Replacing third brake light and got a stuck crew. Any tips on how to remove it?

[Senior Master Ford Guy]

Update, the problem is a stripped plastic bracket.
If you remove the other three screws, you have enough clearance to get some needle nose pliers behind the screws and hold the plastic tight. From there you can unscrew it.
FINALLY!!!!

Good job!! That's the result of persistence overcoming resistance ! lol

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[boatman]

Good job!! That's the result of persistence overcoming resistance ! lol

Sounds like a common problem as I've been seeing this in many threads

 

[Zeno]

Not the only one. I have the same issue. Truck is brand new and I will have it warrantied. If anyone finds a fix please share.

same happened to me 2023 maverick XLT. One of the Screw keeps spinning with no luck in taking it our. Will take it back to dealer hopefully it's under warenty. i hope they do not keep it for three weeks!

 

[Toddman45]

I removed mine as well to replace the halogen bulbs with LED bulbs. Thankfully I didn't run into the issue you did.

The screws just run through a metal clip that's threaded, I'm going to guess that you're one clip is stripped and it's probably not the screw. I used a drill with a socket to remove the screws, I recommend using a drill on low speed and putting your hand and pulling with a little force to see if the screw will back out.

If it does you can get a new clip for cheap and replace the stripped out one that's giving you issues.

 

[uga]

So here are some pics that show what your dealing with. They should not be installed or removed with a power tool. Its the black plastic grommets that are the problem, not the screws. I am convinced that some are stripped at the factory based upon my experience.

Replacement part info:

https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/ford-center-high-mount-stop-light-nut-w718256s300

 

[Automan21]

Just came across this thread and I was shocked because I had the same issue. It was the top right screw the one in between the clear part and the red I think but yeah, it was tightened so tight that it stripped the plastic anchor that goes in the body so of course you keep turning and everything turns I got lucky and was able to stick a pick in there and hold the anchor while I unscrewed the screw, then used an anchor in my toolbox to replace it, but yes, be gentle because that thing will crack

 

[Decayed]

tried it and no bueno. I'll try using a plier tomorrow to pull. Just don't wanna damage the housing for just a couple of light bulbs. It must be a sign because Amazon sent me the wrong bulb for the cargo lights and I was going to return them and just change out the 3rd brake light. Given the way things gone awry so far I'm not sure if I wanna continue messing with it. Now I'm concerned about the loose screw because I often power wash my Maverick and don't wanna see H2O getting into the housing now that the screw isn't tight.

IIRC there was a recall on another ford model for water getting in there. Call the dealer - no reason for you to sweat it. It has 3/36 bumper to bumper for a reason.

 

[CurtisB]

Go to Homedepot and get those screws that come with the wall mounting assembly. The ones that you drill a hole in a wall then tap the assembly in the hole.

They come in all different sizes and colors. If it's too long, you can just cut it to the depth you need. You'll be able to screw in the original screw or another spare one. Cheap but strong and reliable fix. I used these when I drilled holes too large when I was hanging a door. Worked like a charm.

 

[William Buckman]

Go to Homedepot and get those screws that come with the wall mounting assembly. The ones that you drill a hole in a wall then tap the assembly in the hole.

They come in all different sizes and colors. If it's too long, you can just cut it to the depth you need. You'll be able to screw in the original screw or another spare one. Cheap but strong and reliable fix. I used these when I drilled holes too large when I was hanging a door. Worked like a charm.

I'm a pack rat. Got tons of various size wall anchors not used from projects to try. Great idea.

 

[BrickHouse]

So here are some pics that show what your dealing with. They should not be installed or removed with a power tool. Its the black plastic grommets that are the problem, not the screws. I am convinced that some are stripped at the factory based upon my experience.

Replacement part info:

https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/ford-center-high-mount-stop-light-nut-w718256s300

Thank you very much for the photos. I have a new 24 Lariat and both of the middle screws have this issue.

 

[The Macf]

Thanks for this.
Only problem is my truck is overseas.

 

[kenlusaka]

I knew I wasn't the only one!!

Today, I tried to replace the defective Lasfit cargo LED bulb with a new one and the outer two screws wouldn't go back in. I struggled for about an hour, and eventually held tight the plastic nuts with needle nose pliers and got them out.

This was my 5th time to remove the light housing in the last two years, and two were completely finished so I plan on replacing all 4 nuts/clips. I will go to the local Ford dealer tomorrow. Right now, it's held up with just two screws...

Thank you all for the helpful tips on this thread!

 

[Tech Tye]

Been there ,done that. Here is a link to the plastic square anchor on Amazon

Rexka 30pcs Nylon Nuts for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VZLRNJY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Vlooood]

I made some to 3D print if anyone is interested https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7282148

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