Water leak third Brake light, BCM fried

[Jonathan91]

Hi all,
Unfortunately this issue has brought me here and from what I read it’s a lot of the similar issue. My case is that it fried my BCM. 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie purchased new in August of 2022, now 58k miles (I drive a lot). This past Monday I was driving down the highway and heard a loud thump that sounding like a blew a tire but my check engine light came on. After diagnosis turn out communication was lost to hybrid system (Etorque) fried the BCM due to water leak coming from third brake light.Unfortunately my truck doesn’t qualify for the TSB due to it being built after Dec 31 2020. Truck is currently at the dealership, service advisor is very helpful
And understanding due to it being a common issue and was told he had several option to make this concern cost free. I did purchase a Mopar Maxcare warranty. I just want to know if anyone had any luck getting this taking care of cost free? If worst case scenario, can I get my insurance involved? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dajogejr]

If you have MaxCare and you’re within the mileage/time limit of the warranty, it should be covered minus any deductibles.
Upon diagnosis, you also get a credit towards a rental.. it’s not much, like $35 a day…of up to 7 days.

Did you purchase the Max Care before the incident…or after? I think….and Jonathan, don’t quote me.. if you purchase the warranty there is a 30 or 60 day wait period before it can be used. I’m not 100% on that so please research and don’t take that as bible. I purchased it (Max Care) when purchasing my 2015…and I bought it less than a year after owning my current 2023.. but due diligence here for you.
If you’ve had it all along since purchase, it’s covered.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Hi all,
Unfortunately this issue has brought me here and from what I read it’s a lot of the similar issue. My case is that it fried my BCM. 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie purchased new in August of 2022, now 58k miles (I drive a lot). This past Monday I was driving down the highway and heard a loud thump that sounding like a blew a tire but my check engine light came on. After diagnosis turn out communication was lost to hybrid system (Etorque) fried the BCM due to water leak coming from third brake light.Unfortunately my truck doesn’t qualify for the TSB due to it being built after Dec 31 2020. Truck is currently at the dealership, service advisor is very helpful
And understanding due to it being a common issue and was told he had several option to make this concern cost free. I did purchase a Mopar Maxcare warranty. I just want to know if anyone had any luck getting this taking care of cost free? If worst case scenario, can I get my insurance involved? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

The BCM is located under the dash, so not sure if a water leak caused that. The RF hub is on the rear of cab under rear window and is the more common issue. And the E-torque controller is in under rear window as well, which seems like it might be your issue. The e-torque system is covered by the 8/80 emissions warranty, so you may still be covered

 

[Jonathan91]

If you have MaxCare and you’re within the mileage/time limit of the warranty, it should be covered minus any deductibles.
Upon diagnosis, you also get a credit towards a rental.. it’s not much, like $35 a day…of up to 7 days.

Did you purchase the Max Care before the incident…or after? I think….and Jonathan, don’t quote me.. if you purchase the warranty there is a 30 or 60 day wait period before it can be used. I’m not 100% on that so please research and don’t take that as bible. I purchased it (Max Care) when purchasing my 2015…and I bought it less than a year after owning my current 2023.. but due diligence here for you.
If you’ve had it all along since purchase, it’s covered.

I purchased max care when I bought the vehicle brand new in August 2022 in the finance office.

 

[Jonathan91]

The BCM is located under the dash, so not sure if a water leak caused that. The RF hub is on the rear of cab under rear window and is the more common issue. And the E-torque controller is in under rear window as well, which seems like it might be your issue. The e-torque system is covered by the 8/80 emissions warranty, so you may still be covered

He do have water running down to the back seat where the etorque system is located. The advisor also mentioned I had water under my 12v battery, so maybe that why he mentioned BCM? Will verify again, but thank you for your response.

