Water leaking from passenger trunk tail light lens
When I open my trunk water comes out of the passenger side, rear tail light lens. I want to inspect the gasket and replace it (if needed) but I can't seem to remove the lens. I disconnected the power cord and removed the 4 bolt covers and it seems like it's getting caught on something else. I'm not sure of there is a hidden bolt or piece holding it. Please advise.
My car has 131000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, and thank you for writing in. There should be no other devices holding the unit into place. They are designed to fit snugly and are meant to stay in place, so you will just have to be gently forceful with it. Looking up a diagram of the component may help you recognize how it is best to remove it. The taillight is meant to be water tight, so inspect for any cracks or chips that will let the moisture in. For more help with the taillight until, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most common source of water leaking inside of a tail light is when the seal that is designed to protect the interior parts from outside elements breaks, allowing water or condensation to form on the inside of the light.
The most common reasons a Honda Accord has a coolant leak are loose hose connections, a broken radiator, or a failed water pump.
The answer is simple, you get water in your headlights from the process of condensation. Condensation, by definition, is the conversion of a vapor or gas into a liquid. In this case, water will collect as droplets on a cool surface when humid air comes in contact with it.
Can water leaking through a light fixture cause a fire? Yes. Water conducts electricity and could spark a fire. If you notice a drip from a light as well as smoke, call for help right away.
The two main causes of a fogged headlight or taillight are dew condensation or water penetration. Dew condensation is a natural phenomenon and is not a part failure. It typically dissipates within one hour after lights have been on.
Use a hairdryer to dry out the moist air without breaking the seal. Use a hairdryer to blow hot, dry air into the vent or on the outside of the headlight unit. As it heats up, it should dry out. Wait for your headlight unit to cool off to determine whether this strategy was effective.
If the water is only on the passenger side rear floorboard, the issue may be with the seals around the windows or doors on that side of the car. It`s also possible that the water is coming from the air conditioning system if it is not properly draining.
Clogged Air Conditioning System Drain
As the A/C evaporator draws heat out of your car, it also collects humidity. Typically, this condensation merely drips out of the car onto the road as you drive. If you`ve ever noticed a car dripping some liquid from the undercarriage on a hot day, it`s likely just condensation.
It could be a leaking hose or a radiator hole. Solution: Check to see if any coolant is leaking from your hoses. If you find coolant flowing out of the hose(s), replace them. It`s a simple fix if you find coolant leaking from your thermostat.
I just use clear silicone around the inside edges of the tail lights. It dries soft and when you need to remove the tail light it comes off very easily. Been doing this for years with no issues.
Refraction is the bending of light (it also happens with sound, water and other waves) as it passes from one transparent substance into another.
The danger of an LED light being exposed to water is when it`s fully submerged. Electricity flows through the bulb, and because water is a conductor, it`s possible for electrocution to occur.
Most cases of condensation in headlights do not require any action to resolve. The condensation will dissipate naturally when the temperatures are more balanced. This can take up to 2-3 weeks, depending on your local weather conditions.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Water leaking from passenger trunk tail light lens
ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. There should be no other devices holding the unit into place. They are designed to fit snugly and are meant to stay in place, so you will just have to be gently forceful with it. Looking up a diagram of the component may help you recognize how it is best to remove it. The taillight is meant to be water tight, so inspect for any cracks or chips that will let the moisture in. For more help with the taillight until, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
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No dash lights, back right tail light is out, no parking lights. Brake lights work though as does head lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Water leaking from passenger trunk tail light lens
No tail light, instrument panel light, or tag light
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. Most ancillary electrical items (like tail lights, instrument panel lights and tag lights) are actually controlled through an electrical relay box. On your Ford Expedition, there is usually a main relay control box and a secondary relay box. If any part of the relay is damaged, it will cause items like you’ve described to all fail. The best way to determine exactly whether this is the case or source of your problem, is to contact one of our local mechanics to complete an electrical inspection. This should pinpoint the source of your issues so that the corrective action can be provided.
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Can I buy a replacement lens for a broken tail light lens, or do I need to buy a whole new light?
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The plastic covers or "lenses" for the taillights are not sold separately. You will have to buy the entire taillight unit if you want to make that repair. Now, keep in mind that you may be able to find a used one for much cheaper. With that being said, you will want to make sure any used part has either been tested, or is "known good". Common places to get used units are junk yards, pull and pay locations (where you find and take the part on your own), or even on the internet. If you need assistance with replacing the taillight, contact our service department to schedule an appointment at your home or office.
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Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
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Leak in hatch
ANSWER : The weather stripping or rear hatch seal is the rubber seal that goes around the entire rear hatch opening. Two things that need to be checked for are one that there is no damage or wear to the seal itself and also that the rear hatch itself is adjusted to a tight fit to the seal. Using a water hose and spraying around the rear hatch gap while having someone inside the vehicle should reveal the source of the leak.
The hatch should be inspected for damage in suspected leak areas. Slight adjustments to the rear hatch can be made but often movement of the rear hatch can cause other resulting issues, such as creating other leaks, misalignment, and damage to the latching mechanism to occur if the hatch is not adjusted by body professional. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic or body professional to conduct the water leak test and make or recommend the proper repair to correct the leak.
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First, the fuse 19 keeps blowing. When I hit the brake pedal my dash lights up. The third brake light acts like a running light.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the wiring on the vehicle to the tail and brake lights. There is a cross short that is causing the lights to blow the fuses and make the tail lights brighter than normal. If you need further assistance with your electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Automatic Trunk open/close feature not working but button lights up. I soldiered broken wires back together – reset?
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in. Most of the time this is caused by a programming issue with the control module. It usually occurs if the module fails or if there is a loss of power. It can also occur if the batter is jumper improperly but most of the time you will have other issues also. If the battery was jumped correctly then I usually start by reprogramming the control module just to see if it will accept the programming. If it will not, then a new module will probably need to be installed and programmed to the vehicle. Not many places have the equipment to do this, so it is usually best left to the dealer where you got your car. I recommend having one of our certified automotive technicians from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect, diagnose, and repair the issue for you.
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