Where are the sunroof drainage outlets located on the Explorer?
3 Answers
The sunroof drainage outlets on the Explorer are located at the four corners of the sunroof. Importance of drainage outlets: Sunroofs have become a standard feature in cars. Since the sunroof drainage holes are positioned on the upper part, they are prone to clogging by leaves and debris. If clogged, rainwater can seep through the gaps around the sunroof edges into the car interior. Depending on the water flow, this can wet the roof trim or even cause extensive water accumulation inside the cabin. More seriously, leaked rainwater may flow onto the car's floor mats, which can go unnoticed by the owner, leading to mold growth in the interior or even rusting of the metal body. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance are necessary. Function of drainage outlets: To ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle, different drainage holes are designed for various functions in the car. These outlets expel accumulated water from the vehicle. If they become blocked, the trapped water can backflow, corroding the body and electrical components or seeping into the cabin, affecting the car's functionality and, consequently, safety.
My old Explorer has been with me for six years, and I've got the sunroof drain locations down pat. There are four drains at each corner of the roof, with the most frequently used ones being the two behind the front wheels: crouch down and look above the front wheel arches, and you'll spot two black rubber tube ends about two centimeters long tucked under the A-pillars—leaves and sludge love to clog here. The rear drains are trickier to find; you'll need to lie down at the rear of the car and look ahead of the rear wheels, where there's one on each side below the rear windshield. Last rainy season, my car turned into an aquarium because the rear drains were blocked. Now, I always keep a bicycle brake cable handy to clear them monthly. Remember to pour half a bottle of mineral water to test the flow after cleaning—it's much safer than using an air gun.
Just helped my neighbor unclog the drainage pipes last week—this issue is super common. The new Explorer’s drain outlets are designed similarly to the older models, mainly hidden near all four wheels: the front outlets extend from under the windshield’s water channels on both sides, while the rear ones are inside the rear wheel fenders. The key is not to wait until leaks happen. Here’s a life hack: sharpen takeout bamboo chopsticks into DIY疏通 rods—cheap and pipe-friendly. Last time, using a vacuum with a thin hose to suck out leaves worked great, but always test the water flow afterward. Don’t forget to wipe dust from the sunroof tracks—mud buildup can directly block the drains.
