2004 F150 supercrew...went through the car wash, back window started to leak just a few drips?? anyone else have this problem? only 17k miles on the truck

 

Sounds like the 3rd brake light, take it to the dealer or lay down a bead of sealant on the foam seal.

 

Happened twice on my 2004 F150.

 

I agree, I had the same problem with my old 04, it is the third break light, not the window. Take it to the dealer and get the seal fixed and don't waste your time with the window.

 

I've posted this MANY times now and will continue to post it again and again. DO NOT WAIT FOR IT TO LEAK OR YOU'LL POST ONE OF THESE "&*@$*%" POSTS! And if you're already out of warranty, don't be surprised if the dealership tries (and/or succeeds) to charge you $60 or so for the replacement. You (general 'you') think you're "okay" because you've owned your '04 for quite some time. Well, just wait. Below is what I've posted in the past.

++++++++++++++++++++++

Well, your problem may or may not be due to the 3rd brake light leaking. No matter, you should have it replaced anyway! Do not wait. All 2004's should have it done and maybe even some 2005's. Why wait until it's too late!? If you're under warranty, then get it done. Posting some info again that I've posted several times on several sites:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

READ ME ... and then call your dealership to make sure they have the new part in stock, etc. Get it replaced ASAP whether you're leaking or not! I had my truck for 18 months with no leaks ... until one day two weeks ago. I was already planning on having the dealership replace it (under warranty), but was busy with work, etc. Well, I got a waterfall of a leak when I went through an automatic car wash ... one I'd been through several times before with no problems.

It's almost guaranteed a distorted seal on the 3rd brake light. Technical Service Bulletin TSB 04-20-5 covers this; the part number for the latest and greatest 3rd brake light assembly is 5L3Z-13A613-AA. Your dealership SHOULD know about this issue!

 

Is it a recall, so that it would be a free replace? Or just a common issue?

 

No recall, just a TSB. Which means they won't fix it if it isn't leaking. However, you should replace it yourself if the dealer won't help out.

 

Fixed mine with a thick bead of Liquid Nails Clear Seal sealant. Less than $3 and 15 minutes of work.

Ox

 

My 04 did this after about a year and the dealer replaced the seal. Not a big deal at all just take it in a nd have the work done.


Im going to have to do this to mine now that i installed my led 3rd brake light and it leaks again.

 

However, after the dealer fixes it, how do you remove the light for bulb replacement? I had my 04 SCAB repaired late 04, now when I wanted to run my Sirius antenna there, I could not remove the lense, it is like it is glued to the truck.......ideas?

 

I had this problem with my previous '04 F150. Instead of waiting for the dealer to fix it, I went down to HomeDepot and spent $5 on some small/thin round rubber weatherstip. Less than 5 minutes to install, and it never leaked again. IMO, better than the dealership's replacement seal.

 

I used a small bead of clear rtv. So far so good. I wonder if the aftermarked led 3rd brake lights will leak too?

 

My aftermarket led 3rd brake light does not leak If you are going to replace your 3rd brake lite You better use small rubber washers on the 2 screws that hold down that 3rd brake lite

 

Excellent point, the stock rubber "washers" were distroyed when I removed mine for a leak problem. Although most of my leak was due to the factory sponge seal not being properly positioned.

Actually messed up my back seat and filled my floor conduits with water. I could smack Ford for making that brake light cavity the way they did! dumb ars's! but I still like my truck!

 

Since we haven't had measurable rainfall in quite some time (30+ days), I just noticed a leak today. I'm pretty sure this is the first (and hopefully only) instance of it leaking.

Anyway, it took some time, but finally found this posting w/ the TSB and Part numbers. The only other place I know of to search for TSB numbers is a pay to use site. Anyone know of a list or free site to search for TSB numbers?