The dreaded leaking and cracked rear window frame

[Blizzak454]

Well we know exactly what's going on here don't we? '19 Limited, 65k with the dreaded dual cracks. Did the base of the shark fin with black RTV while I was there. I had silicone'd the entire top of the window gap previously to no avail, but didnt use "flowable" silicone. Went back and made my own using mineral spirits and better filled in the area above the sliding window. I then black RTV'ed the entire horizontal line (I didnt like being able to see the so-called clear silicone, yay OCD). Due to imminent rain from Hurricane Debbie, I taped the crap out of every seam to allow time for the silicone to cure. I have orded a new CHMSL gasket from Detroit Muscle Technologies as well and plan to put that in too. I don't know what's next if all that fails. Truck was purchased through Carmax with extended coverage, so if none of the above works, I'll attempt a claim through them for a new rear pane.

 

[theblet]

Well we know exactly what's going on here don't we? '19 Limited, 65k with the dreaded dual cracks. Did the base of the shark fin with black RTV while I was there. I had silicone'd the entire top of the window gap previously to no avail, but didnt use "flowable" silicone. Went back and made my own using mineral spirits and better filled in the area above the sliding window. I then black RTV'ed the entire horizontal line (I didnt like being able to see the so-called clear silicone, yay OCD). Due to imminent rain from Hurricane Debbie, I taped the crap out of every seam to allow time for the silicone to cure. I have orded a new CHMSL gasket from Detroit Muscle Technologies as well and plan to put that in too. I don't know what's next if all that fails. Truck was purchased through Carmax with extended coverage, so if none of the above works, I'll attempt a claim through them for a new rear pane.
View attachment 187617

I did the whole back glass and shark fin as well. I also put LED bubs in the CHMSL and seal it, and put some under the black strips on either side of the cab. They snap on, and take some persuasion to lift up. Definitely recommend doing that.

 

[mikeru82]

Well we know exactly what's going on here don't we? '19 Limited, 65k with the dreaded dual cracks. Did the base of the shark fin with black RTV while I was there. I had silicone'd the entire top of the window gap previously to no avail, but didnt use "flowable" silicone. Went back and made my own using mineral spirits and better filled in the area above the sliding window. I then black RTV'ed the entire horizontal line (I didnt like being able to see the so-called clear silicone, yay OCD). Due to imminent rain from Hurricane Debbie, I taped the crap out of every seam to allow time for the silicone to cure. I have orded a new CHMSL gasket from Detroit Muscle Technologies as well and plan to put that in too. I don't know what's next if all that fails. Truck was purchased through Carmax with extended coverage, so if none of the above works, I'll attempt a claim through them for a new rear pane.
View attachment 187617

Just so you know, if you're trying to keep water out you'll need to also seal up the areas where the roof channels meet the window. It's probably not something that's even possible unless you cover the cab with a tarp, or tape them off from front to back. I'm referring to the circled areas in theblet's pic.

 

[theblet]

Just so you know, if you're trying to keep water out you'll need to also seal up the areas where the roof channels meet the window. It's probably not something that's even possible unless you cover the cab with a tarp, or tape them off from front to back. I'm referring to the circled areas in theblet's pic.

Yes. Here's a pic of my sealing job. You can see how i popped the strips up. Then I stuck the tip in there a good bit to make sure it was sealed. My leakes were in the corners.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Just so you know, if you're trying to keep water out you'll need to also seal up the areas where the roof channels meet the window. It's probably not something that's even possible unless you cover the cab with a tarp, or tape them off from front to back. I'm referring to the circled areas in theblet's pic.

Those corners should be covered using the flow-able rtv.

 

[mikeru82]

Those corners should be covered using the flow-able rtv.

I was referring to the tape job he did to keep water away from his silicone job when what’s left of hurricane Debbie moves through the area. The tape job he did won’t keep water coming from the roof channels from getting to the rear window.

 

[kapinallinen2]

I was referring to the tape job he did to keep water away from his silicone job when what’s left of hurricane Debbie moves through the area. The tape job he did won’t keep water coming from the roof channels from getting to the rear window.

To clarify, my comment on the flow-able silicone covering the corners was to imply that the stuff should reach any cracks in those areas.

