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Ranger 3rd brake light leaking...how to fix?


Frozen_Ice

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I have a 2001 Ford Ranger xlt 3.0L v6 U with 60k on it.
I have the infamous 3rd brake light leaking issue.
I have read all the forum postings yet still have an issue.

I removed the oem light because it leaks. The seal is bad.
I have installed 3 non oem brake lights and all leak. Water works its way from the top of the seal to the bottom and leaks from the bottom corners.
I have used butyl tape around the light and on the opening on the truck so water wouldn't leak in, and it still leaks.
In the forums there was a guy named MOOT that apparently had a neoprene seal on ebay. I cant find it on ebay as there are several seals but none list neoprene.

Does anyone have a good fix?
Does anyone have pictures how they applied the butyl tape?
Does anyone have links to the butyl tape that was used successfully?
If you used a new seal from ebay or Amazon can you post the link if they work?

Thanks
 


8thTon

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My world is filled with stuff that needs to be fixed
Make sure it's not really the rear window, it can be very hard to tell. I had some thin adhesive backed foam gasket material from my old job that I cut a new gasket out of, but that won't help you. You may be able to find some suitable material on line, but it's hard to imagine anything better than butyl tape though, so look at the window.
 

Frozen_Ice

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Tire Size
P225/70R15
My credo
Have your pets spayed and neutered
It could be rear widow too and Ill check it but i hope not :(
 

racsan

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remove the light assy entirely and weld in a metal patch? I unhooked mine because the glare off the cap into the back window every time I hit the brakes at night was annoying. Next time the cap is off, I may do the patch thing myself.
 

Josh B

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I replaced the one on my 93 with one from a 2001 from a wrecking yard, after a lengthy shopping trip during a half price week at pickers u pull or some such. Seemed they were all identical and I got two spares. Guess you could also double up the gaskets if that's where the problem is
The stickum on the wrecking yard gaskets was still sticky too, even on the 94 Mazda i pulled the second one from
 
Last edited:

Gozi

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I have a 96, my 3rd brake light leaked so bad it rotted out my headliner shell and turned my tan headliner green in back by the brake light. The new brake lights have a thicker gasket. You have to take a minute or two and work the seal closed. When I first put it on it leaked but after looking at it closer the bottom of the light was sticking out. I slowly tightened it up more and pushed the bottom into place. Does not leak anymore. I bought this new one online from A1 auto.
 

Frozen_Ice

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A Galaxy far far away
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Size
3.0 L
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
P225/70R15
My credo
Have your pets spayed and neutered
Thanks everyone
 

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