CAUTION Cargo Stop Light Removal

[Chief2008]

Don't ask how i know!! I know a lot of us are changing the bulbs in this light to LED The plastic clips that the screws go into are not very good. The clip actually spin in its mounting hole very easily. This makes the screw unable to go in or out. Has anyone had this issue and does anybody have a part number for the plastic clip and screw. At this point it looks like the screw will have to be cut to get it out. Any help or solution or hack would be appreciated. Or the size of the opening hole for the clip might be able to find a stronger one. Thanks in advance. Another 15 Min upgrade turning into a nightmare!!

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[Quest]

If you pull on the lamp while turning the screw with a cordless driver it should walk right out
Don't push on the driver, just let it rotate the screw

 

[icegradner]

Don't ask how i know!! I know a lot of us are changing the bulbs in this light to LED The plastic clips that the screws go into are not very good. The clip actually spin in its mounting hole very easily. This makes the screw unable to go in or out.

One of my Ford dealerships techs had the same problem when they replaced the light housing under warranty, so it's not just DYI problem. Just poorly designed, IMO.

 

[EffNo50]

I had the same problem on mine. I think I managed by pulling on the light and wedging the "v" in a a small pry bar against the plastic insert.

Replaced them with these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VZLRNJY

 

[BK007]

Here you go with some of my idea input and Ai LOL. I used to do bodywork and paint, and I've seen plenty of Ford 3rd brake lights turn into a nightmare over the years.

The Fix: Don't bother with the OEM plastic clips once they spin; the square hole in the cab usually gets rounded off. Use some side-cutters to snip the head off the stuck screw to get the light off, then pop those plastic junk clips out.


Tip: I would also replace the FOAM sealing gasket while you have it off to be safe. A wet headliner is a much bigger headache! Since Ford usually only sells the gasket with the whole light, just grab a roll of 1/4" thick EPDM closed-cell foam tape while you're at Ace and cut it to fit.

Good luck !


Ace Hardware Parts List

Item	Qty	Size/Spec	Notes
Extruded U-Nut	4	M4.2 or M5	These are the metal "speed clips" that slide over the cab sheet metal.
Stainless Steel Screw	4	M5-0.8 x 20mm	Pan Head or Button Head. Stainless is a must to prevent rust-welding.
Bonded Sealing Washer	4	M5 or 3/16"	These have a rubber backing to prevent water from entering the screw hole.

 

[Tech Tye]

Stripped mine out , Amazon to the rescue .
Rexka 30pcs Nylon Nuts for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VZLRNJY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I installed a blank cover and used a feniex wide led to make a brake and strobe
https://a.co/d/0652zKH2

Blank cover
https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/ford-cover-hc3z13a656ab

 

[Tbone289]

I've probably pulled mine out 6 times trying different bulbs, and had no trouble at all with the fasteners or the seal. They just need to be snug for a good seal, you don't have to crank them down.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I had the same problem on mine. I think I managed by pulling on the light and wedging the "v" in a a small pry bar against the plastic insert.

Replaced them with these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VZLRNJY

I second your idea.
Saves time and any further frustration just replace them.
A bag of 30 for $9.99.
Here's a picture off the Amazon link.

 

[ice445]

I've probably pulled mine out 6 times trying different bulbs, and had no trouble at all with the fasteners or the seal. They just need to be snug for a good seal, you don't have to crank them down.

Mine was fine too, but the factory definitely overtightens them from time to time setting one up for failure lol

 

[Chief2008]

The problem is the whole insert is spinning so pressure is not doing anything. thanks for you suggestions. looks like I will have to cut the screw and find replacement inserts and screws as some one listed.

 

[EffNo50]

The problem is the whole insert is spinning so pressure is not doing anything. thanks for you suggestions. looks like I will have to cut the screw and find replacement inserts and screws as some one listed.

Same problem most of us have had. By pressure, do you mean pushing into the screw, or spreading the space between the light and the cab to engage the plastic legs further down? I guess if you can't loosen it enough to get a gap you'll probably need to remove the head of the screw. I'd carefully drill it, if you can keep it from spinning at all.

 

[Medicman14]

I had the same problem. Ford "fixed" the issue under warranty. They installed the same problem parts expecting the issue to be resolved. I ended up buying new nylon nuts and using clear silicon sealer to affix them in place. Problem solved.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Important:
Do not tighten down on the screws hoping to get a snug fit of the cargo/stoplight housing against the roof.
It could Result in a Cracked Housing or Stripped Screws.

It's design is not to touch the roof. There is a rubber gasket underneath that touches the roof.

Good luck,
GB

 

[Soberjoe]

The problem is the whole insert is spinning so pressure is not doing anything. thanks for you suggestions. looks like I will have to cut the screw and find replacement inserts and screws as some one listed.

I may be too late chiming in, but if not: grab a small pair of needle-nose pliers; wrap the tips in 1 layer of electrical tape to avoid scratching the Ford-Quality paint; pull the housing away from the roof and grab the spinning little bast@#d with the needle-nose; use your screwdriver to turn-out the screw while holding onto the nut with the pliers; get new nuts from Ford, Part #W718256 S300

(That is the Ford Canada part # - not sure if it is ithe same # in the USA)

 

[MavStangVa]

Thanks to everyone posting about this issue. I removed the third brake light assembly today using my handy dandy Chapman set, if you never heard of it they are an industrial machinery serviceman's best friend, and removing them by hand. I did not attempt to use a power screwdriver out of habit. Whenever I am unscrewing something the first time I prefer to use hand tools only, just my preference. But the comments on this thread made me be even more cautious. I replaced the cargo lights with Sylvania Zevo LEDs. Much brighter. I took used oil to Autozone and walked past the light bulbs and saw they had them in stock.
https://www.autozone.com/p/sylvania-zevo-center-high-mount-stop-light-bulb-921zevoled/14493

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