GSU1: As I mentioned earlier I'm taking my time with the Fold-a-Cover installation. I'll post as I move along.
I completed Steps 1 through 3 yesterday:
1. Attach lift handles (6 small L-brackets) with rivets. 2. Attach protective foam strips to cover (temporary strips to prevent scratching the truck rails during test fit). 3. Install front lock (the "total access" cover is pre-drilled for the front locking mechanism, but a 2" hole must be drilled for the rear lock later).
IMPRESSIONS SO FAR? -- The instructions are very thorough, and there are no missing parts. -- A good quality rivet gun (about $15) is essential. -- Time and material so far: 60 minutes and one cold beer.
Just my opinion of break-in before towing... I haven't checked the QC manual yet for DC's recommendations, but on the Ram, they recommended at least 500 miles before hooking up a trailer.
I ran it for 1200 miles before hooking up my 2,200 lb. enclosed trailer with one 750 lb. motorcycle aboard... Just wanted to be sure it was fully loosened up before placing that kind of load on it.
ALSO... I took Chrysler's recommendation (in the owner's manual) at the time seriously, and had the dealership drain and replace the conventional rear-end lube with a synthetic blend... Bought an extra bottle of the stuff... When I took the truck in for "quick oil changes" and fluid checks, I made CERTAIN to bring the extra lube along and stress that if the rear end needed topping off, to use the synthetic.
Perhaps I'm over-cautious, but the Ram performed flawlessly over many thousands of miles towing loads up to about 5,200 lbs.
forms. My dealer advised I just bring them in and let them fill the forms out in exchange for free oil changes and inspections, as long as I kept the dealers name plate on the front. The dealer also has a chevy franchise several miles from the Dodge's. My Quad was kept at the chevy dealership for over a week while accesories were put on. They reported three offers for the Quad, presumably from Chevy shoppers.
QUAD: Sorry to say (but I'll be perfectly honest), the Safari Bar install was halted midway through the project. I removed the plasic shroud under the oil pan to access the bumper mount bolts (required) and realized very quickly that the truck would have to go on a hoist to do the install... Replaced the shroud and struck a deal with the local Ziebart guy to do the install while they have the truck in to spray the Rhino Liner.
I'm not saying the Safari install couldn't be done in the driveway with a set of ramps... Just don't have that kind of time to burn, and felt the better route was to pay the guys to install while they have the truck in the bay.
As to lights... I'm still fishing for an appropriate set of blue visibility "bullet" lights... When the whole thing is wrapped up, I'll be happy to send digital images if you wish.
All-in-all, I'm extremely pleased with the accessorizing to date... The white/black theme (no chrome) is very appealing, and I'm certain the finished truck will be perfect for my purposes.
TP: Your dealer's willingness to swap oil changes for the priviledge of "evaluating himself" on the CSI form doesn't surprise me in the least!
I have to assume that your dealer has attained Five-Star status (a marketing advantage). Retaining that status depends in part upon what shows up on those DC evaluation forms. Providing a couple of oil changes is a cheap and quick way for the dealer to help retain Five Star.
SO... What does Five Star REALLY mean??? Go figure!
Thanks for the input on the leak under the engine and I agree it is most likely condensation I just wanted to be sure we agree on what side of the compartment we are talking about. My first post was written: "only to discover the leak coming from a hole in the back fire wall just to the right of the LEFT exhaust tube." (see post #459) I see you mentioned "the right rear of the engine" in post #464. To simply clear up the location it is on the left of the engine compartment while standing in front of the Quad. As for reading my manual, I agree, I should but I didn't think it would give me an answer as to where that particular tube leads too. Again thanks for the response though bpeebles, I'm still learning. 4daughters
Zonk re your post 455 on Bucket seats and overhead convenience group I have this combination in my truck. Maybe a another fluke with green light if they will not allow it. Good luck. Carl
The drain tube for the evaporator core is on the passenger side of the engine compartment, below the firewall. What you saw is merely water, not to worry.
Appreciate the link to Capitalwheels, I e-mailed them yesterday. Have you or anyone you know purchased from them and if so, was the experience satisfactory, the product as represented, yadda yadda yadda.....
are any restrictions currently on the Quad Cab? We've ordered the SLT Plus Decor Group that gives you the Tire & Handling Group (4x4; 31" x 10.5" R15 OWL all-terrain tires, 15" x 8" cast aluminum wheels). I'm hoping it's a sour grapes thing, but the dealer we DIDN'T order from is trying to tell us we won't see it for 4 months, as there's a restriction on that group. Of course, if they didn't tell us the lines were shut down for the summer, instead trying to sell us the one they have on the lot, I may have been more inclined to believe them! The dealer we DID order from says 6-8 weeks. I question that too after reading all of the posts!
