sun roof

[aspen]

how do you clean out the drains to the sun roof

 

[JPaul]

There's a number of posts on here if you search for "sun roof drain" that detail cleaning them out as well as fixing them. Short of it is you need to drop the roof liner in the front at least to be able to get to the drains in the sunroof itself, and then the outlets are down at the firewall for the front drains and just behind the C pillar (rear doors) for the rear drains. Most common fix is cutting open the rubber outlets that have little flaps in them that ends up being where they get clogged once debris starts getting past the sunroof seal. Cutting them open allows larger debris (sand, small leaves, pine needles, etc) to pass through.

You can try using some weed trimmer line as a drain snake if you don't want to go to those lengths but I had poor results myself trying that. Best is to just cut the flaps from the outlets and clean everything out well, then you shouldn't have any problems after that.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Remove the ends and clean out. There are some youtube videos that show you where they are. Then add some hose onto the existing drain hoses and put into a 5 gal bucket (or onto the ground). If the tubes are plugged up, I bought a thin cable and put some tape on the end (so it wouldn't be sharp) to slide down the sun roof hoses, to clean out. Afterwards, thoroughly clean (wash) the whole sunroof area. Try to get a brush up there to clean all the bugs and dirt out. Then replace the drain ends. The rear fittings you need to remove the rear side panels ...which is deceptively easy to do. You have to remove the rear seat belt anchors and I think one screw. The rest of the side panels just pull off with come careful pulling by your hand. I'm not sure if the rear side panel grommets have those inner-fingers or not.

Some people say to cut the inner drain fingers, but if you do that, insects can get in there an makes nests or get into your vehicle. Up to you I guess. You could just cut one. I Just clean mine out once in a while. Do that and you should be good.

Just bear in mind, the roof drains are a "last-resort" water removal strategy. Keep the water from getting in in the first place. I recommend you take some time and use a sponge and clean the built-up dirt around your sun roof and on the gasket itself. They can get real dirty. If that doesn't work, buy a new replacement (ebay is a good place). They're expensive, but if you plan to keep your H3 a while, it's a good idea. I replaced mine and that solved the water issues.

Make sure you lift up your carpet and put a fan under to dry out. Or it'll mold under there and smell funny. I had my carpet out of my H3 twice! They use a kind of super-sponge backing underneath and it takes a while to dry out. I just threw the carpet in the bed of my pick-up one nice summer week, and closed the toneau cover. After 3-4 days it was nice and dry. This is a good time of year to dry the carpet.

 

[Ordieh]

I’ve had great luck just pouring the pan as full as possible with Clean Shower brand shower cleaner and letting it sit. To this point, I and my buddies have only had one instance where it didn’t work. I agree that the best approach is keeping the seals and sealing surfaces clean and well coated with dielectric grease To keep water out in the first place. Not too long ago I bought a ‘07 to resale and the drains were clogged. Had to park it with the front higher to get the rear drains to to flow but finally, all drains cleared. Good luck however you approach the challenge!

 

[Jeepwalker]

Like I say, a thin piece of cable (like $2 at a hardware store) is easy to feed down the tubes and twist as needed to unclog a drain. You can keep re-using it ever couple years as needed.

 

[Doc Olds]

Whatever you do, do NOT use Compressed Air!

There are youtube vids and plenty of on line tutorials............... Google it.

 

[08H3]

With all due respect to Doc, I actually think compressed air is fine as long as it’s coupled with common sense. That is the method listed in the service manual. It lists 35 psi which I do think is a little high. Unless it’s completely plugged, some soapy water followed with compressed air is fine in my opinion.

 

[JPaul]

Compressed air can be risky, if you blow off the hoses (that's what happened to one of mine I discovered not long after buying it) then the water just drains into the cabin. Not fun trying to clean that up.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Compressed air is easy, but easy isn't always good. It might be good if a guy knows what he's doing. Problem is, most guys don't. You've got a lot of teenage high schoolers who own these vehicles who don't have a lot of experience. And if your tubes have 2" of muck in them like mine did (when I got it) ...compressed air won't do any good. It has the potential of doing way more harm. But if you cleaned them out recently and you think it's just a dead bug in the grommet ....you could try compressed air. And when your finished, take a peek at the grommets to make sure they are connected to the plastic hose.

There's 3 ways to do most things ... I use a combination of the flexible cable and some hot soapy water.

 

[Bowser-II]

Have to agree with preventative maintenance first on these sunroofs.

It is surprisingly easy to get a good seal as long as the roof is cleanish and the gasket in good order. Unlike any German car. Ever.

But after awhile the hose does get clogged, air works okay but I kept it about 20~25 psi.

Found in the end that after even a little air followed by a bunch of water under pressure did best.

 

[Doc Olds]

Compressed air is easy, but easy isn't always good. It might be good if a guy knows what he's doing. Problem is, most guys don't. You've got a lot of teenage high schoolers who own these vehicles who don't have a lot of experience. And if your tubes have 2" of muck in them like mine did (when I got it) ...compressed air won't do any good. It has the potential of doing way more harm. But if you cleaned them out recently and you think it's just a dead bug in the grommet ....you could try compressed air. And when your finished, take a peek at the grommets to make sure they are connected to the plastic hose.

There's 3 ways to do most things ... I use a combination of the flexible cable and some hot soapy water.

Exactly why I suggested to never use compressed air. I use weed whacker string and a warm soapy water for an annual cleaning even after doing the actual cut out the "X" grommet fix.

It is OK if done correctly, but some people cannot change a light bulb.

 

[alrock]

I used compressed air. Went perfect on the first one and didn’t work well on the second one. Thought I had a grip on the tube on the second one and it still slipped off. Can work well if you are careful, and these other ideas are great as well

 

[rascole]

If you haven't already noticed, there are several ways to clean the drains. All work, some easier some riskier. But most would agree that reaming/cutting open the plastic drain/check valve where it connects to the body is the long term solution. I used air set at 10 psi and the second tube blew off the connection at the roof. After having to lower the headliner I did a full cleaning and modification on all 4 drains using some 12 gauge wire and wads of paper towel soaked in cleaner. Then I used some silicone and zip ties to attach the tube drain connectors. Was a full day job, but I was figuring it out as I went, now it can be done @ 4 hours if you have a plan. But do all 4 if you're going to do it.

 

[720H]

I think cutting the flaps out is the best way. My new to me didnt have any problems till early this year so I thought they were already done. I think passenger was full then froze then pushed itself off the grommet. Then melted then refroze 1/2 deep ice on the mat. The grommet was too stiff to get out in the cold with my hand. If you going to cut the flap get a roto zip saw side cutter bit pop it in a dremel or drill. A regular drill bit the flaps move out of the way when drilling or a razor knife leaves a rough jagged edge. Side cutter bit nice and smooth

 

[Jeepwalker]

If I was going to cut the 'flaps' ...I would start by just cutting one first. Preferrably the bottom flap ...so bugs could get washed out. That might be all that's necessary. Then a 2nd one if that doesn't work. They're there to keep bugs from crawling in and nesting (which I've had happen in another vehicle yrs ago).