Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

stnick

Checked out your photos fatfenders, nice truck, and a good shot of roll top. Also Bob, on the fan roar, mine does that also, but only for about a couple of minutes, then the fan clutch lets go and it shuts up. On the shift, I only notice an unusual shift on the 2/3 shift and only at a particular throttle setting. example, light or heavy throttle, smooth. But at moderate throttle it has a bit of a hesitation almost a slip, but since its good otherwise, I think its okay. Mine is a 00 4.7 auto 7200 miles now. Stnick.

stnick

If you live in a cold climate, you may notice that your torque converter won't lock up for 2,3 or 4 miles of driving. Dealer says thats normal until operating temps get to a predetermined temp. But on the way home a couple of nights ago, it was 2 below zero, it never locked up on the 13 mile drive, so for the remainder of this deep freeze wer'e in here I have installed a large piece of cardboard in front of the radiator. Very easy on this truck as the grille goes up with the hood. That has helped warm her up a little faster. Just a hint for those of you enjoying a lovely winter as I am here. It helps the milage when its locked up. Regards, Stnick

roneber

I've looked through some of the many messages here, but didn't find reference to the Full Time AWD available for the Dakota. I'm considering buying a Dakota, primarily because of the AWD, and of course the Quad. Does anyone have any comments, pro or con, on the AWD? Is this the first year it's been available? Any and all comments welcome. We are currently recieving another 6-10" of snow here in MN, and my 2wd Ram isn't as secure on the road as I'd like. Thanks.

kmine

Well my truck is finally sitting in my drive way. I picked it up yesterday. I was getting nervous with some of the posting I was reading over the past couple of weeks about some of the problems that were being experienced out there, but very happy to say everything is k. It was 15 egress out this AM when I got in the truck. Started right up, waited 30 seconds and took off. No problems with the cranny, no rattles in the dash or doors, no vibrating mirrors. I had heat in the cab like you wouldn't believe after driving less than 5 ins. I have 80 miles on the truck with MPG about 12.5 per my computer, ( I will verify with actual).

Oh yea I have.......heeeheeee I HAVE a 01'Quad ST ++ 4X4,4.7 auto tarn, 3.55, with every option except leather, full time WAD, and 4W ABS. Patriot Blue over Silver. SOOOO SWEEET.

Kmine

kmine

I just read my last post and noticied all the words that were automatically changed when I posted the message. I am not really that dumb, or bad a typist.

01' SLT Quad Cab, 4X4, 4.7 autotranny, 3.55, all options except leather, AWD, and 4W ABS. Hope that looks better.

Kmine.

badassbob

Thanks for the link...I guess the roll top will look just as good on a RED QC....

CHAD Greensboro, NC

gator72

MPG: I just read several posts about mileage. I've got an '01 QC SLT+, 4.7 V8 auto, HD package, with 1,100 miles.

I'm getting between 13 & 14 MPG in the city. BUT, I've got a LEAD FOOT!!! If I can keep my foot out of the firewall, I average about 15.4 in the city; (according to the overhead computer).

ROARING ENGINE: During startup in this cold weather, my engine will "roar" for about 2~3 minutes (or a couple of blocks) until the engine warms up. That's normal. I also have a '95 GMC Jimmy with a Vortec V6 - It does the same thing.

UNUSUAL SHIFTS: I noticed another post about unusual shifts. Occasionally, my driveshaft makes a bumping noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd while traveling at LOW speeds. BUT, there is no such noise when driving at NORMAL speeds. The dealer said this condition is "normal" for QC's with auto. tranny / 4.7 V8. Does anyone else have this experience?

GREAT HEATER: Mine heats up nicely within the first two miles. No problem when switching between floor and vent airflow.

BED COVER: I got the folding bed cover with locks at both ends. Paid too much at the dealer ($630 installed), BUT I love the cover! It was a secure place to stash my packages while x-mas shopping. I also have the rubber bed mat instead of a bedliner. It is HEAVY; won't budge! Plus, it's easily removed when washing the bed.

TWO THUMBS UP: This is my first Dodge. So far, I love it!! The more I drive it, the better I like it. I would give it two thumbs up.

Happy New Year To All!

GATOR72

badassbob

I read your post about the 13mile trip @ -2F and vaguely remembered reading something in teh owners manual about that when i first got my truck...I dug the O.M. out of the glovebox and sure enough in Section 5 "Starting and Operating" , Page 113 of the '00 manual it says the following--->

"NOTE: If the vehicle is started in ambient temperatures of -5 F (-21 C) or below, the Overdrive will NOT turn ON. This protects the transmission from damage if the transmission oil cooling system freezes. Overdrive operation will resume when the ambient temperature has risen to approximately 2 F (-17 C) "

So, apparently not only does the truck look @ operating temp but ALSO OUTSIDE temp when trying to decide when to make the drive line lock up ...

