with the 6 inch rain we got in tampa yesterday, my amp mounted on the back behind the back seat got wet.... im figuring water from the brake light leaked in and how it got to the amp im not sure but i have read that some rtv will cure the problem...my question is just apply it to the existing gasket or seal the light all the way around on the outside? didn't think i had this problem but maybe with the xm antenna wire giong out the light i guess i do or could it be the sunroof?

 

There is an issue with 04 and some 05's leaking water from the 3rd brake light. If it's under warranty still, take it in. Do a search on here, you will find tons of stuff about it, and you can get the specific TSB number.

 

The XM antenna wire is causing the leak I had the same problem with my sirius antenna on my 04 some RTV did the trick for me in mine

 

just got mine fixed for same problem..cost me 60$

 

Even if it is out of warranty, they should cover the cost of repairs if there is a TSB.

 

They TSB is not for "Leaking third break light due to aftermarket antenna installation". I brought mine truck in for the leak, and they said that they could not do anything, since the leak was caused by the antenna.

 

hey fx4 matt did you rtv the whole thing or just run a bead like a gasket?

 

I did after installing my Sirius... worked like a charm -- the second time.

 

My truck doesn't sit outside enough to find out if it has that problem.

 

Here’s a good thread about the 3rd brake light leak

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ighlight=water

 

Luckily... mine neither. I just wash too often.

 

What is RTV and where do you get it. What is the best application to stop the leak?

Thanks,

 

Black silicone.



I, first, removed my 3rd and put a bead around the perimeter of the light on the stock seal. I allowed this to dry and then reinstalled. Tested for leaks and they were still there.

Second try was place sealant on the seal again but, this time, rather than letting it dry, I went straight to the truck with it. No leaks.

BTW, I used regular clear silicone... Obviously available anywhere silicone is sold (Ace, Depot, Wally World, etc.. etc...)

 

Negative. This is a common misconception. TSBs and their repair procedures are only covered while the vehicle is under the base 3/36 warranty. Covering them under ESP is kinda hit and miss, since some labor ops and parts are covered, but some aren't.

Back to the matter at hand, my third brake light has leaked twice. The first time, I replaced it with the update light assembly, and the second time I just ran a thin coat of clear RTV where the seal goes. No leaks since.

 

Mine was leaking after installing my Sirius antenna. Here is what I di and it was only $5.

I did not run any silicone. I went to Home Depot and bought "Door and Window High Density Foam Tape Weatherstrip, 3/16" Thick, 3/8" wide x 17' long for a few dollars. I attached it to the metal of the truck where it would be lined up to the foam on the underside of the light assembly and no more leaks. Just run it all the way around the rectangular opening and then tighten the screws down to seal it up. I dumped a gallon of water all over the 3rd brake light and into the slot where the wire comes out and no leaks.

The one that I bought was Item # 02253 http://www.mdteam.com/products.php?category=221