Originally Posted by Dougs 05
Not to sound dumb but where are the drains and how do you get to them to clean them? And how do you clean them? Any help would be appreciated greatly. And thank you for the help. Would a repair manual be a good investment or a waste of money?
Repair manuals are always a good investment if you intend to keep the vehicle for any amount of time... even if you don't do the repairs knowing what is involved can help... The drains should be located in each corner of the opening... the holes are no larger then about 1/4 inch... be careful not to force anything down the hole as its likely to get stuck and not wash out...
pour a bit of water into the catch area and see where it drains from and if you can access it from the bottom, do as MDTAHOE stated and try blowing it out...
You may want to place a towel in the sunroof area so you don't back blow water and debris all over your headliner and inside your vehicle...
Do regular wipe the drain area to prevent a muddy sludge from building up from fine dust that gets in when the roof is open...
Also understand that water getting up there is NORMAL, its easier to deal with draining the water away then trying to keep it out all together...
2005 Chevrolet Impala | Impala, Monte Carlo (VIN W) Service Manual |
Sunroof Drain Inspection and Cleaning
Drain Hose Routing
A drain trough encircles the sunroof window panel and water is drained off by the drain hoses located at each corner of the housing. A drain channel spans across the sunroof module at the rear of the window panel and directs water into the trough.
Check to ensure the front drain hoses are routed down the windshield pillars and out the center of the pillar between the door hinges. Make sure the hoses are not kinked. Replace any torn or cracked hose. Refer to Sunroof Housing Front Drain Hose Replacement .
Check to ensure the rear drain hoses are routed through the rear pillars and out of the rocker panel. Make sure the rear hoses are properly routed in the metal roof slot and taped in place. Replace any torn or cracked hose. Refer to Sunroof Housing Rear Drain Hose Replacement .
Plugged Drain Hose
If a waterleak has occurred check for a plugged drain hose at each corner of drainage system.
Open the sunroof window.
To test for blockage, pour a small container of water into the module housing drain trough. Check each corner to confirm the drain hose is draining water.
Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.
Use compressed air, 241 kpi (35 psi) or less to blow out any drain hose that is plugged.
Test the system again.
If the hose remains plugged, check to see it is properly routed and does not have a kink. Refer to Drain Hose Routing.
Remove any hoses that remain plugged.
• For front hoses, Refer to Sunroof Housing Front Drain Hose Replacement
• For rear hoses, Refer to Sunroof Housing Rear Drain Hose Replacement
Remove the blockage using the following steps.
7.1. Push mechanics wire through the hose to remove the obstruction.
7.2. Use compressed air in order to blow out any remaining material.
7.3. Reinstall the hose. Refer to Drain Hose Routing.
Disconnected Drain Hose
Inspect the drainage system for disconnected drain hoses. Complete the following steps in order to obtain partial access to drain hoses and check for a disconnected hose.
Open the sunroof window panel.
Lower the headliner as needed. Refer to Headlining Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.
Connect any disconnected hoses.
Ensure that the rear drain hoses are properly routed in the metal roof slot and taped in place.