I tried to look this up in the B.O.B. but couldn't get to it because of all the Christmas Boxes...GO FIGURE!!!!!

CHAD---Greensboro, NC

brianpha

Well after driving (and loving) my 01 Quad for the past two weeks, I can say I like having the Full time AWD. It takes the guess work out of having to wondering if I should shift on the fly or not.
I don't know, but I doubt the MPG is that much different....also, got it Line-X'd...looks sweet!!
Garnett red with the black line-x bedliner...This truck is great in every way!!

Brian

shawkwav

Robusaf,

Send me a message to shockwave@pacbell.net for the checklist.

Shawkwav

cadguy

Can the dealer adjust the idle on the quads?
My vibration problem at idle is still here. They checked compression, etc. and only found a slight misfire. They told me to try a tank or two of 89 octane to see if that may be the problem. Well, it wasn't. I think that it is simply idling too low (+/- 500-550 ram). If you give it a little gas and get the revs up to 650-700 everything smooths out. I had this exact same type of problem on my last Mercedes and the idle could not be adjusted on it without messing with the computer somehow. Just thought I'd check it out with you all before going back to the dealer. Thanks.

ferous

Congrats on the new Truck. I'm sure you really are happy with it. After all, you went from a '87 Buick to a New Dakota. How couldn't you be happy!!!

slickwilliedj

when making turn there is a very slight popping ound the comes ftom the front suspension sort of can feel it though the sterring wheel .can't figure it out. any one else with similar problem or know what this may be?

slickwilliedj

when making turn there is a very slight popping ound the comes ftom the front suspension sort of can feel it though the sterring wheel .can't figure it out. any one else with similar problem or know what this may be?01 q/c

indychapell

HAVE A QUAD 4/4 AUTO 3.55 ANTI SLIP. LOVE THE TRUCK, BUT AM A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DROP IN MILEAGE (CITY) FROM WHEN I GOT TRUCK TILL NOW. Granted the weather has turned cold, and my driving is pretty flat here, but from a avg. of 15mpg down to 11.5 has me a little concerned. can the cold make that much difference? or could there be a sensor problem. Truck has 3100 miles. Should I be concerned at this time, or give truck a little longer. Am thinking very strongly of a K/N filter. Would appreciate any thoughts on this matter.

badassbob

I dont know where you live but if it is like Greensboro NC, I believe there is a mass switch to Oxygenated Gasoline during the winter months which will have a pretty awful affect on MPG(Dont know about 4MPG or so) but my '00 MPG improved alot as i got more miles on it (Currently 11,000mi)...It never hurts to go back and let them look at it and at least LOG A COMPLAINT that might help out down the road if it doesnt come back up..

CHAD Greensboro, NC

2nddak

If anyone is interested in an inexpensive, lightweight plow for personal use only, go to "snowbear.com" We've had 70" so far this season and it has worked great. It goes on and off in about a minute, and the initial insallation only takes about two hours. For under a $1K it is a pretty slick unit for plowing your own driveway.

traumagas

I put 27.78 gal of fuel in my empty quad. I was 11 miles past
dte on the computer, It read 0, 414 miles on the tank. Has anyone else exp this? Traumagas

indychapell

Thanks for input on mpg on my truck. You are the second person to mention something about Oxygenated gas. Also your thought on taking truck into dealer, or at least letting them know I think there could be a problem is along the same lines that I've been thinking. Still would like to hear a little more input on the K/N filter. By the way I'm from Indianapolis. Have relation living in the Lenoir/Morganton area. Been to the Southport,Long Beach area many times, and will probably be back again this year.

iowabigguy

Are you sure your gas station isn't cheating you?

traumagas

I hope Not but I guess anything could happen
This is a amoco station, that I have used for years. I have bought weed-eater gas in 2 gal containers and I think the pumps are correct.
I packed the fuel in and filled the neck to the brim. traumagas

hogger4

Just took delivery of my new Quad 12/29. With 242 miles on it, I picked up a piece of steel in the left rear tire 12/30. AAA took only 45 minutes to come to our rescue. Thanks to Dodge and a full size spare, I am back on 4 wheels. Hope Good year's Road Hazard coverage is valid.

I want to buy a tool box to go across the bed right behind the rear window. Only source the local parts store has for 01 Quads is bee bee, who wants $400 + for an aluminum box. Any other sources? I would prefer to stay away from plastic. Thanks!

fat_fenders

I don't recall if you have a 4X2 or 4X4, but if it's a 4X4, have dealer service check the torsion bars. Some have been found to not be seated completely in lower control arm, causing a pop, clunk or whatever you want to call it in the front suspension.

