General Tech Ask model specific questions in the appropriate category below. All other general questions within.

Tail light crack help, need advice

Old 02-04-2014, 12:43 AM
  #1  
ZStang13
Thread Starter
 
ZStang13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Georgia
Posts: 3
Default Tail light crack help, need advice

So I just picked up a '13 mustang and if you haven't heard we had some major cramming going on in the Atlanta area due to snow, Long story short my rear tail light got a small crack in it and now the light housing holds condensation.... permanently.

Does anyone know of a way to seal it without it looking bad? Someone mentioned clear nail polish or 3m clear sealant but others say the only good way is to grind the crack down and do something with JB weld. Grinding my new car is out of the question, I'll use clear tape before I do that...

Also do the tail lights really cost $900 or am I looking in the wrong spot?
ZStang13 is offline  
Old 02-06-2014, 11:54 PM
  #2  
ZStang13
Thread Starter
 
ZStang13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Georgia
Posts: 3
Default

Dang. No one? No ideas at all?
ZStang13 is offline  
Old 02-07-2014, 02:03 AM
  #3  
SPARTAN VI
4th Gear Member
 
SPARTAN VI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Zimbabwe
Posts: 1,925
Default

Pics of the crack would help give people an idea of a DIY fix. Otherwise, you can find individual 2013-14 taillights on ebay for about $300-$400 a pop. Then there's always the salvage yard.
SPARTAN VI is offline  
Old 02-07-2014, 07:47 AM
  #4  
PNYXPRESS
5th Gear Member
 
PNYXPRESS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Clermont, FL
Posts: 2,952
Default

Is there any damage to to surrounding area to say there was an impact? If not take it to the dealer and try to get it replaced under warranty due to "a defect becomeing apparent from the extreme cold"
PNYXPRESS is offline  
Old 02-07-2014, 08:01 AM
  #5  
AzPete
4th Gear Member
 
AzPete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 1,214
Default

First, get the condensation out. Remove the light from the car and use a hair dryer thru the holes for the bulbs to dry it. Make sure you get it all. Then, any clear silicone should reseal the light by you forcing it into the cracked area.

I would not lie to the dealer. If the fix is not right, just buy a new one and feel good about it.
AzPete is offline  
Old 02-07-2014, 10:24 AM
  #6  
PNYXPRESS
5th Gear Member
 
PNYXPRESS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Clermont, FL
Posts: 2,952
Default

Originally Posted by AzPete
I would not lie to the dealer.
Why not? They do it while trying to bend us over.
PNYXPRESS is offline  
Old 02-07-2014, 11:05 AM
  #7  
aaquib1992
4th Gear Member
 
aaquib1992's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,717
Default

How long have you had the crack? Good chance that in that time the condensation has already caused corrosion within the circuit board contacts inside the casing so even if you use JBweld (which might not work forever, and will probably look bad) it might not solve the problem and more issues will crop up in the future.

Personally I also say replace it. Maybe claim it on insurance if your deductible is low enough?
aaquib1992 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jb145700
4.6L V8 Technical Discussions
9
08-21-2022 06:37 AM
bconboy
2005-2014 Mustangs
16
09-21-2015 12:52 PM
Pyrate Dave
5.0L (1979-1995) Mustang
8
09-10-2015 07:30 PM
Blk Vert
5.0L General Discussion
2
09-09-2015 12:16 PM
amandahchase
General Tech
0
09-03-2015 10:09 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Tail light crack help, need advice



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:19 AM.