Thanks for the update. Does your overhead console have the trip computer, compass stuff,etc? Something else about greenlight - they seem to have a different way of depicting options/packages. They don't have the relatively familiar groups like 23B, 26G, etc, at least for the Dodge Dakota. For example, they have several 4x2 packages dealing mainly with engine and transmission. But its not clear that a/c and the deluxe conv grp are part of any package. It certainly increases the cost as you add them. So, it makes it harder to compare the price of the vehicle you build on their site to that you build on another. Still just trying to narrow down who I will try to deal with.
I just went back 40 or so entries - and saw a similar question as mine. After posting that, I called DC customer svc. I said I ordered an SLT Plus Decor Group Quad Cab and was told by a dealer (not mine) that it was on restriction. The woman had me wait while she checked - sure enough, no more 00's will be made in SLT. It seems something in the SLT package is the problem. I had already called DC after ordering it to ensure they were still orderable and was assured they were still being made. I just wasn't specific enough about WHAT I was ordering. Now, I wonder what my dealer is thinking? NO, I can't wait til the fall - we're short a car here - I need transportation NOW. I would be willing to wait if they provide a free vehicle for the wait!
Looking at the Saturday morning edition of the paper I noticed that Landers had placed their traditional Memorial Day sale ad. The ad says they have 50 Quads in stock. For those looking to find a 2000 model Quad this might be a possibility. You can visit their website at www.landers.com Get their toll free number and when you call the sales department ask for Melanie. She treated me well when I ordered my Quad.
I have a 2000 Dakota club cab sport 4x4 with the 4.7 liter V8, 5-speed manual, 3.92 axle ratio, tow package, HD service, 31 inch tires, limited slip diff., and all the other good stuff. I read your message about how the computer needs to learn how to idle. I have 700 miles on my truck right now, and it has stalled maybe 2 or 3 times when I push in the clutch (every time it was in first gear and I was coming to a stop). I also notice that EVERY time I come to a stop, the idle will bob up and down from 300 to 800 and finally stabilize at 600. I tried searching for your previous message, but I could not find it. Can you give me a brief run down of what I need to do to fix this. How does the computer "learn" and is this problem an easy fix that I can do on my part, or will it have to go back to the dealer. I appreciate your help. I looked at your profile and it seems you really know your stuff. If there is any other problems, let me know. I am new at this message board, and this is the first truck I have ever owned. I really love the truck and cannot believe the power it has. By the way, a Pontiac GTO is a great dream car. I like the Dodge Viper, but WAY to expensive for my budget!!! Thanks again.
I have about 1600 miles on this new truck now, and it has never stalled pushing in the clutch. I have stalled it letting out the clutch. The sand dunes are in Colorado, up passed Cameron Pass and through Walden, Colorado. The turn off to the North Sand Hills Rec. area is just past a little town called Cowdrey. It is probably one of the few places left that allow public camping. This area is open to sand-rails, ATVs, 4x4s, ect.
Zonk re your post 487 my overhead console has the trip computer, compass, temp., etc and the bucket seats are power on the drivers side. I am not familiar with greenlight but they seem to be a little funky. I used carorder.com to build my truck and used their virtual garage to benchmark other prices I received. They seem to use pretty much the standard familiar groups like 23B, 26G, etc. I eventually order through autoweb.com because the dealer they referred me to gave the both the best price and the sales manager was very service oriented. What I ordered is a fully loaded QC 4X2, 4.7, auto. I think I got everything but 4X4, lsd and 4 wheel ABS. I am very happy with the QC and so far, knock on wood, I have had 2300 problems free miles.
Thanks again. I will take a look at autoweb.com also. Your selection sounds real close to what I would probably order, except I think I will go for the lsd option, too. By the way, how is your mileage?
bpeebles - Thanks for the idle info and the hint on cleaning up my "multiple posts". Just reinstalled IE-5 and it looks like that cleaned up my problems but will see when I make this post.
The only time the Quad stalls is because of me being too fast off of the clutch on starts. Family has four vehicles some with autos so sometimes one forgets. I'll start using your "Accelerated Engine Teaching Process" today.
tmiller - Your dealer sounds like my dealer - Dodge (Five Star) first then expanded with Chevy. Also will provide free towing, within 15 miles of dealer, if their advertisement plates are on front and back. Again, I said "no" to all of that.