I had a pop/clunk sound on my 01 4X4 QC that was traced to a rf fender-to-cab bolt (behind inner wheel well), that wasn't tight enough. Made the noise most a slow speed, when body/frame was flexing. Like pulling into a steep driveway...

Good luck and happy Quadin'

fat_fenders

cowtownaggie

Hogger4

If you have a Tractors Supply store in your area, they carry a Dee Zee tool box (single lid / across the bed) with wheel well cut-outs that fits on the Quad. It is somewhat "short" where it fits on the side rails, but I have had mine on (and loaded w/chains/tools/etc. for the ranch) for about three weeks with no slipping or problems. The price on the bright aluminum box is about $235 - $250. If you don't have a tractors supply, check with your local Dee Zee dealer.

Hope this helps.

Cowtown Aggie

murray22

I have 2000 QC 4x4 4.7 auto.I have the exact same noise in the front right when turning left. saw a post earlier refering to possible loose fender bolt..mine sounds more like a suspension problem.Any help?

murray22

I have a 2000 QC 4x4 4.7 auto.LOVE this truck. had 94 Sonoma 171k trouble free miles b4. never in shop. Not so Lucky with this QC. Picked it up in April. 29k miles to date. (150 mile commute daily) Last weekend had oil changed. 1st time I didnt do it myself. Mechanic strongly pointed out problem. Lots of thick yellow condensation/sludge in oil cap & had to add Anti-freeze. Took it to dealer yesterday- you guessed it. couldnt find problem. says sludge normal. BS. Any Help??

spike50

Many moons ago both topics were discussed.

Especially on 4x4's, the torsion bars make noises after the wheels have been turned to the extreme left or right. I think that several owners did go back to theirs dealers and the bars were successfully better adjusted into their sets to eliminate the chatter when straightening out the wheels after the turn. BTW, mine do it too but I'm waiting for warmer weather to deal with it.

Can't say that I'm 100% sure of the source of the Yellow Slim but last winter ('99/'00) many if not all 4.7L V8 owners had it. I current have the "problem" too. The design of the oil fill tube / funnel allows it to get cold enough, in the winter, to condense to normal crankcase oil vapor (yellowish) / water (whitish) emulsion. Again, every engine has this condition but because of the 4.7L's oil fill tube design you see it. If the oil fill tube was shorter (be hotter) and its cap vented, via a hose, back into the intake manifold, as many engines used to be, the Yellow Slim would be minimal. On later '00 models, DC started placing a plastic wind screen beside the radiator to divert the direct blast of cold air that was hitting the oil fill tube. Mine has the screen but to a degree I still have the problem but its no big deal.

If your anti-freeze continues to need topping off, then I'd look for leaks at the cap, hoses, etc. before I would think that its leaking into the crankcase.

Because of everyone's participation in these forums, threads, topics (Q/A), I feel that I have a better handle on the bumps, squeaks, and whirls of my QC. I can now focus on the big stuff, of which I don't currently have any with my '00. Everything else about my life is a problem but not the QC but that's another story(s).

badassbob

I ordered my '00 Quad 4.7L last March and took delivery last April, Since then i have accumilated 12,100 miles on it...I had the oil changed as follows:

1000 mi -> Dealer-> Conventional 5w-30 No Sludge
2000 mi -> Dealer-> Conventional 5w-30 No Sludge
3000 mi -> Dealer-> Conventional 5w-30 No Sludge
4500 mi -> Dealer-> Conventional 5w-30 No Sludge
6000 mi -> Self-> Mobil-1 Tri-Syn 5w-30 No Sludge
9000 mi -> Self-> Mobil-1 Tri-Syn 5w-30 No Sludge
12050mi -> Self-> Mobil-1 Tri-Syn 5w-30 No Sludge

As you can see, I didnt let the oil get very dirty for the 1st 6000 miles, I had 15 free oil changes from the dealer so i burned 4 of them up pretty fast and then traded the remaining back to the dealer for the SunScreen and StepGuards out of the Accessory catalog because i planned on using Mobil-1 TriSynth and there Mobil-1 Synth Filter after 6000 miles...

I had read about this yellow stuff hear before i ordered so i popped the hood and took a look inside the fill neck before each time i left it withthe dealer for their oil changes and each time it ws clean...

The last 3 times i have changed the oil since Mobil-1, there has been NO Sludge AT ALL in the fill tube...

