Headliner Removal & Sunroof Leak Repair

In this video, we show you how to remove the headliner on a 3rd Generation Toyota 4runner. We did it to investigate a sunroof leak but there's any number of reasons you might want to know how to do this. The A-Pillar grab handles are the most problematic to remove because Toyota used some sort of loctite on the screw threads which makes them impossible to remove with a regular screwdriver. An impact screwdriver is definitely needed to remove these screws.

After giving it some more thought, Mark and I believe the leak we saw when doing the drain cleaning video was due to a partial blockage of the passenger side rear drain. The rear drain was working, but not as fast as it should and water was able to build up in the sunroof tray and overflow the sides. After loosening up the debris in the drain tube, the water was able to run out like it should and not back up in the tray.

**Mark did report back and said the front of his sunroof is no longer leaking. The silicone fix worked!

**HELPFUL TOOLS**
*If you're looking for other tools not used in this video, check out Timmy's Master Tool List.*

*Double-Sided Screwdriver - (similar to the one we used in the video)


*20 Piece Screwdriver Set - (If you're in the market for a full set of screwdrivers, this is a nice set)


*Here's the a link to the Impact Driver I bought for this job:

*Here's a link to the Trim Removal Set we used:

*Brake Cleaner - (To clean off sunroof trim areas before applying silicone)

*Clear RTV Silicone - (to seal the seam in the sunroof trim piece)

**As Ebay Partner Network members, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
**As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

[donovandiaz]

Hey Tim. About 2 years ago I experienced a leak in my 2000 4Runner (no sunroof) coming out of the exact same spot you mentioned. Turns out a screw holding down my roof rack was the culprit. I ended up taking the rack off, cleaning the debris underneath and reapplied silicon to each screw. Worked like a charm. Maybe if the leak comes back he can give that a try.

[zawditudacosta]

Hey! Are you planning on doing a video about removing the roof panel for the Toyota 4runner? Why I'm asking is cause I want to get a 3rd gen Toyota 4runner without the sunroof but I can't seem to find one so I was wondering if its possible to replace the car roof panel without the sunroof?

[MichaelShuler]

The schematic shows the cabin hand holds as "Assist Grip".

I could have sworn the proper name was "Oh Sh*t! Handle".
:^)

[thatwasinteresting.]

Damn, you guys removed everything except the actual part I'm currently concerned with: the sliding sunroof liner.

[noelmoniz]

I have a leak from the roof rack. Thanks to this video i know that the repair isn’t going to be a easy repair but it’s very helpful for those of us trying to extend the life of our trucks, thank you for another great video

[heatmyzer]

Thanks for creating this content, doing sound deadening on the roof of my 4Runner. Used a Dewalt impact driver (not impact wrench) on the A pillar handle screws and they came off in a jiffy.

[dweberAutos]

Maybe water got into the headliner from leaks in the roof rack screws.

[joshiasbaja]

Thank you! I just removed a headliner from the junk yard and I’m about to remove the sun roof unit! Fun!!!

[jamesmills]

You are the kind of guy I'd like to have for a neighbor. I appreciate the info.

[drewwolod]

Any idea what the model of those pesky clips is? Thanks

[JesseVM]

I don't even have a sunroof but I watched it. Learned about the grab handle mod. Learned a bunch of random things. Keep up the videos!

[donnya]

ya, know I have talked to 3 separate dealers about my water infiltration on my 2008 Toyota highlander limited edition and 2 of them told me to bring the vehicle into shop. But what's frustrating when I talk to service and parts about my situation because I have been extensively trying to find water coming in to vehicle, they seem to have no idea that this water infiltration is going on with these vehicles?? Go figure. the 3rd I've watched videos on water coming in from the back bumper body area. There are round water rubber plugs that can dry out and water could get in there.and when talking to parts they told me I would have have bumper panel taken off to get the numbers of the plug. They won't tell me what the stock item is. They suggest again to take vehicle in for service?? This is all crazy to me ?

[donnya]

All that work, I'm still troubleshooting my leak I'm thinking of siliconeing the whole entire roof rack and piece of rubber that runs along the roof?

[mtk]

Thank you for all the hard work that you do to put this videos out. Really well explained . Same for the video editing. Greetings from New York l

[explorersclub]

Can you do a video on sunroof engaging but not working I can’t get my soon roof open to see where my leak is coming from

[johnnash]

I have a leak in my sunroof but it is broken, is there anyway to manually open it and then clean the drain holes

[colterciceroni]

The real question is why in the flying fuck did Toyota use lock tight on grab handles

[donnya]

I'm sorry this should be a recall on this? Poor design if you ask me.

[roofermarc]

I put all my screws back in there respective places once I removed any pieces and the grab rails. This way I didn't lose any. My leak is only over the drivers seat but the sunroof doesn't open! I guess the whole sun roof assembly needs to come out?

[Budme]

Great video. You make things seam so easy, but I know it's not. Well for me anyways. I'm learn a lot from your videos thanks.