 

[PurpleRT]

Probably referring to the RF module that’s located behind the seat on the back wall. Service advisors don’t exactly work on cars so it’s easy to misinterpret.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dajogejr]

Parts and labor are covered under max care warranty.
I’m simply playing devils advocate here.. so don’t take this the wrong way.
only way I could see this coming back to bite you… is if they consider the rear window leak your fault…and not cover.
Which…is BS and I think most/all of us would agree, especially with numerous complaints on it…

Again, that’s the only way I could see them not covering this under warranty..by maxcare.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Parts and labor are covered under max care warranty.
I’m simply playing devils advocate here.. so don’t take this the wrong way.
only way I could see this coming back to bite you… is if they consider the rear window leak your fault…and not cover.
Which…is BS and I think most/all of us would agree, especially with numerous complaints on it…

Again, that’s the only way I could see them not covering this under warranty..by maxcare.

Depends on the fine print of the warranty. Many do not cover glass, which is what they will call the back glass. Better to just seal it yourself, and hope they will replace the bad components.

 

[dajogejr]

Depends on the fine print of the warranty. Many do not cover glass, which is what they will call the back glass. Better to just seal it yourself, and hope they will replace the bad components.

Heard and agree. That was my point, hopefully they don’t deny claim because of a pretty well known issue with the back glass. Agree…
I know MaxCare doesn’t cover body panels, rust, wear items like brake pads or rotors, glass..

 

[Jonathan91]

Parts and labor are covered under max care warranty.
I’m simply playing devils advocate here.. so don’t take this the wrong way.
only way I could see this coming back to bite you… is if they consider the rear window leak your fault…and not cover.
Which…is BS and I think most/all of us would agree, especially with numerous complaints on it…

Again, that’s the only way I could see them not covering this under warranty..by maxcare.

Crossing my fingers they are going to cover it. I’m just a little nervous that they might not due to it being water damage related. As far as the glass, I was told the by the advisor he could submit a goodwill claim for the glass & possible pay $300 out of pocket. Also was told they are recommending replacing carpet due to mold growing.

 

[dajogejr]

Well, if the SA is trying to submit a good will repair for the glass, that’s a good sign.
If they do replace the glass, you come out ahead in this warranty… the fix is already out there.
Flowable silicone, and I’ll be doing that to my 23 Limited as soon as it warms up and I can properly wash and prep.
I have zero issues…and for an hour or two of time and a few bucks for the silicone, I’m not going to tempt fate.

Wish you luck, let us know how it works out.

 

[pmason]

Hi all,
Unfortunately this issue has brought me here and from what I read it’s a lot of the similar issue. My case is that it fried my BCM. 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie purchased new in August of 2022, now 58k miles (I drive a lot). This past Monday I was driving down the highway and heard a loud thump that sounding like a blew a tire but my check engine light came on. After diagnosis turn out communication was lost to hybrid system (Etorque) fried the BCM due to water leak coming from third brake light.Unfortunately my truck doesn’t qualify for the TSB due to it being built after Dec 31 2020. Truck is currently at the dealership, service advisor is very helpful
And understanding due to it being a common issue and was told he had several option to make this concern cost free. I did purchase a Mopar Maxcare warranty. I just want to know if anyone had any luck getting this taking care of cost free? If worst case scenario, can I get my insurance involved? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I had the same issue (2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 44,000 miles) with a water leak about 2 months ago. Driving down the road at 45 mph I had a warning come up on the dash that stated “ SWITCH TO PARK TO SHUT OFF”. Then the truck just shut off, leaving me coasting to try and get to a safe area to pull off. I couldn’t get the truck to start with the push button or remote start. Had it towed to the dealership and the was told it was not covered under the extended warranty due to “External Influences”. They did check the third tail light and ruled that out for the source of the leak. They wanted to check my rear window, but told me they couldn’t remove it without breaking so I was on the hook, (At minimum), for the $3,500 new rear window.
I had the truck towed out of the dealership and took it to an auto body shop and turned it into insurance. Upon removal of the rear window, (Without breaking it), we found the window frame was broken in each upper corner. It’s frustrating the dealership knew of the broken window frame issue, but didn’t say anything about it. I was out of my truck for just over a month and insurance did cover everything.

