Taped Off Drain Holes in Trunk lid?

* Whether Portland or East Chimoke, "How in the world would water fill up the car"?

 

If it's a DRAIN hole, it is met to drain moisture out,
or keep moisture from coming IN from an access point

 

I was the first one to reply and vote but I wanted to see if there was more on this drain hole subject. Seems like this question and search of the correct answer has been going on for years. I've read a few comments online where their dealer said it was okay to remove the tape.
Here's an interesting comment from a post at another site:
------------------
Dear Thomas:

Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center
regarding your 2009 Dodge Challenger.

We appreciate the time and effort you took to write to us.

In response to your email concerning your inquiry about the tape
patches, we would like to inform you that the information you are
seeking is unavailable with us. Therefore, we suggest that you contact
your local authorized dealership, as they are the best resource for this
information. Their service personnel have the factory training,
equipment, and information available to diagnose and correct concerns
with our vehicles.
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The same poster then had this post:
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"Just came home from the dealer. Shadow was right, you do not take them off. They are there to prevent water from entering the trunk lid when closed. Why tape ? cheaper by the round sticky than rubber plugs."
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I looked at my trunklid which still has the tape. I first thought that these holes were inside the trunk area protected by the weatherstrip, but that's not correct. With the trunklid closed you can see the two larger holes if you look at the gap between the back window and the top edge of the trunk lid. If you can see them, water can get in. Not so much from water rolling down the back window but from a direct spray, like from a hose, laser wash, etc. Mine are stay on. (and that's how I voted)

 

@B5blueRT

Thanks very much for the input by providing some detail. It is totally absurd that F.C.A. would toss that question to the dealership. I do not believe that these are drain holes and there is no way water could seep in from above: 'virtually impossible'. If this were so, why would plastic tape be used to cover a drain point. This would only lead to water being locked in to the inside skin of the trunk lid; 'make's no sense'. The channel in the trunk (bottom) just seated behind the weatherstrip is most likely for draining water away, should any water be present.

* I've washed the car numerous times and have never seen any water coming out of the holes (2) > one right and one left. A case # has been established with F.C.A. regarding this issue.

* Some expanded pictures enclosed. Another forum where an alleged worker with F.C.A. said they were possibly 'jig' holes.

 

As received by F.C.A. this evening by email. More double talk presented by a vehicle manufacturer refusing to answer the question, rather directing the inquiry back to the dealer. This is nothing more than a joke, whereas F.C.A. manufactures the vehicle, yet has no knowledge of what the holes are.



Hello Tom;

Thank you for providing photos.

Looking at the photos it appears to be drainage / vent holes for any condensation or liquid that may seep in through the back window.

Regarding whether or not to remove the plastic, we would advise asking the dealership, as they would be the ones who prepare the vehicle after delivery. They may have forgot to remove the plastic, but just to make sure they aren't supposed to be there we would advise asking them.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further assistance by calling us at (800) 423-6343.

Thank you again for your email Tom. Have a great day.

* How in the world could condensation or liquid seep in through the back window, then mysteriously penetrate solid steel (OUTER) skin), then magically drain water out of holes on the underside of the trunk lid (INNER) skin. This is nothing more than an outright lie.

* F.C.A.'s favorite words, "Have a great day". The company shall fold when they least expect. I really wish I could voice my opinion but the terminology would be far too strong.


Best wishes,
Jennifer
Dodge Customer Care

 

* Agree with you 100%.

 

* May not be conclusive but surely you are the wisest as I have removed the plastic tabs as well. F.C.A. refuses to state the truth, rather delving upon the sublime.

 

It has to be for aligning parts to be welded or positioned, or for some other reason during manufacturing or assembly. I've seen these same types of holes taped over on a SUV or van's tailgate (Mazda CX9 or Chrysler Town and County) and on a 2013 Fusion. On these other vehicles they were at the lowest points of the trunk/tailgate inner frame panel directly above the rear bumper, not the leading edge by the back window.
Now on my Challenger there are two drain holes on the lower part of the trunk lid's inner panel, just below the taillights that are sealed with black rubber plugs. THey're visible when the trunk is open. Go figure.....

 

You mean these plugs as circled in 'red'?





*Close ups of the 'plugs'.