc sierra that driver side drain would be where?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

No clue. I don't work on GMCs. Sorry I couldn't help you out.

[@lillb4091]

Great video! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain it so well. Subscribed & liked your channel. 👍💥

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the sub!

[@linagranda7877]

I’m impressed by how good you are on all your videos. I learned a lot from you. I will need your help. I’m a woman and it’s hard d for me to do some maintenance to my 1998 4Runner. I opened the moonroof for the first time two weeks ago, and the plastic trim (inside driver side) was broken into several pieces. What is the proper name or part number of that part and where to find it? I appreciate any help on this because I love my 21 years old 4Runner. Thanks.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hi Lina, good to hear you're learning a lot from our videos. I don't actually know what that sunroof trim piece is called. I know going to a local Toyota dealer isn't the most affordable way to buy parts but the parts schematics they have access to are much much better than you can find online and they pretty much always find me the parts I need. So, I'm willing to pay more for the convenience. Sorry I couldn't be of more help to you. Good luck!

[@jeffcmo1957]

Thank you so much for this video. My 07 sequoia has water in driver side floorboard when it rains.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're very welcome Jeff.

[@gewglesux]

I wonder if air compressor might be of some use! Again thanks for this helpful tutorial.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You have to be careful using an air compressor because you don't want to blow the rubber lines off their fittings. If that happens, you have to partially take down the headliner to reconnect them.

[@gewglesux]

@@TimmyTheToolman Oh Damn... I never thought of that. I guess that makes sense because the large diameter Hose isn't the same size as the drain hole. Must be a Barb or something connected there. Thanks.

[@awilson2525]

Fantastic video, shows a lot of thought. Great idea to use trimmer line. I will use it for sure! My '14 Rav4 is leaking like crazy.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We're glad you like the video. Hopefully it helps you fix your leak. Let us know how it turns out.

[@GK-mx9qb]

Hi Timmy, Yes my Sienna has roof rack. I did forum readings on this weeks back and thought I read water issues from this are more common coming through headliner, front floor areas and second seating area versus where water is coming in on my Sienna. This Sienna has 3rd row auto stow seats where when 3rd row is in normal sitting position, the trunk area is fairly low and deep. When leaking, water is noted in right (passenger) trunk area towards bumper wetting carpet in the bottom right and also noted in bottom of right cubby hole area where jack is located (I already checked a/c drain line which is okay). So I guess my question is, is it more likely this kind of leak is coming from roof rack rails or more likely from rear hatch gasket, gasket weather strip seal or something like this from the small pop out right vent window or something else? I'm hoping to attack / address the problem by one, working on what would more likely to be causing the problem versus less likely and as well two, easier jobs than harder as my mechanic skills are so so plus free time is always lacking in my world :( Thank you again for helping us all!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Gotcha. Well, I hope you figure it out. Good luck!

[@GK-mx9qb]

