Just thought I'd post this up for what I did to solve my problem of the 3rd brake light leaking. I was getting water in both rear top corners of the cab where the headliner meets the plasic and rear window glass. What happens is the water leaks through the seal of the light, then makes it's way into the cab sheet metal, and runs to both corners due to the way the metal slopes. If you have water dripping from the top corners of the rear of the cab it is probably the 3rd brake light seal leaking. First thing I did was check to make sure the window seal also was not leaking, by pouring water in the open channel (once you remove the two screws holding on the light and pull the light off). There are weeps that let the water drain at the bottom of each corner of the window, my passenger side weep is wide open, the driver side weep is a little tighter (due to the window being installed slightly crooked), but it lets the water out fine. So anyway I then cleaned the sand/muck off where the light seals, and cleaned the old gasket off the light (very easy with flathead screwdriver, then again with adhesive remover). I then applied new thicker gasket (not a foam type like the original), I bought it at home depot, it is slightly wider, and about twice as think, but still very compressible. This is more rubber like (EPDM) than foam like, so should seal better. It doesn't turn sharp corners well, so I cut about half way through for the top two bends, and cut a separate strip for the bottom, this way the bottom corners are open and will let any water that may get in drain out. Pics....
Decided that it was easier to just fix myself...double marine silicone beads around the gaskets outside edge and just inside that one. The real fix for this is adding a tab or two to the upper side that pulls the light in at the center and an additional screw on the bottom at the center. That would snug it right up - currently the span is so big that it can't seal in the middle so it will always leak unless silicone or similar is used.
What is it with everyone and silicone? Why wouldn't you just do a gasket it's easier and won't have to be redone anytime you change a bulb. I just don't get it. When I made this thread that was what 2-3 years ago? Took probably 20 minutes to install which most of that time was scraping the old gasket off and I've never had an issue.
EDIT: lol I just noticed it was over 4 years ago that I did this. I didn't even realize my truck was that old...
I had to use it. The time I found out it was leaking there were heavy rain storms coming that day. By the time I finished the silicone it started to drizzle. When that time comes to replace my bulbs in there I'll have everything ready to use a better gasket.
Had some heavy rains here in Arlington yesterday and today. Took everyone out to lunch as usual today and the whole backseat was soaked. Water coming in from the 3rd brake light leaked through the headliner to the floor.
Fixed it up with some rubber weather stripping after reading this thread.
I have a 2012 Dodge Ram and noticed heavy condensation on the inside of the windshield recently. Searched the Internet and luckily found this forum post. I was lucky enough to also catch the exact product used in the OP's post on sale for $2.99 at the local hardware store. Will perform this fix today after work. I also spoke with the local Dodge dealer and they informed me that new Dodge Rams come with a thicker rubberized gasket with the 3rd brake light. So Dodge has finally addressed this issue. Thanks Again.
An extremely helpful post. I just acquired a 2011 RAM and had the same issues. I used a 5/16 by 3/4 weatherstrip seal on my 3rd brake light and followed the instructions posted here. It formed easily enough at the corners without having to trim or cut it. So far, dry and happy!
I actually just joined the forum a few moments ago to say thank you. But I believe I will stick around for a while.
Kudos!
Well happened to me this weekend on my 2012 ram CC. I live in Miami, Florida and from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening it was pouring rain! Went to truck for some reason i do not recall now and all the rear seat were soaked as if i left the windows open. started checking seals around window until i found close to a gallon of water underneath the seat compartment(surprised it retains water so well).
Either way I wet vac'd all the water out and did this seal fix and seems to be holding fine. I got the water hose and blasted water right into the gap between light and cabin and did not see any water leaking into light or cab so i think this will hold up fine.
My only concern is due to the thicker gasket the light does not seem to fit as snug as OEM.
I live in rainy Portland Oregon and now noticed mine is starting to leak. It appears that the 3rd brake light cover may have been overheated by the sun and warped because it is bowed across the top and it appears to be leaking from the middle. The way I noticed it was that my SAT radio wouldn't acquire signal anymore, then my inside windshield started getting wet. Then last night I had a suit jacket hanging in the back and the bottom of the jacket was sitting in the bottom of the tray behind the seats (standard cab). The bottom of my suit jacket was soaking wet. This morning I went to investigate and noticed that the head liner is discolored in the corners. I've owned this truck since new and never had an issue (that I noticed) until this past week when the SAT signal went low and the windshield started to fog on the inside. It has been pouring record rain here for the past few weeks so I'm not surprised. Just wish we didn't have to have the 3rd light and that would solve a lot of issues.
I guess I'll start looking into a better seal or try some of the other methods I've seen in this post. Until then, my headliner will sit in the house so it can dry and I'll keep wiping stuff down until I find a viable solution.
It's been leaking pretty bad because my floors are completely soaked too. I hope it stops raining enough that I can get out and do something about it soon.
Like rctimmy, I noticed my CHMSL was "bowed" in the middle. I couldn't decide if that was normal for the design or not. I think I am going to try the Stip-Calk. I just wonder how strong it bonds, if I should need to get in there again for bulbs, etc. I am currently dealing the Portland area's heavy rains myself and have to be out in them often with my truck, due to my work activities.
Also, anyone know if there is any safe way to clean the water marks from the headliner?
