Third brake light removal?

2012 KIA SEDONA
125,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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EZEX
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I have water entering my trunk whenever it rains. It seems like it may be coming from the left side of the 3rd brake light. I tried removing it to take a look but couldn't get it off. I removed the interior plastic trim piece. Under that were 2 bolts. I removed those and it still wouldn't come out. What's still holding it in place? I was afraid to apply too much force in fear of cracking something.

How should I reseal it afterwards to keep the water out?
Jun 18, 2023 at 3:35 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

According to my manual, there are three bolts holding it in place.

I attached the directions from my manual for the replacement of the light. Take a look at them and let me know if they help. They are extremely vague, but maybe you'll see something that will help.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Jun 18, 2023 at 10:50 PM
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EZEX
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So, I tried again. I circled what I removed. There are the 2 bolts as well as 2 black nuts that I missed before. But even after removing all 4 it still wouldn't come off. Not sure if there's another bolt I'm missing, or it's just attached with clips and I have to apply more force. Seems the entire spoiler should come off and the light is bolted separately into that.
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Jun 19, 2023 at 3:21 PM
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EZEX
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The water is likely coming in through this gasket. How should I seal it better? Should I just give up on removing it properly and just try applying a caulk of some kind around the gasket? Would be a hack job but likely effective.
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Jun 19, 2023 at 3:23 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Looking at the directions, it does appear the spoiler needs removed. There are three bolts that come in from the back. Anything to make it more difficult.

If you want to, you could use a silicon caulk. Just get something that dries clear.

Let me know.

Joe
Jun 19, 2023 at 9:06 PM