Cargo Area Water Flow Direction and Cleaning of the Drains

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The cargo area has the ability to operate in many different configurations (cargo panels on or off, mid-gate up or down, rear window in or out), allowing the cargo and passenger area to be open to the environment. To allow the vehicle to operate in these configurations, it is equipped with features to help it resist the elements and protect cargo inside the cargo area. Parts of the water management system, which are designed to quickly direct water out of the cargo box, are the top drain grates, side rail channels, catch cups, mid-gate drain, cargo area floor drains and the rubber cargo floor mat.

To ensure that the water management system performs properly, ensure that the mid-gate, tail-gate and cover system are fully closed and that each element of the water management system is clean and not blocked with debris.

IMPORTANT: All drain valves are removable for cleaning of the valve and the drain channel. Please note the position of the drain valve to the vehicle before removal. Improper installation of a drain valve will allow improper draining of the water and possible excessive water intrusion into the cargo/cab area.

Even when the water management system is working properly and the cargo area cover system is on, there may be some instances (heavy rains, automated car washes, etc.) when water may be present.

In the graphics below the gray arrows show water flow direction in the cargo area and the cargo area cover system. For the cargo area parts identification, refer to Cargo Area Water Management System Identification .

A large percentage of water will flow off the cargo area cover system. A small percentage of water will flow into the cargo area cover drain/seals and then into the cargo area water management system.

Fig 1: Cargo Area Water Management System

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The small percentage of water that will flow into the cargo area water management system will drain out under the vehicle and the rear wheelwells.

Fig 2: Rear Compartment Cover Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.