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Seals for Saab 9-3 Convertible taillights are available again

The tail light seal becomes a problem in many cars after a certain amount of time: Often, the drainage channel around the tailgate runs past or over the tail light. Once the seal has aged to a certain point and becomes cracked or shrinks, the draining water can seep along the sealing surface into the tail light’s electrical system and the trunk. Furthermore, due to capillary action, the water no longer dries behind the seal; it lingers in the narrow gaps for ages.

This can have devastating consequences: Water has no place in electrical components—it causes corrosion and increases contact resistance. The result is malfunctioning lights as well as scorched contacts, lamp sockets, and connectors. In some such cases, the taillight must be completely replaced.

The sheet metal also suffers: The sealing surface in the rear panel behind the gasket often rusts out of sight; this is usually noticed only when it’s already too late. In general, especially with newer vehicles, such water intrusion is noticed late because the trunk is often well-trimmed. It’s usually noticed either because of a musty odor or because the spare tire happens to be lifted out.

As a result, if water ingress persists, the spare tire well, tailpipe tips, or rear panel often fall victim to rust. When it comes to the inner seal in the tailgate, this tends to affect the lower edge of the tailgate or the contact surface of the seal itself.

Water seeping in under this seal isn’t specific to any particular vehicle; the author of this article has personally experienced it in BMWs, Audis, Volvos, and VWs.

That’s why the availability of these seals—which are usually quite simple to manufacture—is important to us, and we promptly commissioned reproductions after the vehicle manufacturer discontinued them.

The new seal for the outer taillight is now available in the shop under part number 1061921, and the one for the inner taillight in the tailgate is available under part number 1088972.

Compatible with:

• Saab 9-3 (03-) Convertible: all models

Reference numbers:
12831059, 12831687

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