Water in the trunk coming from what looks to be left tail light assembly

[Maim Menu]

Okay here goes.

'98 Camry 285 500 Kilometers

Found water in the inside of the the trunk this winter, wanted to take a look at it when the weather was better and now it is.

I took off all the trunk lining inside and everything, when I hose down the rear left corner light, water comes in from some sort of black plastic grille or what looks like a black plastic vent that is inside the trunk, underneath the inside rear tail light assembly.

What is that thing? What is it's purpose? You can see the water dripping down on the lower right corner of it. I had a friend of mine hose the corner light while I took the pic.

[Boston Redneck]

It could be coming thru the seal in your light assy, but that vent you shoed has a little flap in it for keeping water out. Is it in good shape? Also check your trunk rubber seal to make sure it hasn't been rubbed by the wire harness.

[Maim Menu]

That means water could normally drip in there, but be routed outside of the trunk by that flap in the vent? I think I'm gonna try replaceing that vent and any gasket or seal that goes with it first, but it seems weird that water could normally come in through the light assy...

The trunk rubber seal is all good I checked it.

[vdop69]

I have the same problem with my right tail light assembly. I use to have aftermarket tail lights but returned them to stock and still have the same issue. Thought it could have been a body repair that I had done but now I am beginning to wonder if it could be something else.

Ill take a closer look at mine in a bit. Let me know if you find the problem.

[Maim Menu]

I will probably work on it again tomorrow, I'll unclip the black vent and remove the metal assembly and hose some more, I'll know if it's a seal around the tail light or something else. I still have no idea what that vent does after much searching, if you know please post.

[csaxon]

It's called a quarter panel air duct flap. Toyota recalled them because of water leakage. The old part #62940-AA010. Updated part#62940-AA011 and now the new part#62940AA012
Part number 62940AA010 was superceded by part number 62940AA012

62940AA012 msrp$34.32 auto part site$23.74
Quarter panel - Inner structure - Pressure vent
Pressure vent 1997 - 2001

[Maim Menu]

Wow, thanks a lot

But should I check out the light assembly for leakage too anyway?

[Your Uncle Moe]

The purpose of the Air Duct was to relieve pressure when you slam your doors. So that way when you slam your doors you dont blow out your ears and pop your windows. lol

Excess pressure is released through the trunk through that.

[vdop69]

Originally Posted by csaxon

It's called a quarter panel air duct flap. Toyota recalled them because of water leakage. The old part #62940-AA010. Updated part#62940-AA011 and now the new part#62940AA012
Part number 62940AA010 was superceded by part number 62940AA012

62940AA012 msrp$34.32 auto part site$23.74
Quarter panel - Inner structure - Pressure vent
Pressure vent 1997 - 2001

Thanks for the info.

[Maim Menu]

Part has been ordered on tuesday from the dealership, I'm picking it up next monday after work, I'll post back the results, should be an easy fix.

[Maim Menu]

I got the part tuesday morning, great weather so I'll be working on that tonight, I'll post pics.

[Maim Menu]

Very easy fix, unclip the bottom then push it inside, you'll be able to take it out.

Slide the new one in sideways so it goes through the hole, then orient it correctly, clip the top of it by putting your fingers through the vents and pulling the part towards you, but be careful not to damage it. Then the bottom clips should already be in place, verify that it's solidly fastened, and you're donw.

I hosed the car, no water came through. The new recalled part has some rubber flaps to keep the water out, you'll notice the old part sitting in the trunk doesn't have any rubber flaps.