Signs of 3rd brake light leaking.

Thank you

 

It's all VINs prior to those numbers, so if yours is < the ending digits, you are affected.

 

I had to search for the tsb again to double check after your post.


I’m still confused by how they did the effective vin range. I have the 5tf in the front then ends in jx069715.
On the tsb it’s
5tf_____jx137401 so I assumed since the ending vin didn’t match I was good but from what you say my jx06 comes before jx13 so then I actually fall into this tsb- did I read that right? I assumed the front and rear numbers had to match

I haven’t noticed any leaking but if I’m affected by vin then this will cause me to be paranoid after seeing how bad the mold can get (and I have 2 little girls).

 

The last 6 digit number of the vin is the production number. So I'd say yes, your truck falls under the TSB since it was produced before the 137401 listed. Looks like the asterisks are replacing the shared vin info (but at first glance, it does kind of come across that everything should match and that you'd have different digits/letters filling in the asterisks).

Just for reference: https://parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/4585/how-to-decode-toyota-vin

 

Damn that sucks for me! It rained all day so I’ll have to check the truck for any moisture and if nothing, maybe sprites a couple and take a picture and make them fix it.

I just hate that someone else will be removing parts and possibly break clips and leaving them. I mean I spent 30min-1hr on 2 separate occasions to find a zip tie (in engine and in dash) but I got them

 

So I checked after it rained all day and it’s bone dry. I’m still probably going to talk with my service advisor and see if he could order the updated 3rd brake light and just hand it to me (and I don’t care if they marked it as done) so when or if it leaks I can do it myself. And I’ll have it even if I’m out of warranty. I’ll just tell him I have the canopy on and obviously that has to come off to do the work and I don’t have a place to store it. He’s done right by me so maybe just toss him another cigar.

 

Just think how many tacos are out there and how many actually have the issue. Chances are you'll be fine. Better to check once in a while for peace of mind. If you really want just toss of bead of caulk from 9 to 3 o'clock on there or even a small bit of plumbers putty would do the trick on top. No one will ever see it but you and you'll be good to go.

 

@Tacowin1013

your probably right, it’s been fine since aug 18 and I haven’t seen any leaks or water damage signs but a possib L e theory is I haven’t been in any auto wash’s so it hasn’t gotten really tested with high pressure spray (I have power washed but in the lower setting from the side not on the roof spraying down at it). I really don’t want to have to check it so often to make sure either (shouldn’t have to really)- if I forget then end up like the multiple mold issue threads! I do have 2 little girls.
And I could do the caulk/putty but I wouldn’t be good to go… my ocd will never allow that

it really amazes me that how Toyota has dropped the ball in this one, I mean like you said all the people driving around unaware that this is even a potential problem and not noticed until it’s too late, out of warranty and can lead to a potential mold infestation (which alone can cause serious health issues) all because it’s not made the recall list and they are trying to sweep it under the rug

 

Ehh you have an mgm the putty blends right in

 

I just wish there was an easier way to access the bolts on the third light to either replace the gasket ourselves or modify it somehow to prevent water from coming in that looks stock. I'm honestly thinking about cutting out a small panel in the headliner to access the bolts and replace it with a plastic insert. Going the route listed above where you have to pull everything out the back is ridiculous!

 

Not a bad thought, but afraid it would sag in the middle where you cut it out

 

Right...I hear you. But, the location where the bolts are on the back sloping side of the headliner. I'm not talking a huge hole or anything. I'm thinking even two small holes to access the bolts only. I thought of this idea when I recently installed power cords behind the drywall (tv). The wall inserts allowed for access with a replacement panel.

 

If someone could pin point the exact location/whereabouts of the bolts maybe you could give it a shot and report back!

 

I might guinea pig this one. I bought one of those tiny cameras on a wire, so I thought I'd measure the distance based on a 3rd brake light I bought from MESO customs and poke a hole and look. LOL (I just realized that maybe didn't sound completely right). hahaha.

 

For sure, would def make removing the light much easier. My thought is eventually that bulb is going to burn out and at that point i'll take it apart and reseal/ RTV the shit out of it

 

Coax wall bushings might work for screwdriver access holes and would somewhat blend in with the headliner.

$13 Skywalker Single Feed-Through Cable Bushings (Black / 100 Pieces)

https://www.amazon.com/Skywalker-Si...NF7CD7KWC9S&psc=1&refRID=SH3VZ009SNF7CD7KWC9S

 

If you scroll back to my pictures and see the larger oval shaped holes. That’s where the bolt holes are located. 2 tiny 10mm nuts wayyy up there. And the studs are really long so I suggest using silicone in your socket to help hold the nuts so they don’t fall.

 

Ok, so I will ask a stupid question. I bought a 2016 in December of '18. It had just over 20,000 miles on it. I have had zero problems with the truck and actually like it very much. It just turned 32,000 miles . . . So my question is, what are the odds my light is going to start leaking? We had a tremendous amount of rain last spring and early summer. I have taken it to a car wash many times. I have looked and have seen nothing YET. I guess a better question is . . . are owners of early third generation going to have to worry and check on this for the life of the truck?

 

ahh ok i see them, so judging by the way its designed, most of the rain that is coming in at first goes down the rear window before it really gets the headliner wet? unless the moisture is coming out of those holes you mentioned.

 

I didn’t look into it that close but what you’re saying makes sense to me. When I noticed mine I had water stains on the inside of rear window and the back of my seat backs. I never had a wet headliner. But that being said I haven’t tested the new light out for leaks.. kind of afraid too lol