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Panel removal help for sunroof repair please. *UPDATE*

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Porch Dawg, May 3, 2024.

  1. May 3, 2024 at 12:06 PM
    #1
    Porch Dawg

    Porch Dawg [OP] New Member

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    17147633230793922754191945325129.jpg As is so common my sunroof is leaking on my 2017 Limited, surprise. I have a borescope and decide to run it down both of the drains to see if it was clogged. First I checked the passenger side, no clog. Then I checked the driver side. As the scope went in I saw the drain then, wires, airbag, and open space!!! The tube had been disconnected and never put back, it's still in there just laid to the side.
    I need to remove the plastic panel covering that area to connect the tube. Do I need a special tool or just pull real hard and remove it? I don't want to break it or break any clips.
    Thanks for any help.

    *UPDATE* All fixed :)
    I removed the side panel like the YouTube video said. Then I removed the riverside visor. Gently pulled down the headliner and slide the tube over the metel drain for the sunroof. Then I poured about a cup of water in the gutter area and checked for any leaks, no leaks. Put everything back together and now I'm airing out the vehicle. I think it took longer to get the needed tools for the repair than the actual fix :)

    Thanks again everybody for the help and advise, really appreciate the group!
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2024
    Captain Spalding, jgalt and 2Toys like this.
  2. May 3, 2024 at 12:20 PM
    #2
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

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    Oooh look, another mod.....

    That panel pops right off. 4Runner owners have been removing it to add the aftermarket grab handle. Watch this video to see how easy it is:

    (Skip ahead to about 5 mins)

     
  3. May 3, 2024 at 5:44 PM
    #3
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    One step he skipped was disconnecting the battery first. That might keep you from getting punched in the face by the airbag.
     
    Porch Dawg[OP] likes this.
  4. May 3, 2024 at 5:49 PM
    #4
    FN2187

    FN2187 Stormtrooper

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    Lol, one reason I've stayed away from that trim. Pretty important step to skip over. Cleaning my drains is on my to-do list still because I haven't done it yet. I opened the sunroof today on all my drives and kept getting hit by those "helicopter" seeds from the tree near the driveway. I've probably got one or more clogging it up now
     
    jgalt likes this.
  5. May 3, 2024 at 5:54 PM
    #5
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My 4Runner identifies as a Prius!

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    Oooh look, another mod.....

    I think a lot of people (myself included) need a good punch to the face every now and again.
     
    java and Porch Dawg[OP] like this.
  6. May 3, 2024 at 7:38 PM
    #6
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    The panel pops right off AFTER you remove the bolt behind the SRS Airbag plug.
     
  7. May 4, 2024 at 8:03 AM
    #7
    Porch Dawg

    Porch Dawg [OP] New Member

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    As a side note to the fix, I didn't disconnect the battery, no airbag deployment or face punching :)
    That being said I still agree with the previous advise and you should disconnect the battery. I was lazy and accepted the risk.
     
  8. May 4, 2024 at 8:08 AM
    #8
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    I think in reality the risk is pretty low.
     

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