Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

ohc_baby · January 2001

You're really all out of luck. The dealer will never touch that, as it's a huge liability issue. Personally, I'd nonchilantly pick up the switch from the parts counter and wire it in per the Factory Service Manual. If you pick one up, I'd be happy to help, as I have a 2001 Manual.

steve234 · January 2001

I think that it is illegal to install the switch in a Quad cab. The only vehicles that are allowed to get the switch are those that do not have a full rear seat. The manufacturers went through hell to get the NTSB to concede that airbags were unsafe for children in vehicles without rear seats. Before you install the switch, you may want to look at an extended cab full size pickup. Depends on your needs, but as an example, the Chevy extended cab has plenty of space and side doors, but 'may' be available without the switch. The catch is that baby carriers are not able to be mounted in the rear seat properly. You might also check on whether or not you can get a medical certification that you need the airbag deactivated. I do not know the details, but I think that there is an exception for special needs.

bobsyvee · January 2001

The only real danger from the airbag employing, is for kids in an infant seat. These are usually mounted with the child facing the seat. (backwards) The force of the employment can cause severe head/neck injury. If the child is able to sit in the seat, you shouldn't have a problem. If anything, move the seat further to the rear. Remember, getting hit with an airbag is much better than getting hit with a dashboard.

tuvtest · January 2001

As usual the mainstream media has blown a subject out of proportion without showing all the facts. As a Firefighter/Paramedic we have access to more detailed reports of the accidents then have been reported. Not to diminish any loss of a child, but all but a handful of the accidents (3-4 kids if I remember correctly) have been sourced to improper placement, attachment, belting, sizing, ect. of the children/child seats by parents involved. The media jumped on the whole airbag issue with it's usual uninformed fervor and blame the easy target of airbags rather than placing responsibility with the parents. Airbags are great safety devices and have saved many more lives than is commonly reported. I would encourage anyone thinking of disabling their bags to really give some thought to if theat is the best course of action or just the easiest.

davids1 · January 2001

I have a 99 Ram 1500 Quad. I have the airbag switch. When my 5 year old sits in the front seat, which is most of the time, I have the airbag turned off. He is also always in a booster seat. It is amazing how many people do not know the proper way to belt a child into their safety/booster seat.

I have test driven trucks before with my 5 year old son. When I moved the booster seat over to the test vehicle, the salesman always inadvertantly says "so that is what the H-clip is for. I always wondered how you used that on my kids seat". Scares the hell out of me to hear so many people say they don't know the proper way to use the H-clip. These are the same people who want to sue the seat or vehicle manufacturer just because of their own ignorance, or lack of desire in learning the proper usage. Most people do not like to take responsibility for their own actions. If you are currently using a child safety/booster seat, and you don't know what the H-clip is, please take some time to find out.

On another note, I feel confident that if I put the front seat all the way back, and properly belted my son in with the airbag on, I don't think he would make contact with the bag. That would all depend on how well the seat belts tensioned and the nature of the impact. For now the switch will remain off.

mk39 · January 2001

Many thanks for the informative responses. I have three children ages 5,7 and 10 but often transport their friends as well. Infant seats are in my past - so no problem there. I contacted the DOT Auto Safety Hotline this morning and am being sent a form to apply for the switch. They say that the need to transport four children is reason enough for approval.

If I'm understanding tuvtest and bobsyvee correctly, my 10-yr-old would probably be safer with the airbag on, seat all the way back (when I have a fourth child in the truck) than with the airbag off. Any comments?

slickwilliedj · January 2001

there is no deactivation switch on the q/c because inf or small children should be in the back seat. there are teathers for securing car seat in the quad. the reason why the club cab have a deactivation switch is because there is not enough rm in the back seat nor the proper belts. your kids are safer in the back my 2 cents worth.....

ohc_baby · January 2001

slickwilliedj, he has four kids to tote (read back a few posts). I'd definitely retrofit the switch into the dash - but that's just me.

cbagshaw · January 2001

Looks like Dodge has extended yet again the incentives on the Dakota (among other models). In addition, they now will allow special finance rates from 0.9 % to 4.9% (and higher) depending on length of loan to also be applied (no need to choose one or the other) .... Does anyone know what the rates are and for which term ?

bagshaw · February 2001

Whoops.... disregard that last message on incentives .... I misread Dodge's incentives on their website .... you choose the rebate OR the special financing (wishfull thinking I guess).

tuvtest · February 2001

I would say that your understanding is correct. The only additional thing I would add, which I'm hoping you didn't put in because it's obvious, is the 10y/o must be belted.

mk39 · February 2001

You're right - in my vehicle, we don't move until all seat belts are fastened - always, no exceptions. My kids have been warned of the dangers so much that they are scared to not have them fastened. I'm hoping that will also be the case when they are riding with friends who are not so diligent.

