Interior Roof Water Stains Around Speakers/Phone Mics

[WilliamBR]

Hi everyone, I just bought this used Ram 2019 Truck for $48K 5 months ago. It had 28K when I bought it. It now has 34K. Powered rear window. No sun roof.

I don't have a garage so I park outside. I noticed about 1 month ago that there are water stains around the interior in the back roof at the top around the speakers and phone mics. I did a lot of reading and some said it was the shark fin, others the back powered window, and some the third brake light.

I took the Truck into Lithia Dodge in Bend. They said they conducted a water test and the brake light did not leak. They said the powered back window did. Now they want to replace the entire thing $1,900 (parts, labor etc). I specifically asked them to check the fin, but they said it would not be that. The leaks are higher than the window line, so I don't understand how water travels upwards. That makes no sense to me. I still believe it is the fin or the break light, cause that is exactly where the water stains are. When I swipe my finger in between the frame and the interior fabric, just underneath the speakers at the exact point where they claim water comes in, it's completely dry. (See pic)

I will include these photos. I made them lighter in Photoshop, so the water stains will show clearer. They are not as intense as the brightened photos.

My questions: Why do you have to replace the entire window for $1,000? If it leaks, and the windows is not broken, cracked or warped, can they not replace the seal only?

I'm booked for fixing on April 6th, but I fear by then, with all our rain and snow, it will start to get really bad.

Anyone know, from these photos, what this could be? Is it the shark fin? I do go through a car wash.

Thank you!

 

[danielmid]

A brake light gasket is cheaper than $1k and can always stand to be replaced if it's OEM.

If it's the rear window I follow your thinking on water path. Rear window and cabin vents will lead to water in the rear underseat cubbies. 3rd brake light and way less frequently the shark fin, lead to headliner water.

 

[Atcer2018]

I believe they need to replace the entire window and frame unit because the actual frame cracks not the seal leaks. I have a 2018 and I chased down a leak for almost a month. My windshield would be covered in condensation every morning and I’d have water dripping off my fingers from between the headliner and the windshield. I pulled the shark fin and replaced the seal. It’s a PITA too. I dried the interior out and it still leaked. I asked the forum for advice and several folks smarter than me explained that condensation forms from the highest point to the lower points. So even if my windshield was the highest point in the vehicle as I park on an incline nose up, the leak could possibly be somewhere other than the shark fin. I had no water on my headliner or wet carpets. I pulled the rear seats and flooded the back and top of the vehicle with water from a garden hose. Sure enough I had leaking exhauster vents and a cracked third brake light. Evidently I over tightened the screws on the brake light when I replaced the seal initially and water was leaking in the cracked plastic not the seal. Also you can get those water stains off your headliner with hydrogen peroxide.

 

[WilliamBR]

Thank you for your feedback. When using the Hydrogen peroxide, do I use a diluted food-grade form or the full strength I buy at a pharmacy? Also do I just wet a cloth and lightly press against the stains?

 

[Gondul]

That high up I'm betting on the CHMSL...
A roll of this at your local big box store and you're good.

10 ft L x 19/32 in W x 5/16 in H

 

[danielmid]

That high up I'm betting on the CHMSL...
A roll of this at your local big box store and you're good.

10 ft L x 19/32 in W x 5/16 in H
View attachment 516499

That's what I used, I recently switched over to this gasket below when I was tracking down water that ended up being the cab vents.

Mopar Dodge RAM 09-18 Truck 3rd Third Brake Light Gasket CHMSL - leak repair ADHESIVE BACKED

Detroit Muscle Technologies, LLC Mopar restoration gaskets

www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com

 

[DanM]

In my case it was the rear window seal. I think it froze up and expanded and pulled away from body. Speakers, mics, roof liner and rug all replaced under warranty. Window replaced also. Now i make sure no snow or water is around rear window.

 

[WilliamBR]

This is crazy! My truck stands outside. I don't have a garage. I also bought it used at 28K miles, and now has about 35K miles on it. I asked the dealership, and they said the warranty does not cover it, as it expired. I am having big regrets buying this truck. I never had a Ram and really look forward to one, especially it's stunning interiors etc. But yes, now I see it's the back window. It drips everywhere. But are you now saying that even a tarp over it, in snow and rain, will still make it expand and pull away? So the only way to keep from replacing the window yearly, is to park it in a garage. A truck, that can stand outside.

 

[DanM]

no if under tarp no issue...i think it was when i left snow on roof and water got in that gap in window that it froze and pulled away. But water will still get in that gap and it will leak in at a slower rate. They know this is an issue maybe they can do it under warranty. Call ram customer care and ask. If not ask a glass company how much to replace instead of dealer.

here's a link...

Ram 1500 Water Leak Causes Class Action Lawsuit

A Ram 1500 water leak class action lawsuit alleges defects allow water to enter the cabin which causes mold, mildew, electrical problems and damage to the rear airbags.

www.carcomplaints.com

 

[WilliamBR]

I am having the glass replaced. $1,500 (parts and labor). I bought the marine sealer strip suggested earlier in the thread and placed it strategically over the gap, but it did nothing. The water runs down the strips of both sides of the truck and then gathers it seems. I bought a new truck bed cover that rolls up for $3,500. I wonder if I should sell that, and get a canopy. Maybe that would guarantee no further leakage.