Dodge Dakota Problems. Please help!

dataguru · November 2002

Hi Steve, I'm glad your squeaks are now gone from your QC.

Can you please clarify what you meant by the driver's side hub assembly. Do you mean the driver side wheel axle components? What was actually done by the service department? Replacement of faulty parts or just lube or....? Was there a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) quoted by them?

ritzoid · November 2002

Sorry for the delay in posting. Dusty, I've got a 4x2 qc. Bill, I didn't ask what was meant specifically by the term hub assembly. I took it to mean front axle hub and bearings. They replaced parts not just lubed. There was no mention of a TSB by them and I couldn't find one online. Hope this helps. Regards, Steve

bluebayou · November 2002

Has anybody experienced this problem?

When I first got my Quad (approx 30,000 miles ago) the steering was dead nuts accurate. Any little twitch of the wheel would impact the direction of the vehicle. This took some getting used to as my previous beater did not exhibit quick steering.

Over time, i noticed this dead spot between left input and right input. It almost felt like one of the knuckles was loose and slipping. The steering wheel will move approx 1/2 an inch before the wheel feels like it is in solid contact with the wheels.

None the less, I took it in to change the tranny fluid and had them look at the steering also. Of course the dealer said it was within spec. Imagine that. I called the mechanic out and explained the problem to him. He looked that the shaft as i was turning it and he said that the "play" was in the box and all vehicles has some play in the steering.

Of course I think this is BS and will be taking my vehicle to another dealer, but I was curious if anybody else has had this problem?

As always,
Thanks

Blue

dataguru · November 2002

Dusty & Steve,

Thanks for your comments. My 2001 QC is also a 4x2. I'm told that the TSB(#1900900) recently applied to my QC consisted of reversing a part in the steering column (incorrectly installed at the factory) and securing up some loose attachment bolts. The service dept advised that the TSB MAY NOT resolve the squeaks. They were right...the itermittent squeaks have returned. I'll return to the dealership soon for a 4th attempt to resolve.

Good luck with your Quads.

sacprof · November 2002

I had the same problem with my 97 Dakota. By coincidence I discovered the low beams would work when tilt steering wheel was at top position. When brought down to drive position, low beams would go off, high beams ok. I was told by several sources it was probably the switch. Replaced the switch and same problem existed.
Today I checked the connector and sure enough the wire connector (#18, lower right position as you look at the plug)for the lights dim was loose in the plug. Took needlenose pliers and made a tight connection and problem is fixed. Time will tell if it stays fixed as may work loose after time. Then I'll have to work more on the mechanical connection but I'm sure that is the cause of the problem.
I wonder how many $80 switches they have sold correcting this problem.

mopar67 · December 2002

AKA the "BOB" email me if interested.
Covers the 4.7 motor and the 45RFE trans.
In perfect condition.

dustyk · December 2002

There have been a couple of posts relating some type of horror when removing the oil filter on a 4.7 equiped Dakota. I changed mine for the first time this past week and I didn't find it difficult at all. The oil filter is located on the front right side of the engine and was easily accessible from underneath the vehicle. The process didn't produce a mess of any type.

So, I must be missing something. Was this a problem on 4x4s only?

As an aside, I actually was able to do the oil change without using my ramps. Kind of a nice change having enough clearance to shimmy under the truck.

Regards,
Dusty

bookitty · December 2002

Dusty, the oil filter change and subsequent mess are related to the skid plates used on the 4X4. Other than using a Fumoto valve for dropping the oil, and an empty with bottom removed two liter plastic soft drink bottle for containing the old oil filter you may be faced with a considerable messy task. Even with the soft drink bottle, there is usually a mop up involved.

Bookitty

dustyk · December 2002

Okay. Hey, thanks for the quick reply.

A couple of guys at work commented to me that changing the oil filter would be a nightmare on my truck. They stated it in such a way as to presume that it was symptomatic problem with the Dakota. Now to these three General Motors is a religion and anything else is "junk." I think you know the type. Anyway, when I changed oil last week I was surprized at how easy it was to get to the filter. So I didn't know if Dodge had made a change, or what. Now I understand.

Thanks again,
Dusty

dustyk · December 2002

Dakota owners with the 4.7 engine: When fully heated, where is the needle on your temperature gauge?

Mine seems to be at about 1/3rd of the range, up from cold end of the scale. I get heat quickly, even in the +10F temps of the last few days. But I seem to remember driving another Dakota (3.9 engine) and I thought the temp gauge was 1/2 way.

