Seal for outer taillight on Saab 9-3 Convertible available again
05.12.2025
The rear light seal becomes a problem in many cars after a certain age: the drainage channel around the tailgate often runs past or over the rear light. Once the seal has reached a certain age and becomes cracked or shrinks, the water running off can enter the rear light's electrical system and the trunk behind the sealing surface. Due to capillary action, the water no longer dries behind the seal and remains in the narrow gaps for ages.
This can sometimes have devastating consequences: water has no place in electrical components, as it causes corrosion and contact resistance. This results in lighting malfunctions and scorched contacts, lamp sockets, and plug connections. In some cases, the tail light has to be completely replaced.
The sheet metal also suffers: the sealing surface in the rear panel behind the seal often rusts unnoticed, and this is usually only noticed when it is already too late. In general, especially in more modern vehicles, such water ingress is only noticed late because the trunk is often well covered. This is either because of a musty smell or because the spare wheel is lifted by chance.
As a result, if water ingress is persistent, the spare wheel well, tail tips, or rear panel often fall victim to rust.
Water entering under this seal is not specific to any particular vehicle; the author of this article has experienced it himself with BMW, Audi, Volvo, and VW.
That is why the availability of this seal, which is usually quite easy to manufacture, is important to us, and we promptly ordered a reproduction after it was discontinued by the vehicle manufacturer.
The new seal for the outer taillight is now available in the shop under the number 1061921.
Suitable for:
- Saab 9-3 (03-) Convertible: all models
Reference:
12831059
