StratfordShark

I don't know if this is a problem or not, but when I wash my car a lot of water emerges from the lower edge of the rear light on both sides of the car.

Looking at PET there's no gasket around the rear light (unlike front driving lights) so no seal that could be failing.

I'm not sure if it's water that gets in via the edge of the rear light lens and then just comes out again, or if it's water that has entered further up the hatch and is draining out there. I'm not aware of any obvious water leaks in the rear hatch area, though I do get a lot of condensation inside on windows on one side in damp weather conditions.

Sorry to be so vague about the problem, but perhaps someone has seen something similar? Or does water just normally collect around the lens?

In the photo you may be able to make out a line of water that's sat there for a couple of days, despite me drying around that area.

WallyP

The light unit simply sits in a recess in the rear bumper cover, with no seal around it. Yes, the water continues to run out - irritating but normal.

SeanR

Drill a couple of holes in the bottom where the light sits, this will help get the water to drain inside the bumper and not run down like that.

AO

You can also get some adhesive gasket strips from the weather strip aisle at Home Depot or Lowes and do a DIY around the tail lights.

StratfordShark

Thanks all for observations and possible fixes.

Jeff928S4

Mine does this also....one of my rear lights was slightly loose, so I tried tightening it REALLY tight - made no difference. Water will still get in there no matter how tight the lens is.

dr bob

I have a compbo of two of the posted suggestions. For the drain holes, I pulled the lamp assy and figured out the best hole location based on the locations of the puddle stains insive the cavity. There are now three or four smnal holes drilled through the shell now for water drainage. In addition, I used some 1/2" wide x 1/8" thick foam weatherstripping, adhesive side to the lamp assy, wrapped all the way around the edge just inside of where you can see it on the lamp. It's just enough to keep water out of the shell. With both of these fixes, there's minimal tear staining below the lamps.

The holes were suggested years ago by Mark Andersen of 928 International, relayed from a dealer service info bulletin he had. The weatherstrip idea came from a box of that mentioned weatherstrip that hangs out in my supply cabinet. If anybody is nearby and needs some, I have -miles- of it. I used it on electrical control cabinet service panels before the mfrs got the hint and put bulb seals on their doors.

Jascd

Also check that the rubber grommets that seal the light mount screw are seated properly else you will get an amazing amount of water inside.