Wet interior / Mildew smell

[Bigchris80]

Hello all,

I've had a 5th gen Ram since the end of 2018. Last summer, my daughter and I noticed a foul odor in the truck. I figured it was a dirty CAF, so I replaced it, and popped in a Febreeze tab. It comes back over and over, low and behold I've noticed the rear carpet is always wet after it rains and the rear seats are wet. The headliner recently developed stains at the top and sides of the rear window. I'm sure there is mold under the carpet. I've read on here that the leak is a common problem, but has anyone had the carpet replaced ? Thanks

 

[securityguy]

Hello all,

I've had a 5th gen Ram since the end of 2018. Last summer, my daughter and I noticed a foul odor in the truck. I figured it was a dirty CAF, so I replaced it, and popped in a Febreeze tab. It comes back over and over, low and behold I've noticed the rear carpet is always wet after it rains and the rear seats are wet. The headliner recently developed stains at the top and sides of the rear window. I'm sure there is mold under the carpet. I've read on here that the leak is a common problem, but has anyone had the carpet replaced ? Thanks

Is your rear window frame cracked? A ton of info in this forum about that. Also check the third brake light (much on this too if you search) as many have stated water is entering through a poorly sealer third brake light and that's an easy fix.

 

[soSincerious]

i'd look to see if this would end up being a covered repair. dealer might just say that replacing the failed part is all they have to do, but in this case the failed part allowed mold to develop in the vehicle, ruining the carpet and also stained the headliner as a result. they may tell you tough luck, and at that point you may want to consider a call to your insurance company. carpet and sound blockers (foam, and any spray-on stuff on the body) should be scraped up and replaced. it's likely very gross under there ...

unless of course the mold smell doesn't bother you and diminished resale value isn't a concern ...

 

[Bigchris80]

Is your rear window frame cracked? A ton of info in this forum about that. Also check the third brake light (much on this too if you search) as many have stated water is entering through a poorly sealer third brake light and that's an easy fix.

I've checked the third brake light, and it seems to have a good seal, and the gasket is good. I'll have to look closer at the window frame.

 

[RSConsulting]

Rear window frame - 3rd brake Light - or the ubiquitous sunroof drains.

Though I've never heard of the sunroof drains causing headliner staining or wet seats - only wet floorboards.

But check THEM ANYWAYS - as you could be having a COMBINATION of issues.

If you look with a flashlight at the rear bulkhead (between the bed and the cab) - there are two hoses that go through grommets on either side of the bulkhead. If the grommets look "displaced" water will get into the cabin, running down the bulkhead and getting the carpet under the seats and footwells wet. Had this on mine - dealer resolved it.



Rick

 

[securityguy]

Rear window frame - 3rd brake Light - or the ubiquitous sunroof drains.

Though I've never heard of the sunroof drains causing headliner staining or wet seats - only wet floorboards.

But check THEM ANYWAYS - as you could be having a COMBINATION of issues.

If you look with a flashlight at the rear bulkhead (between the bed and the cab) - there are two hoses that go through grommets on either side of the bulkhead. If the grommets look "displaced" water will get into the cabin, running down the bulkhead and getting the carpet under the seats and footwells wet. Had this on mine - dealer resolved it.

THIS ^^^^^ Exactly what Rick stated and beat me to the punch on checking the roof drains on the back side of the cab. Better to check and be sure there's no issue there either.

 

[ZombieSlayer]

Also check the shark fin for leaks.