 

[0051 MAR]

Hey everyone, I know this hasn’t had a post in a month or so, but I have some info to thrown in. I found this thread when my 20 Laramie developed the dual cracks. Immediately checked the Mopar owners site and the XL1 warranty extension wasn’t applied to my VIN, despite being within the affected build dates and option codes. Opened a case with Ram and they had me take the truck in to have the issue documented. Ultimately, Ram told me that they could not explain why my truck did not have the XL1 extension applied. They said they tried everything they could think of, but they have no explanation for me. Then they said that because it wasn’t initially applied, Ram would not consider the matter any further. The customer service rep the told me to try a new program which apparently just started this month (Sept 2024) called the “Goodwill Grid”. Apparently your dealer can make a request on your behalf to get a repair covered out of warranty. He said they would consider your service history with the dealer when making any decision. The customer service rep also said that the XL1 repair is now out of date and a new fix has been developed which doesn’t involve replacing the window, but rather uses sealant.

So I went to the dealer and asked about it. The service advisor immediately knew what I was referring to and also mentioned the new fix saying “they don’t even send us the windows anymore.” He also said the sealant fix definitely fixes the leaking issue whereas he had done and redone several of the replacement windows. Anyway, he slapped away at the keyboard for a few mins and finally said that Chrysler would cover the repair with a $31.xx copay. I’m happy. Haven’t picked it up yet because I’m having them replace some exhaust manifold studs (under the 5/60 powertrain warranty) while it’s there.

TL/DR: If Ram customer care wont cover the repair, ask your dealer about the “Goodwill Grid”.

 

[theblet]

You can also use your insurance if you have comp

 

[firecadet613]

Hey everyone, I know this hasn’t had a post in a month or so, but I have some info to thrown in. I found this thread when my 20 Laramie developed the dual cracks. Immediately checked the Mopar owners site and the XL1 warranty extension wasn’t applied to my VIN, despite being within the affected build dates and option codes. Opened a case with Ram and they had me take the truck in to have the issue documented. Ultimately, Ram told me that they could not explain why my truck did not have the XL1 extension applied. They said they tried everything they could think of, but they have no explanation for me. Then they said that because it wasn’t initially applied, Ram would not consider the matter any further. The customer service rep the told me to try a new program which apparently just started this month (Sept 2024) called the “Goodwill Grid”. Apparently your dealer can make a request on your behalf to get a repair covered out of warranty. He said they would consider your service history with the dealer when making any decision. The customer service rep also said that the XL1 repair is now out of date and a new fix has been developed which doesn’t involve replacing the window, but rather uses sealant.

So I went to the dealer and asked about it. The service advisor immediately knew what I was referring to and also mentioned the new fix saying “they don’t even send us the windows anymore.” He also said the sealant fix definitely fixes the leaking issue whereas he had done and redone several of the replacement windows. Anyway, he slapped away at the keyboard for a few mins and finally said that Chrysler would cover the repair with a $31.xx copay. I’m happy. Haven’t picked it up yet because I’m having them replace some exhaust manifold studs (under the 5/60 powertrain warranty) while it’s there.

TL/DR: If Ram customer care wont cover the repair, ask your dealer about the “Goodwill Grid”.

Good info but the sealant fix is also a DIY in less time than it takes to drive to the dealer and less than you co-pay.

 

[0051 MAR]

Good info but the sealant fix is also a DIY in less time than it takes to drive to the dealer and less than you co-pay.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like going through the hassles that others in this thread went through and just globbing tons of sealant everywhere. I’d rather let a professional following a TSB do it. No guesswork. They know what needs to be sealed. Have you seen the other stories in the thread? I’ll DIY a lot but this is worth $31 to me and I can always take it back in case it doesn’t work. Also, I have 2 Mopar dealers within 10 mins of my house so it isn’t an imposition at all to get it there.

 

[firecadet613]

I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like going through the hassles that others in this thread went through and just globbing tons of sealant everywhere. I’d rather let a professional following a TSB do it. No guesswork. They know what needs to be sealed. Have you seen the other stories in the thread? I’ll DIY a lot but this is worth $31 to me and I can always take it back in case it doesn’t work. Also, I have 2 Mopar dealers within 10 mins of my house so it isn’t an imposition at all to get it there.

To each their own, but I've had two 5th Gen Rams, neither had the rear window leak.

On my current one, I proactively put Permatex on (years before that was the "approved fix"). It was pretty easy to figure out that was the real fix, not swapping in a new window (since many had the new window leak). I can assure you, I didn't put "gobs of sealant on" or spend time taping it off. You can't see the sealant is there. There is no need to "follow a TSB", you're literally caulking a window. IMO the hassle is running to the dealer, even if they are only 10 minutes away. My time is much more valuable to me than to have them handle such a simple fix.

