Driver Side Rear Passenger Headliner Leaking

[Bwlambert]

Hello Everyone,

New to this forum and dealing with what seems to be a common issue and that is my 2017 1500 is leaking. I have already installed new 3rd brake light seal with some md waterseal from Lowe's that I have found works well from watching video's. Before I did that the headliner was wet all the way across the back window. I installed the new gasket and thought I was in the clear. Then it rained heavily throughout the night and when I was loading up daughter to take to daycare I noticed water on the rear driver side seat. Did some close examining and noticed water at the very corner of the headliner and it was soaking around the pillar. I attached some pics as well. There has also been water dripping from the ceiling speaker as well. With the 3rd brake light issue addressed (or so I think) I am leaning towards the sharkfin antenna may be the culprit or the outside seal that runs on the exterior of the cab. I am trying to find a good video or DIY on diagnosing this as the issue and what remedies there are if that is indeed the cause. Does anyone have any pointers, advise or suggestions on this?

 

[ExpressRules]

Check the antenna on the roof.

 

[Rlaf75]

If you're confident the 3rd brake light is sealed then I'd concentrate on the roof mounted antenna next. I've also heard of the roof seam leaking as well, although that's not nearly as common as the brake light, antenna or the rear sliding window

 

[Bwlambert]

Check the antenna on the roof.

Thank you. Do you have any insight on how to address the antenna if in fact that is what it is?

 

[Atcer2018]

Looks like a 3rd brake light leak. Possible your repair didn’t fix the problem? Could be the GPS antenna. Depending on where your shark fin is located determines what part of the headliner you’ll need to loosen to get at it. Mine is in the front driver side area so not too difficult to get at. YouTube is your friend finding vids how to loosen the headliner. You won’t need to completely remove it, only loosen it so you can get your hand up inside and a 10mm socket or wrench. Two electrical connections to disconnect and one 10mm nut on the antenna and it pulls up and out of the cab body. Make note of how the base plate pieces connect together. Clean the bottom with alcohol and use 3/16 self stick weatherstrip from the hardware store. The closed cell foam waterproof stuff is best. Apply clear silicone caulk on the underside of the inside edge on the antenna. Carefully reinstall into the cab roof and tighten it back down. Give it a few hours and spray it down with water to make sure it’s not leaking before reassembling.

 

[logboom]

Are water leaks such as these the Achilles heel of RAM trucks?
I certainly hope not because I just purchased a brand new 1500 Laramie. For what these new rigs cost, this should not be happening.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Are water leaks such as these the Achilles heel of RAM trucks?
I certainly hope not because I just purchased a brand new 1500 Laramie. For what these new rigs cost, this should not be happening.

Please keep in mind that almost all forums contain a certain number of posts relating to problems/issues, so things can be skewed that way.
My 2014 Laramie, 102k miles has never leaked, but it has had a couple of the typical issues found within this forum.
Every vehicle has it's own set of Achilles Heels. The nice thing about these water leaks is that they can be fairly easily traced, quickly, easily, and cheaply corrected, and at home.
I'll take those issues any day.

 

[logboom]

Thank you, and I agree that all makes and models from every manufacturer has it's issues.
It just seems to me that if true, these water leaks go back multiple years of production and should have been addressed either through RAM'S own internal reviews or recalls.
I'll live with it and hope I don't experience this particular problem.
I do love my truck. I test drove all makes except Nissan before my purchase. I was biased in favor of Toyota Tundra as I had a 1st gen 03 that was like new when I sold it last year. The new Tundra feels cheap in terms of materials used and fit and finish details...inside and out.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Don't know about the Sat antenna but the 3rd brake light issue was addressed with an improved gasket, several years ago I believe.
Mine seems to have the original, as it is pretty thin, although it has never leaked despite my frequent R & R. Yours would already have it, so it has been addressed.

 

[Treburkulosis]

Mine did this. Replace the third brake light gasket. I also added some sealant to it as well.