Again, I thank you for your information!

steve234 · February 2001

When hauling a child in the front seat, I always make sure that the seat is all the way back. It may be obvious, but sometimes the seat gets moved forward.

ohc_baby · February 2001

I have one squeak and one rattle that I can't track down. The sqeak is like a very light popping noise coming from the rear driver's side slider glass or there abouts - like something adhesive tacking, then being pulled off, every time the truck hits a bump or sways. The rattle seems to be coming from the shifter or passenger-side footwell area and rattles every time the truck hits a bump. Does anyone else have either of these or has defeated them?

tequillakid1 · February 2001

Bought a 2001 QC 3.7L (wish I got the 4.7L), 5spd, 4WD, SLT, towing packageP235/75R15 tires. I also have a rattle in the right front side when going over bumps. I also have a very annoying whine/hum coming from the rear when cruising at about 60MPH and when coasting at 40 MPH.

I've had it back to the dealer to check it out. Of course they couldn't locate the problem. I just filled out the survey form and noted these problems.

Let me know if someone finds the solution for these problems.

Overall I'm very satisfied with the truck.

kojak3 · February 2001

Has anyone attempted to swap the center front seat for the console that comes with the bucket seats? Just got my new QC with bench seat and am debating the console. Was at the dealer today and they pulled it up on the parts computer. Looks like it can be done since the "bench" seat in the QC is really 2 buckets with a "20%" middle seat.

jbardram · February 2001

Received a set of black tubuler bed rails for my '00 Quad for Christmas, but have decided to go the cap route. The bed rails were never installed. If anyone is interested please e-mail me (jbardram@aol.com). Will sell for very reasonable price. Can send digi pic if interested. Thanks!

iowabigguy · February 2001

I don't suppose you got a total for parts to do the swap?

iowabigguy · February 2001

I looked it up in the shop manual for the 2000 Dakota (what I have - 2001 should be similar.)
First of all I don't understand why bucket seats are a $200 option as the bench seat is much more involved/complicated than the buckets w/console

1. Bench seats. It appears to be mounted to a total of 8 points, 4 on each bucket. The seats are removed as an assembly. The center seat mounts with 4 bolts to brackets/ears that come off of the inside bucket seat mounting rails. From the drawing they appear to be part of the stamping and would require being cut off with a hacksaw or similar device. If you were installing a "custom console" you could leave the ears intact and mount the console to the center seat attachment points.
I think that with the ears removed that if you wanted to use a generic console like you might find in WalMart or the like would work here as well.
If you were a CB radio fan or needed to mount a commercial 2 way radio it too would work well between the buckets.
The new Chrysler mini vans are advertised with a removable console, possibly something like this might also be a viable alternative.

2. The easy part, installing the factory console. The factory console on a 2000 Quad/club cab requires a bracket to support the rear of the console and the front appears to be directly secured to the floor pan. The console also appears to "key" into the front of the mini "console" (book calls it a bezel) that surrounds the floor shifters. Mine is a 2 wheel drive with a 5 speed, the bezel in the drawings appears different than the one on a 4 wheel drive Dakota. It could just be the drawings as I've noticed quite a few errors when comparing the book to my Dakota. (as an (snide) aside here, I expect that it will only get worse as all the remaining Chrysler workers are replaced by on-native English speakers. I also suspect with all the layoffs and belt tightening the Damlier people will make that the future Dakota won't make my next best buy list) Back to the subject the parts list for the console show;
1) cup holder mat
2) accessory bin mat
3) floor console and
4) bracket.
Hope this makes sense. Rick

PS looked at a 2001 Viper. They have a really cool looking emblem on the hood that looks exactly the same size and shape as the Dakotas. Hmmmmmmmm

gator72 · February 2001

Does anyone know the web address to access Technical Service Bulletins for Dodge Dakotas? I would appreciate it if you would post it.

Thanks,

GATOR72

pinnaclecsi · February 2001

Try www.totallyauto.com/information/. You can find TSB's, and much other info.

mulderig · February 2001

TSB
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm

Recalls
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recmmy1.cfm

kojak3 · February 2001

Thank iowabiggguy for the info. I didn't price out the console although its less than a $200 difference if you order buckets from the factory. I haven't had a good chance to really look at doing this other than looking on the computer at the parts department. I recovering from major surgery and its tough enough to just sit in the truck let alone bend, twist and turn looking at doing the swap. If I can make the swap happen, I'll order the new console from Dodge.

