I'm pretty sure my sunroof drains are what's to blame. I read that when the drains get clogged up the water will usually get above the headliner and seep down the posts. Eventually it'll pool in the foot wells, front and rear, usually on one side. So that's what happening. The question is: I know there are two drains up front, but are there any in the back? What's the best way to clear them out? I have a bit of a gap between the rear of the glass and the roof. When I go to the car wash, I notice (with the shade retracted) that very small amounts of water splash down there. Could water be leaking from there?

My trunk mechanism no longer works either. The lock and electronic release seem to be working fine, but the actual latch won't engage. When I close the trunk, it just hits the catch and won't latch. The zip ties will only last so long.

I'd like to fix both soon cuz I'm going up to see my g/f in Buffalo, where it most surely will be snowing.

 

The rear drains end at the rear trunk wells. The best way to clear it out is with some wire probably. You might want to double check the latch and make sure it's not closed to begin with. Otherwise it's time for a new latch.

S

 

No, it's not already latched, but that's how it acts. I've been playing with the little catch, but it seems like not matter what position it's in, it won't engage. It seems to work fine like if I slide a wire in it (like it was closing) and locks in place, but for some reason it doesn't work when it shuts.

Aiight, thanx for the quick reply. I got alotta work ahead of me before I set out.

 

Interesting, what happens if you set the trunk lid down....and then push down to click, rather than just closing it? Either way, not a problem to help.

S

 

as for the drains i would think pipe cleaner would be good how ever, good luck finding a peice that long.

 

I have used a metal coat hanger for the front drains. Don't know if there are rear drains.

 

ya know, my max did the same damn thing with the trunk lid. the problem was the latch (the part between the tail lights, NOT on the trunk lid) was out of adjustment from being worn down. I had to loosen the bolts, but of course, they broke. so I ended up drilling and re-tapping them. it worked for the most part, but every now and then, the adjustment would go off. here's what I did when your problem happened to me: before you start dismantling stuff, open the trunk and take a prybar of some sort -- the chisel end of the lugwrench worked perfectly -- stick it down in the latch and bend the upside-down-U-shaped bar a little bit (between the tail lights, again, not on the actual trunk lid) over in one direction, then try closing the trunk. you may have to adjust it a few times before it works. you can also try folding down the back seats, crawling into the trunk, and closing the lid and adjusting the latch to the point where it catches the lock on the trunk.

as for the sunroof drain, I dunno, maybe you can take a tire pump and an inflating needle and stick the needle into one of the holes and force the obstruction out with air pressure? never had this happen to me, so I'm kinda lost. you can use a coat hanger like jos said, I guess, or maybe a length of 12-gauge copper wire if a coat hanger is too stiff.

 

OK thanx everyone. blackmax, the trunk problem sounds like it might be that little U-shaped thing.

I read somewhere that using high air pressure can dislodge the actual drain tubing, then you gotta take everything apart.

In any case, tomorrow is my day off and I'll check it out both things. Maybe I'll be able to start that rack too.......

 

I was checking things out today.

First, I saw the two sunroof drains in the front, but I can't see the ones in the back. I gotta clean the front ones just in case, but where are the other ones???

Second, the trunk mystery has taken a new lead. Being the highly intelligent, innovative mechanic that I am, I used the bolts that hold in the U-shaped latched for a ground when I put my amp in. It works well as a ground, however what I didn't know, was that although the body hole is threaded, the latch is not. Meaning the nut holding the back of the latch in is long gone. So maybe the latch is moving when the lid comes down.

 

Hey guys
Since the wet wheather has come I have noticed alot of water in my trunk of my 83 max. The inside of the trunk lid has so much condensation on it , it drips. I realy don't think that it is the ruber seal. And my back window sweats like a bastard. I'm at a loss. Can some one shed some light on this for me.
BM

 

I'd say replace the stripping anyway. It's cheap, and it might work. Can't hurt.

My mom had an 88 Accord a few years ago. Trunk leaked. We had it taken everywhere. Spent lots of money. It was the stripping all along. Might as well rule it out before you get into the heavy (expensive, time consuming.....) stuff.

 

Replace the striping on the trunk or the back window
BM

 

try the window first, trunk second....sunroofdrains/sparewheel plugs last.

S

 

ok ya know I don't have a sunroof. I thought that there were no option on max's. All the other 1st gens I seen had them
BM
How do I get a pic under my username?

 

the sentra leaked water into the trunk, I took the seal off and put some clear silicone in the lip, then put it back on... still didn't help, upon a closer look I noticed water was getting in through the tail lights. I had to take them out, scrape off that black sticky gummy s***, put some fresh RTV on the back, put the light back in, tighten the bolt, and some silicone around the outside of it.... looks great and the trunk stays dry.

just a suggestion.

Dan

 

Where exactly is that?

 

In the spare tire well there are two plugs, at the bottom, and for the trunk wells, if you remove the little covers and feel around, you'll find the drain and where it goes. There is usually a grommet there.

S

 

Hello. My first time here. I was not able to look back to the original complain about the sunroof. I had an issue wiht water coming in from a sunroof that would no seal anymore. What I did was go to a wrecking yard and purchase a used glass with a newer seal and accessories (Shims) that come with it. I adjusted the newer glass by using the shims and that solved my problem. I used silicone grease to further protect the rubber from shrinking. The glass was like 28 dollers and it was very easty ro change. Hope this will help.

 

What I mean by newer is a my maxima is an 87 and I bought one from a 92. It was interchangeable. No problems there. When going to a wrecking yard, don't just buy the first glass...continue checking and use judgement and purchase the one that looks best. Again, Good luck

 

I too had a problem with water getting into the trunk. It was the tail lights. I removed them and resealed them...Bingo!!! No more agua.

 

threads 7 years old chief, lol