Hi Timmy! Great Video and has helped for the front drain lines!! I could use your help on the rear ones as having much difficulty here. I have a 2007 AWD Limited where water has been leaking in the back cargo/trunk area. I thought I would start with clearing drain lines. The rear left (driver) channel comes down off sunroof back behind rear cargo trim panel (this panel I took off so can see) and then disappears below through a hole. I crawled under van and looking up just behind rear part of rear tire, I can't see the tube sticking out however reaching my hand pretty far up, there is a tight small space between 2 areas of metal where I can feel the very end of this drain tube. The tube sticks out from the hole only about 1/4 inch and because the space where it is located is so far up (from underneath van) and very small and tight, I can just barely get my hand in there. Because of this, there is no way to get weed wacker trim liner into position to feed into the drain hose (I tried). I thought about grabbing hose from inside van in the side where I have trim panel off, following hose to where it goes through bottom hole and pull hard to try and dislodge from the points it is glued and/or clipped to. Once hose is pulled through to this side area where inside panel is off, it would be easy to run weed wacker trim line up through it. My concerns are: 1) I know the very end of hose is glued around hole underneath but not sure where else it may be glued or clipped and afraid pulling/yanking this may cause hose to break, crack, dislodge something else which could/would cost money having dealership fix :( (In west coast of Florida so heat, humidity, UV, salt eats up lots of things). 2) My other concern, if I get hose out successfully, I don't think I would be able to see where to feed it back to once going back down into hole from inside panel. Odds are it won't find it's way back through 2nd hole doing so blindly if indeed there is two holes it's fed through. Then added difficulty that once back through to very bottom hole, this would need to be re-glued to stay in place so as not to pop/move back up when hitting bumps but can't access this area as my hand barely fits into the cubby area up behind tire I originally mentioned. Arg!!! Tonight I thought I'd check if I could get water to come out of these rear drain lines you did at the end of your video. I re-positioned the van where front end was a small bit higher than rear, on step ladder put rags in sunroof channels above pillar between front and side door thinking any water poured into outer channels would flow to the rear. I ended up pouring about 4 or 5 bottles (16.9 oz each) on each side and when I slow poured the first 2 or 3, no water anywhere. The rest I poured quicker but still kept in outer channel or at least in outer channel that I could see as after a matter of inches, can't see down channel anymore. I still had rags in channel above where I was pouring to keep water flowing to back of van and not to front. I was totally shocked to see water coming out of front drain lines and not out of the rear!!!!! I just can't understand why this is and not sure what to do from here. I did think it a bit odd that the drain line that I can see now that the trim panel is off shows no evidence of dirt, scum and the like in the inside of the hose. Is this normal? Inside rear trim panel is only off on left side as I had thought to work one side at a time. Do I try putting van in more of an incline and try water again like above? Nervous about trying to pull/yank hose out as thinking this may open up a whole lot more problems than I bargained for...... Do I try and borrow someone's air compressor to blow some air up bottom of 1/4 inch hose sticking out hole below up by tire in tight cubby? If so, I'm not sure I can get it in hole because it's so small and tight of area! Any help would be appreciated! GK

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I wouldn't yank on the drain lines because you're probably right that you might not get it back where it needs to go. What about cutting the drain line where you have access to it and installing a hose coupler with a couple hose clamps. Once you cut the line, you can run weed whacker line up and down it's path and hopefully clear the clog. Then install your coupler with the hose clamps.

[@carloscastillo10001]

Good afternoon Timmy. Where is your workshop located? I live in new jersey. I have an Infinity 2012 G37X I have a leak in the sunroof I have done everything possible I even did the procedure with liquid plumr gel and everything flows very well the water came out in the correct place as you explain in the video but you still have the problem with the leak Water falling on the passenger side. I am desperate with this problem. I don't want to take it to the dealer but I don't know what to do with this problem. I did what you explain in the video and nothing. Thank you. Carlos Castillo

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I'm in California Carlos. Hopefully you can figure out the fix.

[@deepswimer11]

great vid yess the center gap

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We're glad you like it Denny.

[@seancrawford6026]

My sunroof motor is seized. I do not want to remove the headliner and have a leak. I’m thinking I can access the bottom of the front and use a shop vac and try and suck out in debris. Thoughts?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

It might work. It's worth a shot.

[@ron4413]

Did your floor get damp under your floor matts? My floor is damp and the drains were plugged.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Mark's floor was not getting wet. It was just getting the headliner damp and dripping down into the cupholder area.

[@MS-hw8mv]

Great Job....Thank you. You saved me a trip to the dealership. Happy New Year!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Michael and you're very welcome. Happy New Year back at you!

[@somethingfishy1802]

For others encounter the seal crack on the sunroof, sand paper to prep the crack and plastic, then apply ShoeGoo to seal, easy fix.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good to know.

[@MrVillamilg]

Timmy were you able to fix the leak from the seam ? My 4runner is leaking from the seam. I was thinking may using flex seal?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yes, we fixed it. Anything that will fill the seam and make a water proof seal would work so I assume flex seal would do the trick.

[@MrVillamilg]

@@TimmyTheToolman Is that how you fixed it? Did you video it ?

[@andyz3925]

How about passenger side floorboard getting wet? I had the windshield replaced and it seemed to help some but still getting damp. I was told it could be the Sunroof drains that are clogged? oops.. after re-watching this video (interruption free) you mentioned a possible reason. I'll get to it thanks!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good luck figuring it out.

[@eastwalker8208]

Excellent video!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks Russell!

