I have a 2000 LX470 that has a history of roof rack and sunroof leaks. After the first rain of the season, my rig was parked outside all day and when I backed out of my parking spot, I heard a big "swoosh". I thought it was just the water on the outside, but 30 minutes later when I parked I found the passenger foot-well was soaked and could see where water was dripping from under the glovebox area above the passenger kick-panel. I'v dried out the carpet and underlayment, but now have an intermittent electrical issue. The Brake Light and High Beam indicator are constantly lit. If I turn the headlights from "Auto" to "On" both the High Beam and Brake Light indicators go off. I'm thinking that the connectors under the dash in that area, and there are many, got wet. I've gone overkill with Damp Rid inside trying to dry out the electronics. Any idea which connectors or control units I should be focused on?
Also, I'm searching for the source of the leak now. I belive there are four possibilities, and it could be one or more of them:
Roof rack mounting bolts could be leaking. I know the driver side was leaking when I purchased the rig in 2020. However, I didn't figure that out until I had the headliner removed. I think I sealed both sides, but maybe I just sealed the driver side because I was so concerned about striping the bolt heads. The driver side ones were very difficult to remove.
Sunroof Seal - Being a 26+ year old vehicle, the rubber sunroof seal that mates to the body metal may need to be replaced. I've been trying to condition it, but it may be leaking. Further testing is needed.
Sunroof glass to frame sealing surface - there is a seal serface between the glass and the sunroof frame that the seal attaches to. This is not replaceable and new sunroof glass comes with it attached. This has leaked in the past on the back edge where the two ends of the seal come together. But, in my experience, that is a small drip, not a large water intrusion.
Sunroof drain system - Gutters and drain pans are clean and clear. I'm checking the front drain lines now. Not as easy to check the rear ones. Once testing is complete, I will report back.
Maybe I should have started a new post for the leak as this post was really about the electrical issues.
Thank you
Also, I'm searching for the source of the leak now. I belive there are four possibilities, and it could be one or more of them:
- Roof rack mounting bolts
- Sunroof seal
- Sunroof glass to frame sealing surface trim
- Sunroof drain system - plastic pan, body gutters and drain lines
Roof rack mounting bolts could be leaking. I know the driver side was leaking when I purchased the rig in 2020. However, I didn't figure that out until I had the headliner removed. I think I sealed both sides, but maybe I just sealed the driver side because I was so concerned about striping the bolt heads. The driver side ones were very difficult to remove.
Sunroof Seal - Being a 26+ year old vehicle, the rubber sunroof seal that mates to the body metal may need to be replaced. I've been trying to condition it, but it may be leaking. Further testing is needed.
Sunroof glass to frame sealing surface - there is a seal serface between the glass and the sunroof frame that the seal attaches to. This is not replaceable and new sunroof glass comes with it attached. This has leaked in the past on the back edge where the two ends of the seal come together. But, in my experience, that is a small drip, not a large water intrusion.
Sunroof drain system - Gutters and drain pans are clean and clear. I'm checking the front drain lines now. Not as easy to check the rear ones. Once testing is complete, I will report back.
Maybe I should have started a new post for the leak as this post was really about the electrical issues.
Thank you