Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
As a comparison, I run my 4.7L engine with cardboard covering the entire radiator all winter long. (to improve heating in the cabin) I have even TRIED to make it overheat by climbing up a long (many miles) hill that needs 4th gear just to get up it. The temp guage only moves slightly above normal. (this is WITH the cardboard over the radiator)
Obvously, in your case, somthing is very wrong. The pressure (bleeddown) test they did seems to rule out a leaking head gasket. I also assume you do not see any water in the oil. This is good news.
The next thing to consider is that the belt is slipping or the waterpump is not pumping the coolant. If changing the belt does not help, consider changing the waterpump.
QUESTION: Does the upper radiator hose and radiator get HOT when it overheats? Does the heater with blower on HIGH blow hot air? (if not, this would point to the waterpump not moving the coolant thru the system.)
It is possible that you are just suffering from "air lock" within the cooling system. Make certain that all air-bubbles are burped from the cooling system. There is a "bleeder nipple" on the cooling system to help do this.
Also, It is IMPERATIVE that you cooling system has NEVER had "regular" antifreeze mixed in with the factory HOAT antifreeze. That could cause "jelling" of the antifreeze and may plug up the passagways in the engine.
Just thinking, though, when doesn't someone say "that's a common problem?"
Regards,
Dusty
The standard Dakota V8 is the 287 cubic inch, or 4.7 liter.
Best regards,
Dusty
Replaced throttle position sensor - can't believe the difference it made in the number of times the tach jumped. Truck feels 100% better - not a bad deal for $25.00 at Autozone. Thanks again for your help!!
lights (all) still cycle on and off intermittently. With the headlights off, engine off, and the door open, the interior lights will still flicker. The truck is out of warranty and I'm trying to fix ( with the advice from others ) myself. I just hit 61000.
Deer season is in and I need these lights fixed!!!!!!!!!! Thanks in advance John
Regards,
Dusty
Thanks for the quick reply. Is there any good/easy way to check the CTM?
Would this give me a code after several instances of seeing the problem?
And now for the big ? $$$$$ how many am I looking at.
You seem to be quite the expert here, I'm sure people are grateful.
Thanks John
John
To the best of my knowledge Chrysler is the only source for the Central Timer Module.
The CTM is one of the more difficult items to completely diagnose, but conventional electronic test equipment (digital voltmeter) can be used used to check each input and output circuit. Unfortunately, that can be tedious and a factory service manual is a necessity. Even after checking the hard input and output circuits there could still be a problem in the CTM itself that can only be verified with a DRB3 scan tool.
Best regards,
Dusty
I just checked a sight, www.lemonauto.com/complaints/daimon_chrysler/dodge)dakota.htm. It's showing a recall : NHTSA campaign # 02v322000 for the CTM on the 2002 which could cause headlight failure. Taking this notice to the dealer tomorrow to see if they stand behind it. I'll let ya know what I find out.
John
Let us know how you make out.
Bests,
Dusty
Bests,
Dusty
Would appreciate any feedback....Thanks!
If you are looking for PERFORMANCE : Do not go larger than 2.5 inches diameter and do not use "dual" pipes from the muffler. A single piple is MUCH better at maintaining exhaust velocity.... dual pipes WEIGH MORE, and REDUCE FLOW. (both bad for performance)
If you are also looking for PERMINANT exhaust system: Go with BORLA. It is the best - no questions about it. The BORLA also sounds great ON THE OUTSIDE while not making the inside of the truck much louder. (Because BORLA uses heavier-guage pipes)
Also, I have heard that SPINTECH has a good muffler. (uses sea-shell-shaped baffles to force soundwaves to cancell out.) Virtually no backpressure.
Madhatter,
Yes it is. Like anything that comes from the factory its a compromise system. But Dodge trucks in general and the 4.7 specifically are very efficient single exhaust systems. If your looking for high performance, then maybe a dual setup would provide some measurable gain, but I doubt it would be anything more than marginal. You'd probably lose some torque besides.
If you want the look and/or the sound, then that's something different. But for broad range performance and fuel consumption I think you'd be better off with the factory single exhaust.
I heard a Gibson on a '05 Quad Cab a few weeks ago and I thought the sound was nice without being raucous. The owner said it was very quiet inside the truck.
