I have a 2010 FX4 SCREW with long bed and after a really rainy weekend where the truck was not driven, I noticed that the interior just seemed damp this morning. After looking around, I could tell that water had been running down the inside of the rear window. I have the power sliding rear window. Outside inspection of the third brake light found some tree pieces jammed in the plastic.

Complicating matters:

I installed an NMO Motorola mount ham radio antenna in the center of the roof about a year ago. It seals with an o-ring and is installed in a location where water would run down a channel between the headliner and roof to the back if it was leaking but after inspecting the o-ring, I don't think it was leaking. I took the antenna off and installed a rain cap just in case. Time will tell. It's supposed to rain more today. I guess if there's no water, I have my answer (kind of hoping there will be more water to the antenna mount can be eliminated).

I also have a truck top installed, so I can't get a good look at the third brake light to tell if it's leaking either because of the tree pieces or a defect of some other kind.

I just noticed it this morning on the drive to work so I really haven't had much of a chance to inspect everything.

About the only thing the forum can help me with now is if you're aware of known problems involving the third break light leaking.

Thanks,

Mark

 

I have 2010 screw also, my third brake light developed a leak and stained the headliner above the back seat on the right. I took it to the dealer ( it was still under warranty) they ordered an new brake light and the cleaner to clean the headliner. I took it back in, the next week and they installed the new light and cleaned the headliner. I have had no problems with it since. Good luck with yours.

 

And, if the truck has a Sirius antenna pod on the roof, they are prone to water intrusion also.

New high brake light, new headliner and while it was there they resealed the Sirius antenna pod, too.

The water intrusion from the antenna pod usually drips from the passenger grab handle.

I prepared for the high brake light leak after reading about water intrusion problems on this forum.

I kept lots of bath towels in the back of my Scab in anticipation of a leak and spread them out the night before a big rain and the next morning they were soaked.

Worse part about water intrusion problems is the moldy smell that develops in the summertime.

Once it's there its impossible to remove!!

 

I wrote my original post after only having a few minutes to look it over before heading into work. I took a closer look after work and saw that the third brake light had water on the inside. So it was definitely the problem (and not my ham radio installaion--need to post pics of that, pretty proud of the job I did). Anyway, the light has already been replaced but I need some help putting my camper shell back on.

The dealer didn't provide cleaner for the headliner. Any suggestions on what to use for that?

Thanks,

Mark

 

My 3rd taillight had a small amount of water inside and the 2013 has been in my possession for just 9 weeks (manufactured 9/2012).

It was a goner anyway, since I had decided to replace it with the Recon black. Factory is not a great work in plastic and the gasket was the flimsiest, most porous excuse. The gasket wasn't even aligned correctly ... junk. Mounted vertically as it is, the 3rd is going to get lots of water. I was surprised there wasn't even more moisture inside.

The Recon is of much heavier construction (just like their mirror reflector replacements) and came with a real gasket that had been applied perfectly. It is sufficiently thick and dense that the 3rd flanges are about 1/8" away from the body. Recon warns not to over-tighten.

I'm not a Recon shill, but am impressed with their quality and service. The LEDs in the 3rd are certainly different from factory. 3x3x3 array, the outside whites seem to produce a more vertical than horizontal pattern (house had direct LED light on it 13' up from just 10' away). It's not a great box light.

For those who have leaks and don't want new plastic, at least replace the gasket (might use a bit of sealant, too). I figure that was $100 well spent.