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Wrangler leak on radio, only on incline

5K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  GlockDude 
#1 ·
I have a 2016 wrangler unlimited with the freedom panels. When its parked on my driveway ( which is on a slight incline) its leaks onto my radio through the middle latch. Its not just a couple drops of water, its a good amount that will ruin my radio very soon if not fixed. Ive taken it to two different dealers (one of which put a huge gouge in my freedom panel that they agreed to repaint). Neither of them can get it to leak.

They tried telling me this is normal but i cant see how large amounts of water pouring into my car is normal. They also told me to just back into my driveway and that should fix the issue. Spending 40k+ on a brand new car that you have to strategically angle to avoid it raining inside your car doesnt make sense to me.

They said they spent hours testing it and cant get it to leak. I asked if i can borrow a different pair of panels or if a tech could come to my house with me to test it on the driveway (leaks within 3 minutes of spraying it). Both ideas they shot down because of liability issues.

He said this is just something i have to live with and then hung up on me when i asked how they were spraying it with water.

He also said that parking on an incline is not considered normal conditions so there is nothing they can do. Even though he previously said leaking is normal.

Was just curious if anyone else had similar issues since apparently raining inside a brand new wrangler and having to keep a towel over your radio when it rains is normal....?

Also the first dealer replaced the weather stripping, that made no difference. And the tops are being install correctly, leaked when i got it back from the dealer who installed it.

Another side note: if it is parked flat it will not leak. only when its on an incline.
 
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#4 ·
It isn't unusual for Wrangler's to have these types of leaks. Usually the dealers can find the place(s) that need a bit more help. It's hard to say without seeing the incline... are you parked nose up or down? Can you just reverse the angle? I have an extreme angle in my driveway and don't have this issue either way... that I've seen so far anyway (2 weeks old and lots of rain).

Just because it is 'normal' doesn't mean it's acceptable. But, I feel for dealers and these kinds of problems... if they can't replicate it, how can they fix it? Take some ramps or use a floor jack and try recreate the angle for them. That said... if it is really extreme then it is possible they can't overcome the design 'flaw' of the system. If the water can't run out, it's going to overflow somewhere... it's not designed to keep any kind of pressure out...
 
#5 ·
I had the same thing happen on my 16 with the freedom panels. I removed them and found a 1/4" ball of butyl in the front rain channel where the freedom tops seal. Once removed no more leaks. Check the seals for any objects or dents in the rubber seal. Also check the panels for objects stuck to them or an irregularity in the tops where they seal. It doesn't take much to cause a big problem.
 
#6 ·
Proper alignment and installation of the panels seems key.
It is not uncommon to have a leak with a Jeep, but to call it "normal" is wrong. They don't leak when everything is right. They leak when something is wrong. It can be as simple as the care you use when installing the panels. Or it could be a physical issue with the seals.
 
#7 ·
Can't really help as I have a soft top, but the dealer response seems a bit unreasonable to me. Maybe you need to get FCA involved. Just because they can't fix it doesn't me it is your problem to deal with. Yes, maybe it is a simple case of panel installation, but maybe not and it needs to be addressed and resolved; that is what the warranty that you paid for with the new Jeep purchase is for.
 
#8 ·
My 2012 did the exact same thing and I just had a 350.00 head unit installed. What I found was my center latch for the freedom top was loose. Tightened it down and have not had a leak since. Knocking on wood. Before I found the problem I was stuffing paper towels in there to protect my radio. LOL
 
#9 ·
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Leaked twice after being back from the dealer and they were the last ones to install the panels. Also tried tightening the latch and had the dealer take it off to look at it and they said it looks fine.

The jeep is parked nose up. Its not an extreme incline by any means. Just a normal driveway with a slight tilt. I borrowed some ramps from my buddy I am going to try and get it to leak with those on flat ground and then just take them to the dealer with me.

I called to make sure they were water testing it on an incline and his response was "yeah we water tested it AND THEN put it on an incline" Also asked them if they were spraying it with water like it was raining or if they were just rolling the water over it with the hose. He said just rolling it over. Both of these things I made sure I told them have to be done to get it to leak. Even watched the first service manger i dealt with write it down and draw a picture. Dealing with their service department has been a joke, at both dealerships ive been to.
 
#10 ·
Hi, I had a similar problem with my 10th anniversary when I bought it and after trying all the same that you had up to now the workshop manager said he would like to try something different.
He loosened the bolts holding the windshield in place and installed the freedom panels before tightening the windshield down again. That was 3 years ago and the leak is still away.
Small maneuver with major results.
Worked for my car. Try it, may be the same fix.
:iamhappy:
 
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