Third brake light leak warning.

Get the @MESO 3rd brake. Drill the old one out from the exterior. No headliner removal needed.

 

I’d maybe find a different dealership. I think the job can be done for $500 tops and that even seems high, if I’m not mistaken that’s what I was quoted originally when mine needed fixing. I would also assume that the price that corporate is willing to reimburse you for is probably close to the price it should cost to fix. I doubt they would just come up with an arbitrary number.

 

I was able to swap it out myself with only dropping the back half of the headliner and not the entire headliner. It did make a pain to get both nuts off but it helps to use a strong magnetic tool to hold everything in place to get everything back on. Did it this way since I was dropping the nuts and almost lost it to the back of my seats. Very simple but tedious. Just take your time. Not worth paying the dealer $400-$500 imo. Good luck!

 

Update: I spoke with my local dealer parts dept. and was told the third brake light gasket/seal can't be purchased separately and I would have to buy the whole third brake light assembly for about 150 bucks, which supposedly includes the seal (although he wasn't certain of that)

I checked online for aftermarket seals and could only find seals that fit other models (Access Cabs, older model double cabs, etc.) I could not find anyone selling an aftermarket seal to fit a 2016-2019 Double Cab.....

Does anyone know if the seal can be purchased separately from Toyota or if there is an aftermarket option out there that my google skills can't locate?? Thanks!

 

Gawd. There's never an easy way out.

You could get some double sided waterproof gasket material and cut your own. Make a pattern with paper, transfer it, and murder it with scissors and an exacto? Something like 3M VHB:

$6 3M VHB 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

https://www.amazon.com/VHB-Adhesive-Automotive-Mounting-Industrial/dp/B00LXLHU9O

I don't know if that size is long enough? But you get the idea.

There's no way that I'd shell out $150 of even their money to just get the gasket.

 

Well said, Sir. This is a nightmare. Granted, my leak doesn't seem to be too severe but I want to fix it asap. I may be leaving the truck stored outside without using it for long periods of time so I won't be able to air it out to dry it out. Plus the humidity in Florida which is where I'm likely going soon will make it worse...

Anyone have any idea if the gasket is available by itself through Toyota or aftermarket????

 

You might want to check with @MESO since he has 3rd brake light mod kits. Although, he is supposedly busy prepping for the SEMA show. But, folks in one of his brake light threads might be able to get you some details?

 

Thanks for that advice; I'll fire off a couple messages; worth a shot

 

You're welcome!

 

So guess what....mines leaking like a sieve again!! Been replaced once already I wondered why my truck was smelling musty this summer. Total BS.

 

So you had it repaired by Toyota and it is still leaking?

My leak has never been repaired it but it seems relatively minor and I plan to use some sealant around the outside of the brake light to try to stop water from seeping in...

 

Yup they replaced the whole thing about a year ago. Now I have to go get it looked at again. WTH I’m going to put black silicone around it after they fix it the next time. Such a pain in the butt sitting at the dealer for hours.

 

So brought it in and they say it’s not covered under the extended warranty, even though they replaced it once already and it has a TSB. So apparently the additional cost of a Tacoma is $700 every 2 years to keep your roof from leaking lol! Hopefully I can get somewhere with the service manager when he gets back. If not, I’ll fix it myself and stop buying Toyota’s. I love this truck but I’ve never had a vehicle at the dealership as much as this thing. It’s stupid and a waste of time and energy.

 

Well crap, just noticed the musty smell this morning and looked behind rear seats and noticed water....along with damp seats. I am bringing it into the dealer tomorrow for hopefully some quick response, 2017 with ~ 12k miles

 

yours most definitely should be covered under the TSB. Don’t take any crap and get your headliner replaced If it’s ruined.

 

Well the service manager called me today. Toyota is going to fix mine for free again. I guess it pays to have a good dealership.

 

Dropped the truck off at the dealership this morning, waiting to hear back on outcome and timing

*Update - they are fixing ASAP at no cost, will be ready tomorrow as they are waiting on a part from Portland. Told them to do a thorough search for mold/mildew. Luckily I think I caught it early

 

How well did this work for you? Mine leaks,$400 to fix,warranty wont cover it.

 

Well I didn't have a leak, just used it to seal up the outside. I'd try finding a whole new light assembly with gasket and install yourself, it's fairly cheap.

 

where is this leak happening mostly?
body-housing? or housing-light cover?