Discovering a musty smell or dampness in your car can be alarming, and finding a puddle in your trunk is even worse. Often, after rain, car owners are faced with the unpleasant surprise of a leaking car trunk. One common culprit behind this issue is faulty taillight seals. Over time, the foam sealant around your taillights can degrade, crack, and allow water to seep into your trunk. This guide will walk you through a simple DIY repair using readily available materials to fix a leaking car trunk caused by taillight issues.
Identifying and Addressing the Taillight Leak
The first step is to confirm if your taillights are indeed the source of the leak. Signs like water stains, mildew, or a musty odor in your trunk, especially after rain, are strong indicators. In many cases, like the one illustrated here, the problem stems from the original foam sealant around the taillights deteriorating.
To begin the repair, you’ll need to access your taillights from inside the trunk. You might need to remove interior trim panels to gain access. Once you can reach the taillight assembly, carefully inspect the area around it for water trails or dampness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Your Leaking Trunk
Here’s how to fix a leaking car trunk due to faulty taillight seals:
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- RTV sealant (Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone sealant)
- Socket wrench set (to remove taillight bolts)
- Cleaning supplies (cloth, mild cleaner)
- Gloves (optional, to keep hands clean)
Step 1: Remove the Taillights
Carefully remove the taillight assembly. This usually involves unscrewing bolts from inside the trunk that hold the taillight in place. Once the bolts are removed, gently wiggle and pull the taillight assembly outwards from the car body. Be mindful of any wiring harnesses connected to the taillight bulbs and disconnect them carefully.
Step 2: Clean the Surfaces
With the taillights removed, you’ll likely see the old foam sealant on both the taillight housing and the car body. Clean both surfaces thoroughly. Remove all traces of the old, cracked sealant and any dirt or debris. A clean surface is crucial for the new sealant to adhere properly.
Step 3: Dry the Old Sealant (Optional but Recommended)
If the old foam sealant is still attached to the taillight housing and is wet, let it dry out completely in the sun or a warm, dry place. This step, while optional, helps ensure better adhesion when you apply new sealant.
Step 4: Apply RTV Sealant
Apply a generous bead of RTV sealant to the foam sealant on the taillight housing, ensuring you cover all areas that will contact the car body. Also, apply RTV sealant to the car body around the taillight opening for an extra layer of protection.
Step 5: Reinstall the Taillights
Carefully remount the taillights, ensuring they are properly aligned. Tighten the bolts firmly, but be careful not to overtighten and crack the taillight housing. Reconnect any wiring harnesses you disconnected earlier.
Enjoy a Dry, Stench-Free Trunk
Once the RTV sealant has cured (refer to the product instructions for drying time), your leaking car trunk should be a problem of the past. Regular checks after rain will help confirm the repair is successful. No more musty smells or unexpected puddles! This simple DIY fix can save you from potential water damage and keep your car interior fresh and dry.