[@45shrike]

The weed whacker line didn’t work on my 3rd Gen but a metal wire sunroof drain cleaning tool I found on Amazon for a little over $10 busted through the nasty clog I had in my right rear sunroof drain. Goodbye wet rear carpets; won’t miss you.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Do you have a link for that tool you bought on Amazon?

[@chefaymanhassan]

Excellent thank you

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome Chef!

[@barryolsen7587]

Very informative. I have a 96 4runner LTD sun roof leak on the driver's side that appears to be due to the drain tube becoming dislodged, as when I pour water into the drain, it percolates out in several places, along the windshield headliner and down the A pillar, and also along the headliner above the driver's door. Do I have to take off the entire headliner to get at the drain tube, or is there an easier way of checking to see whether it is still on the nipple? Or is there another ailment I am unaware of.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hey Barry, you can loosen the headliner on each side enough to peak in there to see if the drain tubes are still attached. I don't think you need to remove the entire headliner. This video will help you out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4etiGOOgperaJY

[@barryolsen7587]

@@TimmyTheToolman Good to hear; the headliner is already extending down in the front. I just need to acquire the tools you mentioned to get the A pillar screws out. Thanks for your prompt reply. Happy New Year!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@barryolsen7587 No problem Barry. Happy New Year back at ya!

[@barryolsen7587]

@@TimmyTheToolman Greetings Timmy, I took one screw out of the A pillar with the impact screwdriver (required!), took off the sun visor and loosened trim and the headliner enough to see that the hose had indeed been dislodged - probably for several years due to a squeeze clamp. Lots of black mold/rot and dampness under the headlineer that needed attention. A $1.50 hose clamp was all I needed to correct the problem. Wish I had seen your video ealier as I had a fair amount of cleaning to do on the headliner, but using Spot Shot, I managed to get rid of most of the staining. The headliner is now drying before I replace some of the headliner backing and put things back together. Looking forward to a leak free sunroof in Vancouver!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@barryolsen7587 Good job fixing the problem Barry. Glad our video helped you out. Thanks for reporting back and letting us know.

[@rebekahstanislawski4581]

I have a leak somewhere in the a pillar. Water is draining down the sunroof hole, but it’s going somewhere other than the bottom of the tube. Any idea where to go from here?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

From what you’re describing, it sounds like the tube might have came off the fitting of the sunroof hole. You kind of need to tear into it to investigate. - Sean

[@paulalan3103]

Drain wasn't clogged but this last winter was the first year it sat outside in the drive, and the water collected inside pulling down the entire rear interior roof and destroyed the head liner.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Well that's a bummer. Sorry to hear that. Water can sometimes leak through the roof rack screw holes too. A fix is removing the roof rack rails, cleaning away any loose debris and dirt, and reinstalling the roof rack rails with some silicone in each screw hole.

[@fwdk]

Great video! I love your channel since I also own a 3rd gen 4runner. Can you do a video going over the mods on your car to do this trip? Also, include some camping gears? Thx!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I don't know if we'll do a video of my rig that I've modified because it's nothing crazy unique or special really. We have videos already showing the installs of both my CBI bumpers, skid plates and rock rails. We have video installs for the gas tank skid and rear diff skids as well. We have a video showing the install of my winch. We have a videos for the manual hub swap I've done. The only thing I really haven't documented is installing my Sonoran Steel Radflo lift because I was too lazy to film it. But, in a nutshell, it's a 3 inch lift in the front, 5.5 inches in the rear, CBI bumpers front and rear. Full belly skids from CBI, Little Skips Offroad and Budbuilt. The winch is a Warn8000. The roof rack was made custom, but it's basically very similar to a Gobi.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

For the seam separation, don't remove the glass, use a syringe to insert the proper sealant into the dried-out gap, top and bottom.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yeah, we agree. Why remove the glass when you can just work a little RTV Silicone into the gap like we show in the video.

[@lcagee]

One other idea on the seam separation. I learned this from a windshield installer. Instead of regular rtv silicone, consider using “flowable silicone.” Very low viscosity so it flows easy. Gets into tiny crevices. Maybe try this first and then after it’s cured, put the rtv silicone on top of that. They used this on my windshield that was leaking from the top and it worked.

[@johnfembeck4400]

I've got a 2012 Acura tl and lately my passenger seat and rear passenger seat have gotten pretty wet after some heavy raining,would it most likely be my passenger side rear drain tube being clogged that's causing this?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I would say that's a logical bet but you can confirm which drains are working by pouring water into the rails and see which ones drain and which ones don't.