Good luck and best regards,
Dusty
Thanks for the feedback, I'm really on the fence about the exhaust mods a week after buying the truck. I may keep it stock for a while and just try a K & N intake/filter FIPK instead to help a little with performance and mileage. Getting a Line-X bedliler and tinted windows soon so that will somewhat "personalize" my ride enough for now without creating any regrettable issues due to an impulse-buy exhaust system.
Thanks again for the info...I'll definitely keep an eye on this board to further educate myself about my Dakota options, pro's and con's.
Have a good one..
I agree with both bpeebles and dustyk; the factory OEM muffler for the 4.7L is pretty decent. Also, agree that to maintain good exhaust velocity to stay with with 2.5" size pipes and with a single outlet are both wise tips if the engine is not highly modified. Mandrel bent piples (equal in diameter throughout) are also preferred for backpressure reduction.
Personally, I simply replaced the factory muffler only with a stainless steel Magnaflow low restriction one of the same size and am happy with the results. There was an approx increase of only 2-3 decibels of noise level while under acceleration. The slight deep throaty sound is music to my ears for a factory engine. During idle, there is only a very slight increase in the level of exhaust noise as compared to factory muffler. My setup on a 2003 is quieter than my friend's Gibson 3" cat back on a 2003 and another friend's Flowmaster (muffler only) setup on a 2000.
It really boils down to personal preferences, budget, and performance modifications plans. As previously mentioned, Borla, Gibson, Magnaflow, Flowmaster, Spintech, Dynamax, etc., are some other good alternatives.
Good luck with your selection.
dataguru
Thanks for the info, I Replaced the CTM, My VIN. # didn't match up for the recall so I dished out the $155.00 to replace the timer. Lights, door locks, etc. work. That fixed that problem. The keyless entry won't work, called the dealer today and now I have to take it in and have them use the scan tool to re program my remote,
price $20.00. I am thankful however from reading some of the other posts that this is the only problem I have had ( knock on wood ). I've had the truck one year next month and quite frankly other than the poor gas mileage ( 13 ish in the city) I have been quite happy w/it. I plan on doing a oil change and tune up prior to winter so maybe that will help. Trucks aren't made for economy so we just visit the gas stations more frequently. Now it's time to do some hunting, and haul a little venison in the back.
Thanks for your help. John
Regards,
Dusty
I find it VERY hard to beleive that a 4.7L engine was overheating by just getting off the highway. My clutchfan has never kicked in (based on factory service manual criteria) . My temp guage has NEVER EVER get close to overheat point. (Even in 90F, AC on high traveling 75MPH for hours....then come to a dead stop.)
I do not even have the "heavy duty cooling package" for towing. I am beginning to wonder if Dodge speced a smaller radiator in the newer Dakotas.
My suspicion is that you have some other issue besides that fanclutch....just how hot is it where you are? We are brushing SNOW off our vehicles here in Vermont at this time of year.
As a longshot.... are you SURE that the serpentene belt is installed properly? Although I have never tried it, I have been told that the serp belt can be installed incorrectly in such a way that the waterpump is driven BACKWARDS rotation. (Like I said - this is a longshot and most likely not your problem)
Another thing to consider, although I have never heard of it happening to a Chrysler product, Ford had an issue on older vehicles with water pump impeller erosion. Impeller vanes would erode to the point that the pump would no longer circulate coolant sufficently to keep the vehicle cool under high ambient temps after a period of driving. In fact, I have the same problem right now in a '89 302 and have eliminated all but the water pump...and it will be changed next week.
One other point, I have seen problems, although rarely, with either a radiator hose or heater hose collapsing under higher speeds and restricting coolant flow and then opening back up when vehicle cooled down. Check all your hoses and if you can easily collapse any place along it's length by squeezing it with your fingers, replace it.
According to my sources the 4.7 engine takes a 20 psi cap...perhaps part of the problem??
jneal
Heavy Duty Suspension, Heavy Duty Cooling System, Tow Package
My first impression of the truck was awe at how much larger the Dakotas have become since my '93 LE Club Cab. Not even anywhere near the same truck...it's as large as the full-size trucks were back then. Only sacrifice is the shorter bed, only 5'3" but you have to give somewhere to get the extra room of the Quad Cab. Roominess in the cab is all any one could ask for in a truck. I'm 5'11" and can't reach the pedals with the seat all the way back.
