Leaky Outback tailgate

!?!!!

For that much water to enter what is normally a fairly dry hatch cover, you must have a largish leak somewhere. I'd start by pulling the inside plastic trim, and aiming a garden hose at it to see if you can isolate a point of entry. (Have someone sit inside and watch carefully.) Inspect the rubber seal, the boots where the wiring and rear washer tubes come in, the gasket for the lock assembly, etc.

Keep going 'til you find it; it's there somewhere.

BTW, the "light bar" is secured by 8-10 8mm nuts, including a couple (whadda ya call 'em?) closed top nuts on the outer edges. If you can't easily lift the assembly away from the hatch cover, you haven't found all of the fasteners. I don't think you can disassemble it any further than that.

If you would, please write back and let me know what you find; inquiring minds and all . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

I have an '01 LL Bean Outback and the same thing happened to me. I opened the tailgate door one day and a bunch of water came out of the door landing on the rubber mat on the floor. In my "light bar" piece, there are about 4 or 5 cracks in it, probably from someone hitting the car just enough to crack that plastic without any other damage to the door. I was trying to find out where I could get a replacement "light bar" piece; local dealer wants $400 and change to replace, parts and labor they say. Any ideas where one can find these "light bar" pieces?

I'd try a salvage yard or perhaps even ebay. Pretty simple to replace; you'll want an 8mm nut driver or deep socket to reach some of the fasteners.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101