3rd Brake Light Leak
01-12-2014, 03:02 PM
#101
Senior Member
Score one for the forum.
Until I read about this issue here, I hadn't noticed the leak. In Dallas, it rain so seldom that it would dry before it was seen in the headliner. With the rain over the last few days I took the time to check it out. WET HEADLINER!!! ARGH!!!
Dropped by the auto parts store and got some RTV. when I took off the light, the bulbs were even dirty from the leakage and the opening between the cab and the gasket. Cleaned both very well and applied the RTV. Looks like a fix, but I'll need to check after the next rain event.
I look forward to receiving the recall notice ( in five years) for Ford about this issue.
As I said, forum 1 gasket 0.
Until I read about this issue here, I hadn't noticed the leak. In Dallas, it rain so seldom that it would dry before it was seen in the headliner. With the rain over the last few days I took the time to check it out. WET HEADLINER!!! ARGH!!!
Dropped by the auto parts store and got some RTV. when I took off the light, the bulbs were even dirty from the leakage and the opening between the cab and the gasket. Cleaned both very well and applied the RTV. Looks like a fix, but I'll need to check after the next rain event.
I look forward to receiving the recall notice ( in five years) for Ford about this issue.
As I said, forum 1 gasket 0.
What year is your truck? I should have looked myself after the recent rains, didn't even think about it until I read this...by then things would be dry.
01-13-2014, 01:50 PM
#103
Ford Customer Service
Crystal
01-14-2014, 05:53 AM
#104
Definitely let me know what you hear from the dealership, drew212f; I'll be happy to step in and do what I can to help. When you PM me, be sure to include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership.
I arrived at the dealership and showed them the video and they printed out a work order for a third party glass company to perform the work. They didn't even look at my truck other than take the dash info. So I asked about the damages to the carpet and rust, he said "not sure". Was only there for 15 minutes and they are supposed to call me with the day and time the service is scheduled. Of course it rained again last night...
01-14-2014, 08:30 AM
#105
Senior Member
So after F150Forum Ford Rep enlisted the support of my Regional Rep (Mike) to get my dealer to do what's necessary to repair my 3rd brake light (pic posted earlier in this thread), I'm disappointed to report that my Dealer (Perry Ford - Poway) did nothing, basically reiterating what Seadragon and RKeller stated (thread #70, #72, #73): PER SSM 44284, WATER DROPLETS, AND FOGGING ON INSIDE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT IS NORMAL AND NO REPAIRS SHOULD BE PERFORMED. This same Ford technician passed on the Sirius antenna issue as well stating: 'NO SIGN OF LEAKAGE'.
Very disappointing, considering I had to drop the truck with them for the entire day to basically learn nothing was done. I even asked my service advisor to put some RTV there to insure I'm not returning in a year with damaged headliner/interior, to which he replied "oh, I've cleaned quite a few of those - it comes out really easy".
I guess preventative maintenance is not an option, one has to have actual damage before anything is going to be done, no matter how compelling the evidence that a leak is likely. So, like others have already stated- **** poor design that fouls the light and will eventually leak into the cab, but considered normal by Ford Service, until actual damage occurs.
If you haven't yet, RTV the light and the antenna and avoid the inevitable headache.
Very frustrated and not willing to take a chance, so looks like I'm breaking out the RTV, or find a new use for PlastiDip...
Very disappointing, considering I had to drop the truck with them for the entire day to basically learn nothing was done. I even asked my service advisor to put some RTV there to insure I'm not returning in a year with damaged headliner/interior, to which he replied "oh, I've cleaned quite a few of those - it comes out really easy".
I guess preventative maintenance is not an option, one has to have actual damage before anything is going to be done, no matter how compelling the evidence that a leak is likely. So, like others have already stated- **** poor design that fouls the light and will eventually leak into the cab, but considered normal by Ford Service, until actual damage occurs.
If you haven't yet, RTV the light and the antenna and avoid the inevitable headache.
Very frustrated and not willing to take a chance, so looks like I'm breaking out the RTV, or find a new use for PlastiDip...
01-14-2014, 11:48 AM
#106
That's a shame
.
I hear ya, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
"
This thread prompted me to look at my 3rd brake light. 2013 Lariat, just purchased in DEC, with a FEB 2013 build date (and likely on the dealer's lot for a bit.)
Here's the driver's side, complete with a bit of mold from what I can tell. Same on passenger side; moisture/condensation along the top but no mold. No leaking yet but RTV is definitely on my list if a replacement gasket alone isn't enough.
Anyone have the replacement gasket (only) part number handy?
This thread prompted me to look at my 3rd brake light. 2013 Lariat, just purchased in DEC, with a FEB 2013 build date (and likely on the dealer's lot for a bit.)
Here's the driver's side, complete with a bit of mold from what I can tell. Same on passenger side; moisture/condensation along the top but no mold. No leaking yet but RTV is definitely on my list if a replacement gasket alone isn't enough.
Anyone have the replacement gasket (only) part number handy?
01-16-2014, 08:13 PM
#107
Junior Member
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class action
well i am also a victim of the leaking 3rd brake light. it took almost a monsoon here in NC last week for me to notice the water coming into my headliner and soaking the rear floor of my 2010 sx. a trip to the dealer monday afternoon told me it was out of warranty but they did receive a service alert in 2011 for the leaking problem. after reading all the posts on here I have realized it is a chronic problem with these 3rd brakelights and it probably will take a class action lawsuit to force Ford to recognize how its customers are getting the shaft. I will have to replace my headliner and complete brake light assembly. all i have gotten from Ford is apologies and no answer to how such a simple part could possibly pass their quality control measures in the plants. I wonder how much, in repairs, this problem has cost ford customers across the country?
01-16-2014, 08:35 PM
#108
Senior Member
well i am also a victim of the leaking 3rd brake light. it took almost a monsoon here in NC last week for me to notice the water coming into my headliner and soaking the rear floor of my 2010 sx. a trip to the dealer monday afternoon told me it was out of warranty but they did receive a service alert in 2011 for the leaking problem. after reading all the posts on here I have realized it is a chronic problem with these 3rd brakelights and it probably will take a class action lawsuit to force Ford to recognize how its customers are getting the shaft. I will have to replace my headliner and complete brake light assembly. all i have gotten from Ford is apologies and no answer to how such a simple part could possibly pass their quality control measures in the plants. I wonder how much, in repairs, this problem has cost ford customers across the country?
01-16-2014, 08:40 PM
#109
Senior Member
I just did the same after finding a leak.
01-16-2014, 10:15 PM
#110
ok i'm a victim also,just bought my 2010 used in aug....no leaks well now I had my boat hooked up and my truck was outside.i have a water spotted headliner above the brake light.and a monster spot on the rear driver side bar, upon investigation under the rubber seal running down the top of the truck there was a hole. the size of a #2 lead from a pencil,we filled it with silicone..i'm letting it dry and gonna test it?????/? can some answer that one. a man spend 30,000 on a trk and it leak isn't good on the gut