If you think any dealer is putting their best tech on this job(likely their newest, least experienced), you're fooling yourself. Just like with oil changes, it's the rookie.

Hope you get your truck back OK and it's good go!

 

[c3k]

My dealer sent my truck off to the specialist auto glass company (Winston-Salem, Pfaff's Glass). Glad a pro glass company did it. Now, was it the rookie there? Maybe. When I got it back, I added the Permatex fix. Belt and suspenders...
Going on 2 years of leak free.

 

[0051 MAR]

To each their own, but I've had two 5th Gen Rams, neither had the rear window leak.

On my current one, I proactively put Permatex on (years before that was the "approved fix"). It was pretty easy to figure out that was the real fix, not swapping in a new window (since many had the new window leak). I can assure you, I didn't put "gobs of sealant on" or spend time taping it off. You can't see the sealant is there. There is no need to "follow a TSB", you're literally caulking a window. IMO the hassle is running to the dealer, even if they are only 10 minutes away. My time is much more valuable to me than to have them handle such a simple fix.

If you think any dealer is putting their best tech on this job(likely their newest, least experienced), you're fooling yourself. Just like with oil changes, it's the rookie.

Hope you get your truck back OK and it's good go!

I’m really glad you came here to explain that you DON’T have the problem that this thread centers around. I’m happy that your window didn’t crack and that you apparently have the free time to proactively seal your window and then come here to share. Give yourself a firm pat on the back. You are apparently a “Ram Glue-ru”. So, while I appreciate you taking your (apparently very valuable) time to come tell me that the information I provided was unnecessary, I’m not sure your input is relevant or helpful. Fingers crossed that your truck doesn’t develop the leak in the future.

Hey, while you’re here, I have a question. Since I’m apparently wasting my time at the dealer getting my truck serviced, what sealant would you recommend I use to fix my broken exhaust studs? Should I just slap som RTV on it and then high-five myself in the mirror? Thanks for showing up today.

 

[kapinallinen2]

I’m really glad you came here to explain that you DON’T have the problem that this thread centers around. I’m happy that your window didn’t crack and that you apparently have the free time to proactively seal your window and then come here to share. Give yourself a firm pat on the back. You are apparently a “Ram Glue-ru”. So, while I appreciate you taking your (apparently very valuable) time to come tell me that the information I provided was unnecessary, I’m not sure your input is relevant or helpful. Fingers crossed that your truck doesn’t develop the leak in the future.

Hey, while you’re here, I have a question. Since I’m apparently wasting my time at the dealer getting my truck serviced, what sealant would you recommend I use to fix my broken exhaust studs? Should I just slap som RTV on it and then high-five myself in the mirror? Thanks for showing up today.

Stop being so sensitive, we are all here to help, one way or an other...

 

[0051 MAR]

Stop being so sensitive, we are all here to help, one way or an other...

My comment is just in response to unsolicited and unwarranted criticism of the information I shared. People like him need to be put in their place. “Hey, the way you fixed that problem ‘the right way’ is stupid! I’ve never had that problem but I fixed it this way. I have no idea if it worked or not because, well, I’ve never had that problem.”

 

[theblet]

If the “professionals” knew what needs to be sealed, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.

Honestly, it took 30 minutes to permatex. Not much of a hassle to me

 

[firecadet613]

My comment is just in response to unsolicited and unwarranted criticism of the information I shared. People like him need to be put in their place. “Hey, the way you fixed that problem ‘the right way’ is stupid! I’ve never had that problem but I fixed it this way. I have no idea if it worked or not because, well, I’ve never had that problem.”

Thanks for putting me "in my place"!

One only needs to read through this thread to see that "the right way" for years, didn't work and wasn't the "right way" after all...

No need to get bent out all of shape, hope the dealer gets your truck back to you soon.

 

[0051 MAR]

Thanks for putting me "in my place"!

One only needs to read through this thread to see that "the right way" for years, didn't work and wasn't the "right way" after all...

No need to get bent out all of shape, hope the dealer gets your truck back to you soon.

One only needs to read my comment to see that “the right way” I am referring to is the sealant and not a window replacement. Dude, get over yourself. You tossed unhelpful info and unwarranted criticism at me then got your panties in a bunch when I pointed out that you are not speaking from a position of experience or authority on the subject.

 

[Montana_]

I got my eyes on this now. I bought used and the one thing I didn't want was a sunroof, but that's what it's got. So I'm already leery about leakage being a Montana truck I say it's a question of when, not if. 303 to the rescue for the seals and hopefully all stays well for a while.

Thanks everyone for sharing the info in this thread.