Dusty

bpeebles · December 2002

(dustyk)Your description sounds about right.

The reason that the 4.7L warms up faster than the ol' 3.9 engine is directly due to the technology packed into the 4.7L engine.

The ol 3.9L used a simple thermostat mounted at the top of the engine that simply let some coolant out of the engine when it got too hot.
The temp of the coolant from the radiator into the bottom of the engine was completely unregulated.

The cooling system on the 4.7L is a 'bypass' system that has a constant flow of coolant thru the engine. The thermostat is mounted low on the engine and regulates the temperature by acting as a 'mixing valve' using both the HOT flow from the engine and the COLD flow from the radiator as input creating a constant temperature flowing into the engine.

Even with my 4.7L engine, I still have a block heater (plugged in as I write this due to single-digit temps predicted.) I also have a cardboard 'shield' that I place over the radiator when the temps dip into the negitive teens. Just pop the hood and place it in front of the radiator. (covers about 2/3s of it)

mullins87 · December 2002

How's Mike getting along these days?

slr9589 · December 2002

No replacement fuel pump yet after 8 days of driving on the "engine'warning lamp.Have kept the tank half full so not to lose a ton of gas when the work has to be done..
The warning lamp stays on and only will blink briefly on harder than normal acceleration.Have found BG cleaner locally and will try it next tank of gas.
vehicle runs ok,not great but I still can get to work.
all for now,
stephen

ahasher · January 2003

Im back! After taking a work break from my life and working (75+ hrs a week was a SHORT week) the contract to meet goal before the calendar year end. I have begun reading the boards again. The Tire replacement post caught my eye.

Refresher (altho mopar67, bpeebles and bookitty always remember the early posters): I have a 2000 QC, 4.7, auto, T&H package with the big 255/65R15 Goodyear rubber. Good tires, lasted till 64,000 miles for me and NO uneven wear. I shopped around and read all about Pirelli (sp) Dunlop etc.. and settled on BF Goodrich radial TAs but switched to 255 /70R15. A higher profile with a small % of spedo offset of +2.51 mph at 70 (I hope someone verifies this, since i got it from http://www.dakota-truck.net/TIRECALC/tirecalc.html and am not a tire expert)

The ratings for the tire suited me and my location here in N.O. and I have to admit they look great, ride smooth and quiet. I paid $74 each at Tire Kingdom.
Also it fills the wheelwells better and teh truck does ride slightly higher.. to me anyway.
Just my .02 but I am satisfied with this setup over $125 quoted by Goodyear for OEM.

danodw · January 2003

Thanks for asking about Mike. Would have gotten back sooner but I had computer problems. Think my motherboard was hit by lightning. Sent board off and they covered it under warranty and I told them the truth. Anyway just got it back and it was the wrong one so I have to wait another week or so. In the meantime I have put together an old pc that I made out of 3 junk PC's and used my hard drive. Forgot my password and needed it off my hard drive. I'll be up and down for a while. Plus I'm having truck problems with the check engine light, trans etc. I'll get it all worked out soon. Anyway, about mike, he saw the Doc in Nov. and he took X-rays. One bone in arm is doing good but the other we are not sure of. X-ray shows a slight bump that might be the bone starting to grow. We go back at the end of Jan for another look. Doc said if it is growing, it will be very slow because of all the damage. Next visit might be more talk on a bone graft. Will not let him do any work that requires lifting until he knows for sure. plus I think money has something to do with it. We only pay about $50. per month on a 8K bill. 30K total. Attorney is still trying to help but not sure if he can. Its all about time now, we'll just have to wait and see. I have never tried to put a pick on this site. I guess it can be done. If you want I could send you a pic of the bike and Mike after the wreck, by email.

fschutt · January 2003

This is just a heads up to all you R/T owners out there. Seems the 2000 to 2002 models have a faulty design for the rear drum brakes. Mainly, they don't work!! My 2000 had 27000 miles on it when Chrysler bought it back, they couldn't make them work. One good thing, they won't ever wear out!!! Found my problem when I stopped on ice, fronts skidded, rears kept turning at 10 mph on the speedometer with the brake pushed hard. Showed the dealer that the wheels couldn't be stopped while on a lift, they then believed me. Chrysler rep said it was "normal" and the way it was designed to work! Ha! This is a SAFETY issue!!
Demand results if your's is this way.
Fred Schutt

Dodge Dakota Problems. Please help!

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