FIXING CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAINS
Q: I have a 2001 Camry. The drain on the sunroof keeps clogging up and I have to take it in to the dealership to be cleaned out. Can anyone tell me how it is done so I can avoid the expense of taking my car in a couple of times a year to get this done???....help.....thanks if you can explain!!!....
A: The sunroof has 4 drain points. 2 in the rear and two on either side in the front. 1/2" plastic tubes go from either point in the front through the side pillars and drain out the front fenders. The pipes can also be seen in the front if you remove the kick panel on the side under the glovebox. The tube should be behind the electrical panel which also has to be removed. Pipe should be seen going into the ftont fender. Make sure its not kinked. In the rear they drain out in the trunk area near the wheel wells, near where the jack is stored.
Pour water into the sunroof channel. If the water drains out at all 4 points all is well. If it doesn't drain out of the front tube, the tube could be kinked or blocked. For the front take out the sun visor and pry the headliner to see the connection with a flash light. Twist of the clamp and blow compressed air through it making sure you do not damage the headliner. For the rear you can open the trunk and blow air out through the pipes to clear any blockage.
Pretty simple.
To prevent it from happening make sure you close your sunroof whenever you exit the car to avoid debris from collecting in the channels.
Thanks to burki limousine for the above explanation
From Toysrme:
We have the same problem on ES 300's from time to time. The rear 2 drain holes are inaccessable without taking the sunroof out. Once they're clogged. That's it for most home-mechs.
Blow compressed air in the front 2 drain holes (in the sunroof). 20psi, then afew seconds of 40psi.
Don't go crazy with the pressure, or time you spray in it. You can knock the drains around & that would be bad... Generally a sub 1-second blast will clear a blocked drain. If it's been leaking, expect a rush of water under the car.
The drain holes are located one at each corner in the sunroof. If hard to see, just run your finger in the ridge until you feel it.