The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

G'day all, I have a 2002 Outback and of late water has been getting into the lighting assembly that are on the rear tailgate when it rains, on both sides too. I've had a look at where it might be coming from but I cant see anything. Anybody got any clues?

Cheers
Dale

Ive heard of this problem before as well, someone on here at the same problem on Gen3 Liberty & Outback. Maybe search and see?
Cheers
AP

* Take off the tailgate trim.
* Undo the 10 or so 8mm nuts on the garnish itself (you'll need a deep socket and look very closely for them all) - if its never been off before it will be sort of stuck down so you need to pry abit- BUT if it doesn't come off with minimal effort you've left a nut or 2 on.
* If inside the lens is full of dirt etc, put some car wash/dish washing liquid inside the lens and fill it up with water from a hose to clean it out.
* Clean the top of the garnish, where the red lens meets the black backing and leave it to dry - or use a hair dryer/heat gun to speed it up.
* Put a bead of windscreen silastic in the groove where the red lens meets the black backing (the bit you cleaned) and push it into the groove with your finger/a screw driver/whatever then put another thin bead over that bead - let it dry.
* Re-assemble and your done.

Or drill one or two tiny holes at the lowest point on each side, worked a treat on my young blokes old falcon.

allso have a look at were the clear lens meats the red, to find if its letting rain in here just run a hose over it.

My Gen 3 has this problem and I know of 2 others in the club that have the same, and it will save you taking the hole thing out.

Rik.

Thanks guys, I'll check this out when the rain stops.

Cheers
Dale