Water leak in back seat

[Doug K 2]

There was a pretty good storm the other day and I noticed some water on the inside of the window behind the back seats. I cleaned up a little today and found more water on the floor behind the seats. I haven't noticed this before so I haven't had much time to take a look at it. Anybody run into this before? Quick fix pricey?:-/

 

[Steve Krusich]

Check the seal under the third brake light housing above the rear window. I bet that is your problem.

 

[Allen Bock]

If that's not it check the drain hoses of the sunroof if you've got one. On my first Trac back in 02 the dealer struggled with the problem a total of 9 visits until the factory rep fixed it by shortening the hose so it had no bend in it. Acted like a sink trap-kept the drain tray around the sunroof full till it overflowed spilling onto the top of the headliner then running to the back. At least that's what I was told-- but they lied to me so many times I wasn't sure what to believe.

 

[Doug K 2]

No sunroof so I'll take a look at the brake light tomorrow. I might as well add it to the list of projects. Haha thanks for the help guys!

 

[Todd Z]

3RD brake light..... Guaranteed....



Todd Z

 

[Doug K 2]

Any suggestions on how to fix it?

 

[Keith S]

Fix - remove light cover, clean seal.



Option 1: use WD40 on the seal to revitalize it. Reinstall cover. Check for leaks.



Option 2: use silicon around seal on cover. Reinstall cove. Check for leaks.



On my ST I used Option 2; still no leaks and approaching a year.

 

[Ken Hibbs]

Option 2

 

[gyates]

I used some 3M insulating tape. Stuck it to the inside edges of the brake light, then reinstalled the light. No leaks since.

 

[Doug K 2]

Option two sounds like the best one. I was thinking about the 3m tape but the silicon sounds like a better option. This site is awesome. I always get help and opinions when I need it. Thanks everyone.

 

[OLE442]

I used option two and then put a dab of clear silicone on top of both screw recesses after I tightened them down and have had no issues since.

 

[Allen Bock]

I'm thinking that when the dealer told me it was the drain hose bend they were too embarrassed to admit it was the 3rd brake light after 9 visits and replacing the sunroof tray and rear door seal. That was 13 years ago and I haven't been on their lot since, wouldn't trust them to check the air in the tires. This is the best site, people helping people!

 

[Steve S 3]

I had this issue and yes it was he 3rd brake light.

One easy way to test is to put the A/C fan on high with the windows closed, and use soapy water around the lens and look for bubbles.

I went through 3 before I got the problem ultimately fixed. I found that the body seal leaked but the heat from the bulbs cracked the plastic.

Solution- use an aftermarket LED version such as Recon, Anzo or Eagle Eye. Some do not come with LED cargo lamps though so order those as well for a nice clean look with something that will last.

BTW, 04-08 F150 3rd brake lights are the same.

 

[Anthony Jones]

I had the same issue. Just order a new gasket from Ford. It's the upgraded version, is an easy replacement and doesn't require any guess work, reengineering, etc.