 

[Jonathan91]

I had the same issue (2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, 44,000 miles) with a water leak about 2 months ago. Driving down the road at 45 mph I had a warning come up on the dash that stated “ SWITCH TO PARK TO SHUT OFF”. Then the truck just shut off, leaving me coasting to try and get to a safe area to pull off. I couldn’t get the truck to start with the push button or remote start. Had it towed to the dealership and the was told it was not covered under the extended warranty due to “External Influences”. They did check the third tail light and ruled that out for the source of the leak. They wanted to check my rear window, but told me they couldn’t remove it without breaking so I was on the hook, (At minimum), for the $3,500 new rear window.
I had the truck towed out of the dealership and took it to an auto body shop and turned it into insurance. Upon removal of the rear window, (Without breaking it), we found the window frame was broken in each upper corner. It’s frustrating the dealership knew of the broken window frame issue, but didn’t say anything about it. I was out of my truck for just over a month and insurance did cover everything.

Thank you for the feedback. I am now being told that it’s confirm leaking from the rear glass and not the third brake light. Seem like I’m having the same issue you are having, apparently they are exhausting their resources to get this covered cost free and have been a sitting duck for a week now. If I don’t hear back soon I might just do what you did. Whatever the outcome is I believe I am moving away from Ram trucks (this is my 3rd Ram) due to not wanting to be married to an electric problem.

 

[DL3Greyghost]

Thank you for the feedback. I am now being told that it’s confirm leaking from the rear glass and not the third brake light. Seem like I’m having the same issue you are having, apparently they are exhausting their resources to get this covered cost free and have been a sitting duck for a week now. If I don’t hear back soon I might just do what you did. Whatever the outcome is I believe I am moving away from Ram trucks (this is my 3rd Ram) due to not wanting to be married to an electric problem.

Sounds like the same issue…here’s the rub though…who in their right mind thinks we should be paying for any of this garbage?! I don’t care what the TSB says what model year is covered, or whether I bought an extended warranty…you made a POS vehicle with obvious problems that are well documented…fix it and MAYBE we’ll consider staying with the brand…jerk us around and we for sure won’t and I’ll tell everyone I know that you suck… had a 06 4Runner before this (‘22 Big Horn) 300K miles and nothing but oil changes and tires every 50K…can’t wait to go back…built right down the road in KY too but wanted to buy American this time. Well, I got Mexican and Chinese parts from Mopar for my trouble and slapped together in Detroit by the 3 Stooges apparently on “back glass day” on the assembly line

 

[The_Dude]

Only one way to fix this issue. You have to reseal thr rear brake light and use liquid silicone on the exterior windows groove. I did the work myself and no more leaks. Looks like they still haven't fixed the issue.

 

[Merlin]

Window exploded a year and a half ago, had it replaced with a non factory and it leaked bad, had that replaced with factory window and it was fine till two weeks ago. I had a couple drips so I changed the way I park my truck and it was fine, Got in it tonight and it looked dry, went out for a bit and it was parked flat, and got in an hour later and the headliner is wet passenger rear side on the headliner. There were a couple small drops. Nothing on the floor yet. I guess when it drys out Ill have to look and see if it is the antenna or the window. Couple tubes of permatex I guess will be getting ordered. Not sure if it will be covered by Mopar max care since it was replaced already under insurance.

 

[1791]

if anyone cares or want's to attempt the repair their self i assure you the antenna is a PIA you need small hands and patience.
i recommend and used this on my b HMSL and the antenna.
i got a roll of this it won't dry out and crack like the foam seals but if you have to remove the light again it my be difficult.

Amazon.com

 

[Willwork4truck]

Why choose the butyl tape vs the caulking? Just wondering.

 

[The_Dude]

The third brake light should be resealed using all weatherstrip from Lowes. The windows needs to used liquid silicone to seal the groove; I used a syringe. Please make sure that the groove is cleaned really well before you apply the silicone.

 

[1791]

Why choose the butyl tape vs the caulking? Just wondering.

caulk if for construction not automotive use IMO. to my knowledge caulk is not used anywhere on a truck or car when it's assembled.now silicone,seam sealer and various adhesives are. i'm not suggesting you use the same stuff they used on the windows but the butyl is actually for sealing windows and stays pliable/somewhat soft.