Even if there was, i wouldn't let it bother me. The internal combustion process is a DIRTY one...i would just have the service dept NOTE IT ON THE TICKET every time i took it in, just in case there was a service bulletin down the road..

Just my 2cents worth

CHAD-Greensboro, NC

sparkgap101

Hi all, and Happy New. Off the lot, brand new 2000 ST Quad, last November. 4x2, 4.7L, 3.55 axle, anti-spin, H.D, tow, fog, overhead console. Just love this truck. Paid less than dealer invoice and 0.9% Chrysler financing to boot. A real bargain. Post ya later.

spike50

I have about 9,500 miles on now and have changed the oil in approx. 4,000 mile increments. Used regular oil the first time but Mobil 1 this last one. Just checked my oil fill tube and there is a thin layer of slim here and there. Must admit that I didn't make everything [non-permissible content removed]-n-span so this stuff might be left over from before. As you noted, its not that big of deal.

blubelle

I haven't had the slime problem yet but I had noted that in my little black book that Post 414 gave the DC part numbers for a new oil cap and baffle that solved the problem. Prior to that I thought it would be a simple matter to put a 1" fiberglass insulating wrap around the filler tube to keep it warm. For what it's worth.

blubelle

Even with the use of the 2x6 & 2x4 cross bed supports I found it a little difficult to haul 4'x8' sheets of building material in my 01 Quad, especially thin paneling as there was no support for the material beyond 5'-10''. I finally dawned on me if I lowered the tailgate to about 45 degrees I would end up with a support at the right height about 7 feet out from the fount of the bed. I found a simple way to support the tailgate in this attitude by hooking a 1/4 inch turnbuckle with a 16" reach between the tailgate latch Post and the tailgate latch. I just press the tailgate latch closed with my finger on one end of the turnbuckle and hook the other end over the Latch post on the bed. Then adjust the turnbuckle to get the desired tail gate height. The turnbuckle I used cost $3.20 at Home Depot. I'm sure there are many ways of supporting the tailgate at the popper angle but this was cheap , easy to carry around, and works great. I used a quick link on the tail post end to avoid having to cut or spread the turnbuckle eye to fit over the Tail gate post. By the way it is really easy to tie down the material in this configuration. For what it's worth.

blubelle

By the way my son and I put our full weight on the angled tail gate , approximately 350lbs and nothing even creaked. I'm sure you can use lighter material but it was the only one available with a long enough reach.

blubelle

I haven't had the slime problem yet but I had noted that in my little black book that Post 414 gave the DC part numbers for a new oil cap and baffle that solved the problem. Prior to that I thought it would be a simple matter to put a 1" fiberglass insulating wrap around the filler tube to keep it warm. For what it's worth.

bobs5

Happy New Year everyone.

Been on vacation for the past 2 weeks so there is not too much to post about the truck.

We had our first real snowfall in about 5 years here in NJ over the weekend.
Approximately 16" at our house. Finally enough snow to justify cranking up the old snow blower.

Did take truck for a spin around the block after the snow plows went through.
Anti spin axle worked great.
4x4 engagement (knob on dash) was flawless and undetectable.

Made some emergency stops on the snow to try out the 4 wheel abs system.
This is my first experience with this kind of system.
The stops were short, but the abs system makes an incredible amount of noise when engaged.
I was a little bit concerned about the noise and pedal pulsation feeling, but I guess that is how these systems work.

Anyone else have the abs system?
Does your abs system make lots of noise when engaged?

steve234

hogger4: Unless you popped for the road hazard coverage, you are not covered. My Quad had a rock puncture on the first day and I now have an expensive spare tire that is probably only good for short distances. Luckily, the full size spare saves me from buying a new tire. One of those live and learn experiences.

My gas mileage had been averaging 16.5, with the lowest being 15.0. With the winter weather and holiday traffic, I have had some 12.5-13.5 tanks. It is hard to judge performance during this time of year.

We have been getting some nasty weather the past week or so. 2-3 inches ice and then 6-8 inches snow. For a state that does not normally see much snow and ice, it has been a mess. My Quad has been great. It handles like a dream on both. The fun is getting out before the yahoos and scrapers to really test winter performance. I also was able to see more quad cabs because there was a larger percentage of them oput.

ferous

Yellow oil slime was a big topic last winter. I didn't get my truck till the end of March, so I haven't seen it all summer. It's been cold here (Michigan) for the Last two months, and I now have the yellow slime. I have been using only synthetic oil, but I'm still getting the sludge. Insulating the fill tube is the only way to prevent it.

bobsyvee

I have the 4 wheel ABS, and yes it gets noisy. But then it allows me to stop when others are still sliding. I can steer it too while the folks with rear ABS only can only hang on for the ride. The 4w ABS seems to work in two stages, with the front wheels needing engagement first. This could also be attributed to the front/rear brake proportioning.

