Sunroof Lariat

[Cvh8601]

I’ve not had any leaks yet, garage parked.

However, I’ll echo that after reading numerous ‘leaking roof lightning’ posts, I’m strongly under the impression that it’s a ford specific drainage design issue.

I’ve had cars with glass roofs on nearly every car I’ve owned and not had any issues. All of them ‘leak’ between the glass and the metal on the roof - on purpose. Then the water makes its way down some drain channels to the ground. Even 4th gen F-body Camaros/firebirds with T-tops have had zero leak issues for me.

My opinion: ford in their infinite wisdom chose to let that drain water into the car by way of of a drain tube. Haven’t done thorough inspections but my impression of my other glass roof cars is that they mostly route drainage from the roof down ’outside’ the car, like under a piece of trim for example but not through a tube in the interior.

Anyway, it sounds like minimizing time parking places where debris that can foul the drain tube is the best way to mitigate the chance of issues with the ford version. We’ll see how long mine lasts!

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[rdr854]

same here i have just over 10000 miles in my 23 er lariat and run thru a touch less car wash at least 3 times a week and have never seen a drop of water on the inside of the cab ..... that being said i do get moisture and droplets forming in the fronk lights tho.

Your frunk lights are covered by warranty. I had the same issue.

 

[rdr854]

I’ve not had any leaks yet, garage parked.

However, I’ll echo that after reading numerous ‘leaking roof lightning’ posts, I’m strongly under the impression that it’s a ford specific drainage design issue.

I’ve had cars with glass roofs on nearly every car I’ve owned and not had any issues. All of them ‘leak’ between the glass and the metal on the roof - on purpose. Then the water makes its way down some drain channels to the ground. Even 4th gen F-body Camaros/firebirds with T-tops have had zero leak issues for me.

My opinion: ford in their infinite wisdom chose to let that drain water into the car by way of of a drain tube. Haven’t done thorough inspections but my impression of my other glass roof cars is that they mostly route drainage from the roof down ’outside’ the car, like under a piece of trim for example but not through a tube in the interior.

Anyway, it sounds like minimizing time parking places where debris that can foul the drain tube is the best way to mitigate the chance of issues with the ford version. We’ll see how long mine lasts!

Ford is not the only OEM with this issue. If you look at other message boards for other vehicles, you will find similar issues. Generally, the culprit is the drainage tubes becoming clogged or a defect where the tube has become dislodged.

Recommended solution: Proactively have the drains flushed/cleared of any debris once a year.

On my Suburban (that did not have a sunroof), the issue was the shark fin antenna leaking.

 

[PA Lightning]

Just as an fyi, a good way to clean blocked drain tubes is to run string trimmer line down the tubes just like you would with a drain snake.

 

[T3Fan]

Just as an fyi, a good way to clean blocked drain tubes is to run string trimmer line down the tubes just like you would with a drain snake.

Not sure if you know offhand, but is the easiest way to access/clear the rear drains to go from under the truck where they empty?

 

[PA Lightning]

Not sure if you know offhand, but is the easiest way to access/clear the rear drains to go from under the truck where they empty?

I do not know but if they are clogged it will not hurt to use the string trimmer line and see if it comes out where it empties.

 

[gamester5]

Mine went through the dealer and trough was repaired. They said it had failed on the last visit and had to order parts.

 

[Marcelo Zanetti]

Exactly! Had the same issue about a year or so ago, brought it to the dealer and they cleaned the drain. Never happened again.

 

[Bigisland Guy]

Useless trivia, Ford coined the name "Moonroof" in the 70's, everyone else calls it a sunroof. I'm glad mine didn't have one or I wouldn't be driving it today. I've had my fair share of leaking T-Tops in the past.

On My CSP 25B08 they call it a "Vista Roof"

 

[sotek2345]

Well - I am out $2,400 for repairs / cleanings from some really bad roof leaks earlier this year. I am very seriously considering having some PPF put over the whole roof to make sure no water can get in because I DO NOT trust it any more.

No more sunroofs/moonroofs for me!

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