4.7 V-8 has plenty of power. Although I haven't towed anything yet (only 700 miles) there should be plenty of power for towing anything in the rated capacity.
Gas mileage is acceptable at this point. First full tank with mixed driving, about 60 % suburban and city and 40% highway I measured 18 mpg. I wasn't trying for mileage and did quite a bit of lead-footing so am well pleased with the mileage and am sure it will be better when fully broken in.
Looking under the hood it appears that the DC engineers haven't been too crazy, looks like most things will be fairly easy to work on or at least better than some makes I looked at.
Fit and finish are very good, body panels all align quite well. I would like to see more shielding in the wheel wells, especially in the front though.
No sign of the brake and rear end problems reported in the '05s so hopefully that issue is laid to rest. There is quite a bit of road noise and feel but I think that is the heavy-duty suspension and possibly the Goodyear LS tires. After all, it's a truck so it's supposed to drive and ride like one. Not really crazy about the coil-over front suspension but it's a proven technology so we'll see how it works out.
Overall, in my opinion, the '06 Dakotas are a good truck and I am well-pleased at this point.
jneal
Driving mostly Dodge trucks
since 1960
Anyone care to enlighten me on this difference?
Or is it just the usual incompetence of the parts houses?
Thanks, jneal
Driving Dodge trucks since 1960
Jnea;
driving dodges since 1960
Dont forget that it may take several warmup-cooldown cycles to burp all the air out of the cooling system. It is IMPERITIVE that the overflow tank be kept at least 1/2 full during this time...otherwise, the engine will "suck air" into the sytem as it cools off (contracts) and can cause overheating. Also, on the 4.7L - NEVER open the pressurecap, that will "break the vacuum" and allow air into the system. (I assume you know how to use the air-bleed-screw located near the pressurecap)
bottom inside seam of tailgate starting to rust. have 12k miles on it and it is garaged. anyone else having this problem?
You can also search the many other dakota forums here on edmonds.
Chrysler lists it at $300 for the hard copy and $90 for cd. Don't mind too much the $90 for a cd but not $300 for hard copy. Does anyone know the minimum computer requirements to run the cd? Chrysler website shows requirement of Windows 2000 Pro to access the website but I wouldnt think this would apply to running the cd.
Thanks
jneal
Driving Dodge trucks since 1960
This part allows for the multiple fan speeds.
Look under the glovebox on passenger side in the ductwork.
You will see a plug and 2 screws.
Changed mine out about a month ago. No problems since.
New part from dealer was under $11.
I'm considering replacing them with GY Fortera Silent Armor
tires. Anyone our there running these tires on their
Quad 2wd. I have 63K on the orginal tires, might go back with the Eagle LS? The Fortera's cost more but are rated much better,,,,,,
Thanks and a Merry Christmas to all,,,,
Mick
My Ram has been relegated to the car port until it gets used for weekend chores. I picked up a new Neon SXT with a 4 speed auto for $10,995 on closeout. For what I save in gas commuting (27 to 33 mpg)it will be paid for in 5 years.
I hope DC has some home runs coming up as the current offerings don't fit my needs. I was reading an article on the new low sulfur requirements for diesels and was surprised that it apparently applies to gasoline as well. The article forecasted a permanent increase in the cost of fuel next July of around $.57 when the changes take effect. I would think a small 6 cyl diesel engine would still be a good choice for a Dakota if it could get in the high 20s on the highway. Anyway I hope you all have a good holiday and that your Dakota keeps you smiling into the new year. Rick
Chrysler Campo Largo Plant
I have said many times in the past that I would consider buying one of these in a minuite. (My Volkswagen Diesel gets up to 57MPG so I am well-versed in the benifets of owning a diesel vehicle.)
Just imagine a Dakota that can get 25-35 MPG!!!
I'm surprised at your friend's mileage. I have the '06 QC 4.7 and am averaging 18 and the few interstate runs so far have checked out at just over 22. Only have about 1500 on it so far so hope it will still improve just a bit.
The truck market here in the deep south seems to be depressed judging by the amount and desperate tone of the Chevy and Ford commercials and may also apply to DC also althought I haven't noticed the volume of advertising out of DC so far.
I like the new styling of the DAK's but then my wife has always accused me of being a bubble off-center!!!