Center high mounted stop lamp seal replacement question

Maybe this is a stupid question but the stealership I took my 2016 Tacoma to for this recall wanted to charge me close to $1000 to replace the stop lamp in addition to the seal(which is supposed to be done for free). They told me the light was cracked though I am 99% sure it was not before they started monkeying with it. I told them to just replace the seal. They told me they would, gave me paperwork saying they had then it started to leak now. I called to get an appointment to have the seal done again and was told they didn’t go the work because of the cracked lens. I have read on other threads that several people have cracked the lens removing the lamp do my gut tells me they started the work, the gorilla they had doing the job cracked the lens and wanted to charge me to replace it. I requested a call from the service manager which I have yet to receive but it seems to me that to replace the seal, the light would need to be removed. Is that correct? The $1000 was because of the labor to access the bolts for the lamp but if they need to remove the lamp to replace the seal, that work would already be completed, right? The dealership, Harr Toyota in Worcester MA, has a horrible reputation as is but this seems excessively dirty. I can’t see how they could replace the seal without removing the lamp even if the seal was split do they could wedge it in around the lamp. Thanks in advance.

 

Yes the lamp has to be removed to install the seal. If the dealer was experienced, they could have told you ahead of time there's a good chance the lamp can break on removal and you'd be on the hook for the cost of the lamp. Then you make the decision to proceed with the service campaign or not...

It's a shitty situation all-around. Old adhesive is probably brittle on your 8 year-old truck. The lens is probably fragile after 8 years in the sun. Toyota reimburses the dealer peanuts for labor (i.e. the dealer is already losing money on the job when things go smoothly) and doesn't pay for collateral damage.

Call Toyota corporate and ask if they can cover it. If they say it's between you and the dealer, just buy an aftermarket unit and put it in yourself. Can even go for an upgrade like the Morimoto light.

 

Thanks. I told the service rep I was willing to pay for a lamp since I couldn’t prove it was ok when I brought it to the stealer. I think he quoted me $135. The thing that irked me was the labor quote. If they need to remove the lamp to replace the seal, me buying the lamp should add nothing to the labor. $800+ to unplug a connector then plug it into a different connector is excessive. I will pay them a visit tomorrow. Thank you again for the sanity check.

 

FI I am pretty sure the the lamp is unfortunately fastened from the inside out, so the interior headliner needs to come down to swap the assembly.

 

Yes. I have watched a couple of videos on swapping the lamp out. One guy got it done without removing the Oh Jesus handles on the headliner. I used to work in Semiconductor manufacturing equipment and used to have pretty good flexibility and dexterity. I am older now so both of those qualities are diminished but there is no way that costs $800+…

 

Do they have to drop the headliner on the double cabs to do the brake light TSB? That takes time if they don't wanna ruin your headliner....not $800 of labor like you said tho

 

One video I saw they did drop the headliner. The other did not. The guy that did not used a reticulating socket adapter to get at the bolts(10 mm if I recall correctly). I have an endoscope(will buy a reticulating socket adapter)if I wind up not getting satisfaction at the service center.

 

I just hate getting shafted by corporations(anymore than I already am)…

 

There are always workarounds, and you sure can do it on your own! That's your call, we've all been there. Get a nice garage, and take your time.
GL

 

I looked up the TSB after visiting the stealership. They actually just mask the area off and use a UV sealant to seal the Center Mounted Stop Light. They agreed to split the cost of the labor to replace the cracked stop light. Still, the cost is $560 and change. I can get a new light on Amazon for about $50. I think I still need a seal which is around $11(the old one has a visible split in it). The kicker is the rep quoted me $200 for the light. I went on their website and they sell it for $107. Pretty irritated with the whole scheme they are running. There is light staining that is only visible one the headliner with an LED flashlight. Should I be concerned about mold? The leak only started recently as near as I can tell. If it needs to be remediated, what would you folks use? So in summary, I can replace it for $61 and change or if I can talk them down on the price of the part, I would be spending $470 or so. Sounds like a lot of money for cleaning the headliner but if they find other issues such as rust, it may be better for them to do the work...

 

^Does the TSB and the service campaign letter Toyota sent you say anything about a stained headliner?

 

It's pretty persnickety to duck out on this because the light cracked. I get it, you could have cracked it, but it was a massive problem, and just because it's got cracks seems like a "gotcha!" way out of righting their wrongs.
I am not usually the one to expect everything fixed for free, but this is was well documented and widespread. I'd almost guess the only reason they warrantied so many, was because it's a brake light and the NHTSA held them accountable for safety.

 

I got some clear

$23 3M 5200 (06500) Permanent Bonding and Sealing for Boats and RVs Above and Below the Waterline Waterproof Repair, White, 10 fl oz Cartridge

3M 5200 marine sealant. Smeared it around the entire lens seal and housing to cab seal area. No leaks for 3 years, can't see the sealant, and cost me about $15(less than the gas to drive to the dealer). If it leaks again, I still have 3/4 of a tube of it, I'll clean it up and do it again!

Have friends who have literally spread 5200 sealant on their Lexan marine windshields when they install them and they haven't leaked in 20 years taking salt water waves over the bow.

 

It does provide for cleaning the stained liner. I will post a link to the TSB a little later.

 

The TSB