My 92 Dakota I just traded in had a bench seat which didn't really bother me--in fact it was pretty darn comfortable. I like the amount of "shhtuff" I could put into the console versus leaving all over the cab.

Yeah, veryone is figuring why didn't I just order the buckets. I needed a new trcuk right now and oculdn't wait another 6-8 weeks for ordering one. Also, I cut a VERY good deal on this one. In the end, if the swap isn't easy, I'll keep the bench.

More to follow.

iowabigguy · February 2001

Well I kinda proud of myself. I photocopied the pertinent diagrams from BOB. I then fed them through a sheet scanner, cropped, resized and posted in the following url. When you get to the photo album click on Dakota and you can see the differences between bucket and bench seating.

http://photos.yahoo.com/rsheeres_pics

I hope this allows you to visualize what I tried to explain in words. Rick

quadhog · February 2001

I had a 2000 Quad built in Feb 2000 (4x2) with the convenience package (locks, alarm, cruise, etc). I did not get the o'head display pkg. Can anyone tell me if the wire harness is in place for the overhead pkg as well as the necessary connections so that I can just purchase the display module and pop it in???????
If it is not that easy can anyone tell me what is involved???? On the 4.7 I'm only getting 12.32 MPG local @#$%^&*. I guess I need the display to learn how to use the gas pedal. Try to teach an old dog new tricks. Would like lots of feedback.
Thanks Allen

schoonover · February 2001

I just got my 2001 quad with 4.7, auto, 4x4, sport plus, leather, deluxe overhead, skid plate, trailer tow, cd. I must say, I love this truck. It is VERY powerful, VERY smooth on the road and I am surprised that dodge has not gotten more recognition for this truck.

My only concern is this.... My truck shifts out of overdrive VERY easily on the highway. On the slightest incline, with seemingly plenty of power to spare...wwwwWWWWHHAAAA .... there it goes ... out of overdrive. I have not towed anything yet, but it this is any indication, I will just have to turn the overdrive off when I do.

My brother has driven a similar quad and he had the same comment about that 4.7 auto. What gives!! Does anyone know if dodge has identified a problem or if they can alter the shift points. Feedback?? Same problem?? Comments??

Norm

PS, I am comparing this to my wife's V8 4x4 explorer which NEVER has needed to shift out of overdrive on the highway.

mailman54 · February 2001

Schoonover: I have a 00 4.7 auto regular cab and have never experienced your problem. In fact, I have never had to use the overdrive lockout button since I've owned the truck. Seems to chug right up the hills at anything over 2000 rpm. Anything lower than that you are probably better off that it downshifts so that you don't lug the engine down. I have the 3.92 rear end versus the 3.55, but I don't remember anyone with the 3.55 mentioning that problem either.

Mailman

henne · February 2001

i have the 2000 4.7 3.92 auto and a friend has the 2001 same and his kicks out of overdrive all the time. i dont know why it does. we drove some hills together and it was a big difference. mine kicked out on one hill and his kicked out most every hill. i told him he must have gotten the 3.55 rear but we looked and he had the 3.92. i thought it was very odd!!

good luck.

robert

deckdog1 · February 2001

on a Mitsubishi dealers used lot today. Asking price was $20995. Was 2wd with sport plus,pwr. overhead group,4.7,3.55 axle with lsd,tire & handling group, pwr win & locks, cassette with cd changer, linex spray in,16000 miles, aftermarket alarm,and sliding rear window. Was a 2000. Anyone out there got a feeling for what a reasonable offer on this quad might be? I have a 99 dak club cab to trade. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

bpeebles · February 2001

Come on Guys... the multispeed mission (45RFE) is DESIGNED to do this. What you are most likely sensing is the UNLOCKING of the torque-converter.

Although it is a 4-speed mission, there is still only 3 "gears" that are used during acceleration. The 4th "speed" is a special 2nd gear used for kick down.

Lets remember that the 45RFE was SPECIFICALLY built for the 4.7L V8 Hemi engine and is COMPLETELY computer-controlled... including the time-to-change-gears and the holding pressure on all of the clutches. (to reduce parasitic losses)
Since this engine has a "peaky" power band, the 45RFE is "tuned" to keep the engine at the most efficient RPM.