I have been slimed also. 12k miles with the last three oil changes being Mobil-1. Temps here have been low teens or below for most of December. I'll haave the dealer install the TSB mod's when I bring it in for the xmission and diff service. ($$$)

Jim H

slickwilliedj

fat fenders.... my 01 I/I is a 4x2... it seems to show up when cutting wheels sharp or steep incline hats uneven...... very slight noise and I can feel it in the wheel. I guess next service I will have dealer look into... other then that my only other concern as been with rear axle being offset to the right about 1/2 - 3/4 more then left.... I know others have noticed this and i have seen other q/c and cc's on lot also haveing the same offset. i can't seem to get a answer as to if this is defect or normal?? any body else noticed there rear axel being offset to the right more then the left??? some insight was provided on moparchat.com dakota section but no 100% answers yet will prob there also for some info on this popping thing..later

martink98

I'm interested in mounting an aftermarket 10 disc CD Player under the rear seat. I recall that this is where the factory mounts theirs. Looking at it I don't see the clearance I need for this install. Does the factory cut down the hump in the floorpan? Any CD owners out there that could shed some light on this would be appreciated. TIA

slickwilliedj

fat fenders.... my 01 I/I is a 4x2... it seems to show up when cutting wheels sharp or steep incline hats uneven...... very slight noise and I can feel it in the wheel. I guess next service I will have dealer look into... other then that my only other concern as been with rear axle being offset to the right about 1/2 - 3/4 more then left.... I know others have noticed this and i have seen other q/c and cc's on lot also haveing the same offset. i can't seem to get a answer as to if this is defect or normal?? any body else noticed there rear axel being offset to the right more then the left??? some insight was provided on moparchat.com dakota section but no 100% answers yet will prob there also for some info on this popping thing..later

edpatruck

Just bought a '01 2wd Dakota SLT Quad Cab with 4.7L V8 engine and automatic transmission. The salesman that sold me my truck wasn't very knowledgable about the product. Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to break in the truck since the Owner's manual is pretty vague on this topic?
Thanks,
Edpatruck

bobs5

slickwilliedj - My 2001 Quad seems to be fine as per the rear axle offset problem which some of the other participants have mentioned. Hopefully this problem has been corrected by the factory.

bobs5

I was wondering if anyone knows for sure if the computer codes can be retrieved by the ignition switch cycle routine.

My old kcar had this feature which definitely helped trouble shooting problems.

For more info about this feature and other chrysler related items check out this site.
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html

steve234

The only place that I remember they posted the cd changer in the Quad cab is the console. However, the driver side rear seat has probably got the room if you place the changer all the way back to the rear. This may require removal of the seat first to install the wiring.

knkresort

Don't drive at steady speed for too long (30 minutes or so), do put your foot into once in awhile, but not a steady diet of gassing it, do stay under 70 mph, do avoid slamming on the brakes, and do all that for the first 500 miles. Change your oil @1000 miles and then again at 3000 miles, use normal oil. After that, you can switch to synthetic if you would like. Be nice to old ladies and dogs, watch out for old men driving 4-door sedans wearing baseball caps and can't see over the steering wheel, and don't challenge too many F-150s to drag races.

Other than that, enjoy.

KnK

tuvtest

what about those who's faces froze "like that" while running with sissors and the refrigerator door open

kmine

01' SLT Quad, 4.7, Auto,3.55 all options except leather,AWD, 4W ABS.
Patriot Blue over Silver.

Well 300 miles on truck, still no knocks, rattles, poping or vibrations. Had to pull my boat out from behind my house in 12" of snow. No problems, then towed it to a friends house to work on it in his garage. The boat/trailer = 2800lbs. This truck is beautiful had to keep looking in rear view mirror because it felt like I wasn't towing a thing. The truck shifted smoothly, no bogging down not even in the snow.

The only clunking I got from the tranny was when I shifted improperly out of 4L once I was out of the snow.

Kmine.

bookitty

Harold, you won't be happy until someone loses an eye.

Bookitty

hogger4

I ended up buying a new tire from the dealer to replace the one with sidewall damage at 242 miles. Cost $182.00 mounted and balanced. Hopefully, I might get Goodyear to pay 1/2 as the Service Manager's father works for Goodyear.

Truthfully, I never would have thought I would need to buy "road hazard" coverage for tires on a brand new truck. So, learn from my mistake and give serious consideration to purchasing the "road hazard" coverage. Thanks for the posts on tool boxes, gas mileage and tire coverage.