Found trunk leak - need advice

[bhaze]

I opened the trunk yesterday to find the carpet and some stuff wet. Well, lo and behold, the spare tire well was overflowing with water. I found lots of posts here about various common leaks on this vehicle. After sitting in the trunk for 20 minutes on this 88 degree day I found a leak under the gasket near the trunk latch. The latch itself was very loose and I have tightened it. I pulled the gasket off and it looks like someone gobbed a bunch of sealer on the lip and it is failing. It looks like there is some sort of factory sealant all the way around the gasket. It's sort of a translucent yellow color, soft and tacky. The stuff that was gobbed on is not at all tacky. Sort of looks and feels like silicone sealant.The only gasket sealant I can find locally is from 3M but it seems to be a permanent bond. Apply to both sides, let it dry, then push both pieces together. Should I be using this stuff? Should I need anything at all?
I forgot to mention it's an '05 if that matters.

[vogie01]

Working on a similar issue at the moment on my 02 SLE. Try to turn the seal first, and see if it stops leaking. Mine did not, so I am going to replace the seal. Not sure what was used, but I am sure someone knows what it is. I am going to the glass shop and get whatever they recommend.

[bhaze]

Working on a similar issue at the moment on my 02 SLE. Try to turn the seal first, and see if it stops leaking. Mine did not, so I am going to replace the seal. Not sure what was used, but I am sure someone knows what it is. I am going to the glass shop and get whatever they recommend.

If you can post back with what the glass shop recommends it would be much appreciated. I'm taking a long trip this weekend so I had to throw it back together and hope for the best. I did press on some rope caulk (the kind I use around my leaky house windows in the winter) hoping it will help at least a little. It's the best I could come up with without making a mess of the whole thing while waiting for the long term solution.

[vogie01]

Yeah, no problem. I am going to go in see what they use on outdoor applications in such a situation.

[GXPete]

I had the same issue when I bought my Bonnie and I actually rectified it with hot glue, but the OEM stuff they used may be a better bet, if applied correctly. Also check for leaks at the rear sunroof drain tube connection points in the trunk, if applicable, and the rear shock towers. Given your observations though, sounds like the same issue I had.