In any case... this is not a problem as some have suggested.

iowabigguy · February 2001

Rule of thumb on asking price, subtract $4000 and you will be getting close to what the dealer traded for. Used to be a $2500 markup about 10 years ago but they got greedy. Dealers generally make their profit selling used cars. You didn't mention transmission but I assume its an auto. Personally I'd go for a new truck. You "should" get a better trade for your 99 from a Dodge dealer. You will also have exactly what you want if you order and you are not buying someone elses problems. $20,999 is probably closer to invoice price for a new Quad than you'd realize (for a rough figure take 10% off the window price) and then there is the rebate. Rick

mulderig · February 2001

quadhog the wiring harness is not in your truck for the power overhead console. I looked into that when I got my 2001 QC last August. From talking to friends who work for D/C it was way to much work to take apart the interior of my truck to put in a new harness.

ozark · February 2001

Any quaders with squeaking noises in the front end? My 2000 4x4 Sport, 33,000+ mostly highway miles, has developed a loud squeak when going over bumps. It seems to be coming from the front end. I posted more details in the maintenance sections but thought I might post here as well. If you have had similar problems I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

earl1z19 · February 2001

I have checked a few companies and have not been able to find a supercharger for the new 4.7.
Has anyone been able to find something like this out there?
Also, has anyone found an inexpensive place to buy the "BEDRUG"? I am not certain it is worth $400.00.

bnc · February 2001

Hi all,
I will be purchasing a cap soon ( Stockland) and the bed extender as well. Question is does anybody have this combo and can the extender operate thru it's range of motion with the cap on? Does it hit the struts or anywhere on of the cap during its arc? Also, Can you remove the extender while it is in the "storage" position r( folded inside the bed) or do you have to fold it out prior to removing?
Thanks,

mailman54 · February 2001

Bruce: Whatever you said certainly makes sense to me!

Mailman

ayrow · February 2001

Hi guys.

Still waiting on my 2001 Quad cab to come in. Been about 6 weeks...

I can answer some of your questions that I have seen even though I don't own the actual truck yet.

How?? Trust me. After 17 cars and a lot of repairing and modifying, I've learned a lot.

1.) The overhead counsel containing the trip computer and compass:
The answer is indeed no, the previous post was correct, you cannot hook it into any existing harness since you did not have is installed at the factory. However, you CAN get the compass to work. I bought an overhead computer thingy at the junkyard (from an Eagle Vision, I think. Same one found in the Dodge) and installed in my '99 Rodeo. I determined which wires powered it and found that the compass would actually tell direction since the computer/sensor is located in the actuall unit. The rest relies on external sensors that you would have to dig out of cars in a junk yard to have function the rest. You might keep in mind that I have yet to hear of a trip computer found in one of these things that was in the least bit accurate. It is more of a fancy gizmo than a tool. If you really want a great trip computer that will tell you what you want to know, go spend $350 on a Garmin GPS+ navigator unit. I have one and love it. Shows a map of where you are going in real-time. You'll end up spending more money putting in a Dodge computer anyway in the long run. Check out www.garmin.com for more info.

2.) The squeaking noise, in my experience, usually turns out to be the shock absorbers. I have heard way too many horror stories about the shocks going out on DM cars after only a few thousand miles. If you got 30,000 miles on factory shocks, you did well. Try replacing them first, you might solve your problem. If not, chances are they need to be replaced anyway. If the sqeak still persists, check the steering assembly next. Make sure the joints in the assemble are well greesed if they have the fittings provided. (for some reason, car manufactures are doing away with the greese fittings and going to sealed fittings. They are more maintanence free, but are impossible to deal with when they fail. (plus they have a tendency to fail more often than not))

Good Luck

rfroache · February 2001

bnc,
I'm taking a guess here, but I've seen and played with the bed extender (I don't own one) and I really doubt that you'll be able to swing it over with a cap installed. Perhaps if you have a cap with the heightened back end with larger back window it may swing over, but I'd also be skeptical about the outer width of the extender coming into contact with the cap. You'd better make sure it's what you expect before you make the purchase.

zidctlr · February 2001

has anyone upgraded the speakers or put a sub woofer in their quad cab. Also has any one put an amp in the existing system?

earl1z19 · February 2001

I too would be interested in upgrading the tunes. There is little room for a sub but I think that if you were to mount it behid the left rear seat you may be able to squeeze in a bazooka sub. You will need to have an amp that has line level inputs to accomidate the factory radio. I dont know if the factory radio has pre-amp out lines or not, if it does you would be able to plug them directly into your amp.( does any one know what the back of the radio looks like, any hook ups? )
As for the speakers it depends on what system you have. I have the Infinity system in my QC and it will take some $$$ to upgrade. You can visit www.crutchfield.com to see what would work. I do feel that buying a high dollar componet speaker system would be the only way to go.
Let me know what you find so that I can maybe try something similar!

earl1z19 · February 2001

Crutchfield does have a special harness to plug into the factory radio to add a sub!

bpeebles · February 2001

(earl1z19) There are several manufacturers that have announced intentions to offer superchargers for the 4.7L V8 Hemi engine.