Found that my third break light was leaking this weekend after a nice down pour. Was out Christmas shopping when I noticed water collecting in the headliner. I knew this was an issue so I searched the forums and found this thread. After considering all options, I decided on the same method as OP. Originally went to Home Depot but they didn't have the right weather stripping. Can confirm that Lowes still carry's the original weather stripping OP used which was a great option. Pulled the light and broke one of the alignment tabs. Keep in mind to remove straight out, not up at an angle like I did. Used some gorilla glue to reattach the broken piece. To prep it I used a flathead to remove most of the foam but I found that the sticky residue will come off clean if you just apply some pressure with your thumb and roll it up. This way you don't have to use any chemicals that could leave residue or scratch up the mating surface with something. Re-install was easy and it appears to have sealed very well, although I do see what other members have pointed out about the lack of pressure near the middle of the light. Now I just have to see what can be done about the stains on the headliner.
resurrecting this post..........just had the light on my 2011 start leaking..... did a search and found this post.....this is how i fixed mine also...super write up ......thanks for all the pics
After the rain yesterday I may be in the leak club. Bummer. No puddle but the back wall sheetmetal is damp and the inside of the windshield was fogged up this afternoon. Looks like a 3rd light seal on general principles.
2014 RAM 1500 CC Sport 24000 miles, brake light out message for 3rd brake light, wet carpet. ACE hardware now carries MD automotive weather strip rather than Frost King, looks like same product $9.99 for 10'.
Foam seal was dirty, more in the middle than the edges. Driver's side screw seemed ridiculously loose - but did I take the passenger side screw out first? Who knows.
Wet didn't seem to get to the headliner; did have puddles in the under seat storage. Made a pass with the shop-vac and put a couple space heaters in there on low for a couple days. Seems dry.
Dealership didn't have their leak guy in till wednesday. So I dried it, re-sealed it and replaced the brake light myself. Is there any reason to keep the appointment? Is there anything left for the leak guy to do? Test for leaks probably. Maybe I'll just visit the car wash and re-check the carpet.
2014 RAM 1500 CC Sport 24000 miles, brake light out message for 3rd brake light, wet carpet. ACE hardware now carries MD automotive weather strip rather than Front King, looks like same product $9.99 for 10'.
Foam seal was dirty, more in the middle than the edges. Driver's side screw seemed ridiculously loose - but did I take the passenger side screw out first? Who knows.
Wet didn't seem to get to the headliner; did have puddles in the under seat storage. Made a pass with the shop-vac and put a couple space heaters in there on low for a couple days. Seems dry.
Dealership didn't have their leak guy in till wednesday. So I dried it, re-sealed it and replaced the brake light myself. Is there any reason to keep the appointment? Is there anything left for the leak guy to do? Test for leaks probably. Maybe I'll just visit the car wash and re-check the carpet.
I'd hate to tell you to cancel it. But thats what I would do. I had the same problem. After a butt load of research on this site I heard nightmare stories about dealers "fixing" it. Apparently most of them just use the same oem seal which is crap.
But maybe your dealer happens to be a really good one. :4-dontknow:
That's why I don't wanna just say cancel it. But they might dick around and ruin what you did to fix it. Best of luck and hope it's all good now.
Thanks OP for this thread. I replaced the gasket today with the one from home depot and feel a lot better knowing there is a now a better seal on the 3rd brake light..
Well i just left my truck at the dealer for what seems like the water issue of the century. Firstly i have to say im very disappointed in spendn 60k for a new truck that now smells like mold. During a rain storm I have felt around the windows and seals in the back and dry as a bone. Only place there's water is in the storage cubby under the back seat behind the driver and the carpet near the seat bracket near the doorside/wall of the truck. Any other leak suggestions? I will update once i hear what the dealer finds. Thanks!
UPDATE
Dealer won't help, I'm 300km over warranty and my $1800 extended coverage doesn't help either. Thanks Dodge!! Never again.
Service Manager at Dealership in Brampton. Ive replaced the 3rd brake seal for $9 and 20min of my time. We have rain in the forecast. If it still leaks then I know its the vent. Thankyou for the link provided I will look into if this leak continues.
I have a new ram, and had a 2014 for 2 years, and never had a water leak issue. Do you guys think I should "fix" the seal on my light? Is this a common issue?
I would definitely check the gap between the brake light and body. Mine was wide open. Couldn't hurt to check the seal regardless. Such a simple fix but could cause so much damage if it might happen. I will forever redo any seal on any of my future trucks.
From what I've read they have yet to improve the problem seals.
Yup do it. Mine is a 2014. Be 3 yrs this November. Problem is over time it will slowly break down and slow leak. Then before you know it your sopping up pools of water. I have yet to see if the seal was the issue. Waiting on the rain.
Noticed my head liner was stained some time ago. Never thought anything else about it, because I bought it used, and figured it happened before, and was never wet. Noticed the carpet under my rear seats was wet a couple weeks ago. I have a subwoofer box that fits in that space and fills it up entirely, so never would have known it was wet under there if I hadn't been running a wire to the cab for something. We've had torrential rains here in Southeast Texas over the last few weeks, and someone sitting in my backseat yesterday pointed out that the whole headliner back there was wet. Going to try this when it's not raining any more.
Any tips on cleaning the stains in the headliner? Will regular upholstery cleaner and a brush work?
I have a 2014 Sport Crew Cab. Bought it leftover brand new in 2015. Been about a year and a half and it just started leaking. Got an appointment for Friday, but if they are just gonna slop silicone all over it I may just fix it myself. If they want to replace the whole brake light then that is fine. I will make that clear when I drop it off I guess.
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