Cab (still) leaking after lengthy dealership stay - what would you do?

[TheAssuager]

Brutal story. About 2 months ago I notice my headliner has water stains. Only on back corners and in the middle. Take it to Ford. Ends up staying for a week. They replace both roof rails and antenna/shark fin assembly. Best part of the story - the tech rips one of the rear window defrosters off the back window when reinstalling headliner. Have to wait a couple weeks and bring the truck back to replace the entire back window.

This weekend after some rain, I find that it is leaking still. But only in one corner. It is either the back window seal or underneath the roof rail (not sure if that's what it's called) leaking.

Would you take it back? And have the dealership drop the headliner again? I do not have any idea even where to start fixing this myself. Any input would be really, really appreciated.

Still in love with my truck - just need to get past this issue. I am confident I can fix the water stain, it is the leak I need fixed.

Thanks,

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[SDXLT]

Yeah you should take it back till it doesn’t leak

 

[9zero1790]

I would take it to a different ford dealer if possible. Sounds like the first one had a go at fixing it and did not do so well. plus they damaged stuff. It can happen to any tech sometimes no matter how careful they are. They did replace what they damaged thankfully. But, I would not go back to them. A fresh set of eyes on the issue may make a difference.

 

[SigOris]

Research your states lemon laws then schedule another visit to a dealer

 

[Friday yet?]

My experience with a leaking Mercury Sable (See? I haven't always bought Fords!) was that they always use a specialized outside firm that does nothing but handle water intrusion issues. And I was NOT impressed with the work quality. When I went to take it to another dealer they told me it'd be the same company. Said it was standard procedure for warranty water leaks.

In my case ended up being a recall later.

 

[troutspinner]

Take it back to the same dealer. It sounds like they had an inexperienced tech work on it. This time, hopefully, they put their best tech on it and they’re not starting from scratch like a new dealer would be. If it continues, then I might seek another dealer.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Did they check the cargo lamp assembly?

It was the culprit in another member’s truck. Seems the tech went through the list of things to replace without properly testing where the leak actually is. They were also too lazy to do this properly or couldn’t spare to have another tech help with a hose.

It’s simple enough….

Remove headliner completely
Run water over roof - spray if necessary
Inspect all possible intrusion areas for leaks

I’d insist on a new headliner - it’s not on you to fix the water stain and just because the stain is gone, it doesn’t mean there isn’t mold up there.

 

[Muscleford]

Water leaks, dealt with one on my 2011 Ranger. Found carpet wet took to dealer. They blamed the cab light I put on. Said they sealed the leak there. Carpet still getting wet. Did my own trouble shooting the next rain. Taped off the cowl vent before the nest rain. Carpet did not get wet. Took back told them where it was leaking. Now said the door seal on the drives side was leaking. Replaced the seal. Carpet still got wet. Took back again found leaking from cowl down firewall. Leak now fixed.

I paid for labor for the supposed cab light leak, no labor for the door seal only the part. Paid nothing for the actual fix. Dealer was more than fair on the repair. They said the cost of the door seal was $195, I told then per Ford parts website MSRP was $149 and this other dealer was charging only $109 for the seal. I expected to pay no more than MSRP, they charged me only $109 for part.

This dealer has treated me like I was valuable to them. They have truly earned my business.

If you are in northern Ohio try Klaben Ford with locations in Kent, Ohio and Warren, Ohio.

 

[Msfitoy]

Like Duke said, check your cargo/chmsl lamp's seal...I had replaced mine with an after market unit that didn't seal as well as OEM and after a few car washes, my head liner at the rear was stained like yours...I returned to OEM and cleaned liners and everything's been good since...also, my roof spoiler covers the entire rear edge so that helps even more...

 

[Jason B]

My experience with a leaking Mercury Sable (See? I haven't always bought Fords!) was that they always use a specialized outside firm that does nothing but handle water intrusion issues. And I was NOT impressed with the work quality. When I went to take it to another dealer they told me it'd be the same company. Said it was standard procedure for warranty water leaks.

In my case ended up being a recall later.

It that case you have: " The Mercury Sable is a range of automobiles manufactured and marketed by the Mercury brand of Ford Motor Company. "

 

[got3fords]

It that case you have: " The Mercury Sable is a range of automobiles manufactured and marketed by the Mercury brand of Ford Motor Company. "

I'm pretty sure he knew that....

 

[Friday yet?]

I'm pretty sure he knew that....

First I'd heard. Shocked! Shocked I tell ya!

 

[Canadian Ranger]

Id take matters into my own hands. After that next rain, and noticing the leak again, I would have thrown a bucket of water in there and told the dealer whatever they did made it worse.

 

[Msfitoy]

It that case you have: " The Mercury Sable is a range of automobiles manufactured and marketed by the Mercury brand of Ford Motor Company. "

Had a cousin named Taurus...

 

[mtbikernate]

My 98 Ranger had a leak back there. I bought it used out of warranty, so I had to DIY.

I just starting hitting spots with black RTV sealant until it went away. Pretty sure in my case it was the gasket around the rear window, because the leak disappeared after I got that spot. My headliner never got wet or stained, though. for me, the wet spot was the back wall beneath the rear window, and the floor behind the driver's seat (my outdoor rec guide book was back there and got soaked which is how I found it).

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