2001 Camry sunroof drain clogged

[Judi]

I have a 2001 toyota 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!!!....

[Brian R.]

Dollars to dohnuts they blow compressed air in the bottom of the drain tube.

[Judi]

hmmm.....now I have a really dumb question since I know nothing about cars and will have to explain this to my husband.....where do I find the drain tube?

[Brian R.]

Pour some water in the drain in the sunroof (when the drain is working) and see where it comes out down below. I'm guessing it's under the middle pillar between the doors, what side? no idea. If I was an engineer, I'd put it on the passenger side.

[Judi]

thanks for the info!!!.....i'll let my husband know!.......

[Brian R.]

Don't forget, everything I've said is pure speculation.

[1998CamryLE2.2]

I just took my 1998 Camry into the dealership for an engine problem, and mentioned the sunroof was leaking. They gave me the clogged drains, negligent maintenance line which I knew was untrue. It had only started leaking after the body shop removed and reinstalled the sunroof to fix a dent in the roof. Anyway, after they quoted $5000 for a new engine, I went to look to take a look at my car. I noticed they had removed the left rear seat roof handle and the left rear plastic seams (above the left rear seat window, not between left rear seat window and the back window). I really didn't take a good look at it because it was raining. But the point is the drain hose may go out the back pillar on the driver's side (although I think the service guy said there was one on each side). Are you sure your drains are getting clogged, and your not just getting charged for services you don't need so they don't have to admit a defect? It looks like they are going to try to charge me to put my car back together, so I will probably end up doing it myself. I will let you know if I come up with a better answer for you.

[burki limousine]

The sunroof has 4 drain points. 2 in the rear and two on either side in the front. 1/2" plastic pipes 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. 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 its the front 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.
Solution provided by a Burki Limousine mechanic.

Edit: Link dissabled

[Brian R.]

Even though it's an old post, thanks for the information.

[Toysrme]

I don't usually bump old posts, but while it's here...
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.