There is the ATI Procharger out of Kansas as well as KenneBell.

Also check out the follwing links. Do not forget to look under the Jeep Grand Cherokee since this engine was originally offered in that vehicle in 1999.

http://www.carrollsupercharging.com

http://www.truckperformance.com

ohc_baby · February 2001

I posted some info in the Accessories forum, but I can add some here. I like having the changer in the rear, but there is room for a bazooka sub and it should work pretty well. I'm gonna find something to up under the driver's seat, though. As far as radio outputs, there's only the ground, optional changer I/O, antenna, and speaker-level outputs, regardless of base or infinity setup. This is all from the FSM.

kojak3 · February 2001

Thanks for the posting the pictures. They are a big help in visualizing this swap. I'm hoping by the end of the week I'll be healed enough to put my head under the seats and truck to fully check it out.

The cap on your truck looks great. Mine is on order and will be dark garnet red like the truck. I think the cap makes these quads rock!

Kojak

gator72 · February 2001

I have a 4x2 '01 QC, 4.7L, SLT Plus, with T&H package, ABS and 16" tires. A few posts back I mentioned that mine squeaks while making slow right turns - and applying the brakes. There is NO noise if I don't apply the brakes. A couple of people responded with the same problem. I could not find any TSB's for this problem when I looked up the 2001 QC.

Since mine only does it when I apply the brakes in a slow turn, it's probably a brake thing; maybe a loose clip or something. Within the next week or so, I'll be at the dealer for my 1st "free" oil change - and will ask them to look into it.

Until then, does anyone have ideas what this is?

THANKS,

GATOR72

PS. Is there an aftermarket in-dash CD/cassette stereo that will fit the 2001 QC? The factory job seems flat - even with the equalizer.

bobs5 · February 2001

Check out crutchfield for the radio.

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-s59tC3OfzOo/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&g=52600&s=0

ozark · February 2001

Thanks ayrow,gator72,bpeebles for input. The front end squeaking that I mentioned previously is very loud. I guess more creaking than squeaking and happens about anytime that I go over an uneven surface. The pulsating brake pedal does not happen every time I put on the brakes nor does it appear to occur at any particular speed. The truck also has developed a metallic grinding noise that seems to be coming from the rear wheels. This occurs when making a hard turn in either direction. I heard this while trying to isolate the squeaking-creaking sound.

With 33,000+ miles I can say that I still love the truck but these apparent manufacturing or design flaws are starting to dim my enthusiasm. With previous Nissan and Jeep vehicles I had almost no problems, and then mostly after 125,000+ miles. I ordered this truck exactly the way I wanted because I expect to keep it for the long haul (200,000 miles). I hope I was not dreaming.

bobs5 · February 2001

Another snowstorm in the northeast yesterday.
This truck does great in the snow.

Limited slip axle worked great.
I was stopped at a stop sign on an incline. Had an initial wheel spin then forward momentum began and off I went. (My old ranger 2wd pickup with open differential would have been stuck in this scenario)

I did not need to engage 4x4 for the ride home from work.

Knob on the dash 4x4 engagement went flawlessly. Hey, had to try it out, right?

cetris · February 2001

bpeebles,

Are you sure about that? I thought there were truly four forward ratios in there, PLUS the alternate 2nd gear ratio. When it is cold out, and the computer doesn't let the torque converter lockup, I swear it shifts three times, i.e.- 1>2, 2>3, and 3>4. And then when it warms up some I get the much larger RPM reduction when the TC locks up. I could be wrong about this and will have to check it out on my next drive, but I was thinking it was a true 4 speed auto box.

Chuck- Charlotte, NC

>Although it is a 4-speed mission, there is still >only 3 "gears" that are used during >acceleration. The 4th "speed" is a special 2nd >gear used for kick down.

txqc2000 · February 2001

I'm currently considering buying some seat covers for my cloth seats and have looked at two options: 1) "Wet Okole" neoprene seat covers which are EXPENSIVE; and 2) the Mopar cloth covers in the Dakota accessories catalog. Both are custom fit for the seats (front and back). But for the price, I would've bought the neoprene ones b/c they will probably give me the best protection I'm looking for (primarily against spills and stains caused by my kids) and they are supposed to be pretty comfortable. I've seen these before on various open top Jeeps and the owners I've talked to seem to love them.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these two seat covers or any other advice regarding seat covers? Thanks in advance.

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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