Wet spots in the rear corners of my 2000 Access Cab

Noticed water in both corners of the cab. Friend said to check the 3rd brake light. In doing so, I managed to push in the yellow clips - which I thought would release the light, and now the leak is worse. Any tips on replacing the whole 3rd light assembly?
Don

 

Check craigslist under auto parts for sale. Local wrecking yards post online and you can check availability.

 

My 2006 Double cab is having the same problem. I push one set of the yellow clips in but the assembly is still very much bonded to the cab. I left the other set of yellow clips on. I also notice the area above each of the light bulbs had evidence of over heating. If the assembly is removed and the gasket between the body and the light assembly is replace will that solve the water leak? Question, how is the assembly attached? The four small bolts only holds the lens assembly not the metal assembly.

 

You may consider that your leak is coming from a gunked up/clogged rear sliding window gasket. Gently pull up on the rubber and wipe it off. You will notice drain holes in the rubber that correspond with hole directly below in the track frame. Poke those with a coat hanger wire and pour some hot water in the track. By design, the water should flow out the back window just below the rubber perimeter seal.

 

Consider using some foil tape to span those holes to give your assembly new reflective life. You can use LED bulbs to replace the cargo lights. Do not remove your main assembly as it is (like you say) attached very well to the cab.

Yours being a 2006 (roll down window) you may very well have a leak in the 3rd light. You can remove the lens and caulk the assembly body from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock to the cab. Let dry and reinstall the lens and gasket.

In both the OP and your problem here the 3rd light doesn’t need to come all the way out or be removed. The issue can be resolved with it in place.