Hi everyone,
I’ve seen this problem on multiple threads, but none recently and few resolutions.
I purchased my 2013 Exp Ltd two years ago, certified, with ESP. Trying to avoid the issues I had with my 2011...
About a year ago, passenger tail light stopped working. Took it to the dealer, they said it was a bad bulb caused by moisture in the light. They replaced it, it was a covered repair, and I went on my way.
Almost exactly a year later (about a week ago), my tail lights began to flicker as if there is a short circuit. I took it to the dealer today. They called to say the issue was caused by moisture in the tail light (which you could see by the time I took it in) and that the light would need to be replaced, and it is not covered under warranty because Section 9 of the ESP states that “water intrusion” and seals are not covered under the warranty.
I’m floored. $650 for a light that was not damaged in any way, that I have maintained according to the maintenance schedule, and an issue that should have been corrected last year. And to make it worse, they charged me a diagnostic fee because they had to “take apart the light to find the issue” - but when I brought it home and started taking the light off to drain the water, it was obvious that the bolts had not been touched.
I’ve removed the light and dried it out with a hair dryer, and the flickering has stopped. However now the circular LEDs that make up the brake light have stopped working altogether. I’m very frustrated, especially seeing that other explorer owners have experienced this issue and had the part replaced with no problem.
Anyone have any advice? Or am I better off just buying the part online and installing myself?
Thanks!!