Just noticed this yesterday:




The same staining is located on both pass and driver rear corners. I do have a sunroof but pretty sure it doesn't leak however did leave it open over night about 1 month ago and as luck would have it, it snowed that night. Was able to shop vac the snow because it was cold enough not to melt it but maybe some snow got into the gap between the roof and sunroof with it being open.

The high 3rd brake light was replaced with a smoked lense witch came with a nice thick gasket so I don't think any water gets in through there.

Its too cold to do any water testing now but I do want to try and remove these stains, any recommendations what use for cleaning it?

 

I had the tsb done for the third brake light leaking on my 10 a few years ago.Not thinking, I later bought a tinted third brake light from a member on here about year ago. Soon after I noticed water leaking by the back window and a stain in the headliner, it was the third brake light seal, even had water in the light. The seal had pulled away from the light where it was glued, I RTV'd it, no problems now, just need to get the stain out.

 

Ruffn, how did you confirm the water was from the light area (other than there actually being water in the light fixture)? Was there evidence of water with the light remove?

 

Go to Lowe's and get some Folex. If you have one, use it with an extractor like a Little Green Machine.

 

glc, I had to Google Folex to find out what it was and correct me if I'm wrong but I think it's a carpet cleaning solution, right?
How do you recommend I apply it to the stained area?

 

It is definitely coming from your third brake light we see it all the time.

 

That's exactly what it is - carpet and upholstery. Use an extractor device - a Little Green Machine or a carpet extractor that also has a wand for upholstery. It will apply, scrub, and extract.

 

When i took the light off I could see water in the channel under it leading to the stain.Not to mention the water in the light and the messed up seal. I haven't cleaned the stain yet though.

 

Water leaking in through the third brake light is a really common issue on all 04+s, so it's highly likely that that's it.

 

There is a TSB (12-4-4) for cleaning the stain. Seeing that you changed your light assembly, I'm sure your not covered but maybe you can try the procedure yourself. But then again, I have no clue if what they suggested in the TSB actually works. It says to use Motorcraft Professional Strength Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner ZC-54.

Makes me wonder if Ford will fix this annoying and 10 year old/ongoing issue with the 15's. I bet not.

 

I poured a bottle of water around the light and then removed it to check for leaks:

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No evidence of a leak but maybe 1 bottle of water was not enough to penetrate??

 

It probably has to be sustained for several minutes and in a certain place covered only full rainfall. I'd say it might be a window seal, but the chances of it being on both sides is low.

 

Hopefully we'll get a break in the weather (cold and snow) so I can hose it down and check the light again.

 

Ford should change the seal out for no cost. I had it happen on my first 09' Scab. the water was dripping in while i was parked on a rainy day.

 

As stated earlier no water testing is required the leak is coming from the third brake light seal. The cleaner from motorcraft works great as long as you follow the tsb instructions and wipe the area with a wet clean cloth afterwards, I have done about 10 of these so far fixes them right up.