[@climberman4342]

Thank you , I have the same problem in my car, I'll try with this way to fix it.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome. Hope it works out for you. Let us know if it solved your problem.

[@karenwolfson2676]

For my 2011 Camry … for the front, I took out the door runner board and then the next piece that you pull straight back and could not access drain tube because of bunch of electric wires in front of a white piece of plastic. I try to pop the plastic off to get to the hole, but would not pop out. The string line would not clear either drain hole. I got it to go all the way, but wouldn’t drain. Any suggestions what to do next?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You could try an air compressor with a air gun and blow air through it. It is a bit risky because you could end up blowing the drain tube off the nipple. You could also partially pull down the headliner to expose the hose connection at the nipple on the sunroof, disconnect it and then blow air through it. This video would give you an idea of how to disconnect the headliner in the front.on your Camry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4etiGOOgperaJY

[@ronaldjacobs8561]

Thanks for making this video. It was very helpful

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're very welcome Ronald. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@thatkseriesguy6927]

Can the drain being clogged cause it to get driver side floor to be wet like puddle ?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

The drain being clogged wouldn't cause that but maybe the area the water drains into isn't draining well. In the video, we show how the water just trickles out through the body pinch weld. If that was corroded with rust, maybe it could cause the water to back up into the rig. Another possibility is the rubber grommet on the fire wall. Sometimes it becomes dislodged and sometimes it gets compromised from people running other accessory wires through it. Look in the engine compartment on that driver side and get your head under the dash to take a good look at that main rubber grommet. If additional wires have been pushed through, you'll just have to get some RTV silicone in there to hopefully seal it up. If the grommet just became dislodged somehow, just reseat it and you'll probably fix the leak.

[@BrisaHalviatti]

If you go with the weed whacker line, do you need to actually remove the panelings and what not, or did you do that to demo to us? I imagine if it's a drain tube you can just run the wire down until you have pushed out all the resistance?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Brisa Halviatti Hey Brisa, no you don't have to remove the paneling for the front drains. You could just first test to see if one of the front drains is blocked by pouring water into the front tray like we did. If one of them is blocked up, run the weedwhacker line down and then follow that up with another check with water to see that it's draining now. For the driver side rear, you'd have to remove that paneling to access the end of the drain tube so you could run weedwhacker line up it.

[@sylviaschmidt2830]

I have a 2007 ford focus wagon. Water inside only on left side after it rains (driver front and a lot behind the driver seat) Cleaned out the two front drain holes( only ones we could reach)sunroof with a compressor and tube. Water is not coming out the bottom of car. But yet the front sunroof drains are draining quickly. I hear a sloshing of water on driver side when i back out or accelerate from stop positions. water is not in doors. What do i do? I hope i don't have a blocked a/c drain becuz i cannot find it! and googling it no luck. Almost never use AC and AC and Heater work fine. Plz and ty!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You'll have to pull interior panels to try to find the drain hoses and see what's going on. Maybe the water is getting trapped in the rocker panels and not draining out the pinch welds. For the rear drains, just like we did in this video, you figure out where the tubes drain out at and you run line up through the bottom and out the top.

[@CharesGoldfarb]

Please tell me how to find a drain in the cargo area and accumulating in the spare tire wheel well of my 2016 Lincoln MKZ

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I have no idea. I've never worked on a Lincoln.

[@Dennis35793]

I have seen them use compressed air?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Compressed air is a risk if the blockage is significant. You can end up blowing the tube off the fitting.

[@kenjstl]

A great video but you forgot to mention cleaning the drivers side drain BELOW the spot where the line goes upward. Also, if you don't have a long funnel to fill the drains for a test, dam up the sunroof drain pan with a blob of children's modeling clay, etc. so the water will only flow in the desired direction.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[@wlc1980]

Why wouldn’t they make the drivers side drain like the passenger side? A tray? I’m working on my 2003 Corolla, I don’t think it’s made like the suv. I watched your video just to learn more about Toyota drain systems. My issue is the rears.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I hope you figure it out.

[@vickiereed643]

Thank you soooo much for your video!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're very welcome Vickie