5000fingers Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Every good rain I get some water coming into the rear light assembly on my 2001 OB. The bulbs short out, and water comes dripping down when the hatch is propped open. Is this a common problem? And what are some likely paths that the water would be getting in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forester2002s Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I've had a leak (in my 2002 Forester) with water getting in through one of the mounting bolts for the overhead longitudinal roof-rail. And this leak was hard to find, because the dripping water was hidden behind the interior wall-panels of the car. The leaking water was evident on the trunk-floor, and in the well for the spare-tire. However the water never entered the rear light-assembly. That unit is virtually sealed all around, except where the bulb is fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 This is a common problem on 2000-2004 Legacy and Outback wagons. The center garnish ends up filling with water running down the hatch. You can either put a bead of silicone between the rubber gasket of the window and the top of the garnish. YOU can also pull out the garnish and lay silicone all the way around where the front and back plastic sections of the garnish meet. Check the sockets for melting or corrosion and replace if nessessary. If they are badly melted inside, it can cause some decent electrical gremlins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5000fingers Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 What is the "garnish?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 The garnish is the trim piece on the hatch that says "Subaru", which also holds the inner brake lights and reverse lights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 The garnish is the trim piece on the hatch that says "Subaru", which also holds the inner brake lights and reverse lights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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