On free oil changes, they will use synthetics if you provide. Someone ought to get shot for needing that oil filter "trap door".
Re post 494 my mileage for the last tank pure city diving, all stop and start, was around 12.2. I am getting around 15 for mixed driving, town 60% freeway 40%. I took a trip to Reno a couple of weeks ago and between SF Bay Area and Sacto (all freeway) I was averaging 17.5. Going through the Sierras I dropped down to around 16 because I had a heavy foot through the mountains. Coming back my gas mileage really improved, sometimes 99 MPG coasting down the mountains. :>) I am not keeping a running record so the above MPG are estimates based on my memory but I have been know to have senior moments. I don't think I mentioned above but I also have 3.92 rear end. I have not put on a KN air filter yet but may do. Others seem to feel it makes a difference. So far very happy. I had a couple of small problems which the dealer took care of right away. Excellent truck and this forum is extremely helpful to all who come here.
ozark - I have visited Landers site several times and wish they put some details on what each truck had available at their price so I could do some comparisons. carls5 - I had to make a flapper valve run tho the local Lowe's store today and parked next to a red QC Sport 4.7 auto with all the goodies and with a matching tonneau. Great looking vehicle! Anyway, after making my purchase, I decided to wait for a while to talk to the owner. He raved about it, couldn't say enough about how happy he is with it. He's getting about 15.5+ mpg now, started out 12-13mpg; the overhaed console computer a bit lower than his own calculations when he fills up. I am really beginning to work my wife, too. Also took my 4 year old grandson out last Sunday to look at some on the dealer's lot. Got him excited about a new truck, too. Can't hurt to have all the allies you can get!
My 2000 Dakota 4.7V8 used to exhibit a 'hunting' idle for up to 6000 miles. My symptoms were ALWAYS seen when the road-speed was above 0.0 MPH. (As soon as I came to a complete stop, the idle would 'lock in' at the proper setting.)
I brought this up to the dealer several times and each time they reported that the idle speed was correct. (The boneheads ignored the problem.)
I have the DODGE shop manual and have read thru it several times. The on-board computer has a 'fuzzy logic' algorithm that allows it to 'learn' certain settings (IdleSpeed, Ignitiontiming, InjectionPulsewith...etc) These settings are stored in memory based on a SIMILAR CONDITIONS WINDOW. (AirTemp, Humidity, BatteryTemp, ExhaustTemp, AidDensity, RoadSpeed ...etc) These are stored in both short-term and Long-term memory and included in the algorithm for learning.
Given this knowledge, I realized that the onboard computer needed time to 'adjust' to different conditions and 'learn' the best way to idle under these conditions.
I found that I could speed up the learning process by allowing the computer time enough to figure out how to idle. I began to hold the clutch in on long down-hills coasting along between 35-50 MPH. At first, the idle would 'hunt' for over 40 seconds before beginning to settle into a constant speed. After several 'teachings' over the course of a week, The idle began to 'learn' faster and settle into a solid speed much faster when I held the clutch in. The occurrence of stalling was reduced too.
Now, I have about 9000 miles on my Dakota and just for fun I held the clutch in for several minutes down a long hill yesterday...NO HUNTING AT ALL. I attrubute this to the onboard computer having learned how to idle under those conditions. (The long-term SIMILAR CONDITIONS WINDOW has some real data in it now)
Do not get me wrong... I still experience an occasional stall but this is usually during slow manovers. (Such as backing up a short hill) Rarly, after such a manover, When I push the clutch in, the idle drops to almost nothing and somtimes the engine stalls.
I hope this information is what you were looking for. Does any of this sound simular to your experience with your Dakota?
Just to add to bpeebles - 'problems' with the computer not really knowing how to react are really connected to situations that the truck hasn't experienced very much. Initially this is everything of course, but the truck soon gets used to common events.
By making uncommon events more common we can help the truck to learn how to behave - that is why bpeebles clutch down coasting works well. I had a problem with warm reversing, but solved it by reversing into the garage at the end of the day for a while rather than reversing out in the morning.
Incidentally, much has been made of the polite and friendly attitude of the Dakota topics, but I saw a trend a few posts back that I think we should continue - b peebles was referred to as Mr. Peebles. I think in future you may call me Mr. Jordan, Sir, God - well you get the idea ;-)
Have a pleasant break for memorial day my friends, and regards to all my fellow veterans and current servicemen.
Comments
As I mentioned earlier I'm taking my time with the Fold-a-Cover installation. I'll post as I move along.
I completed Steps 1 through 3 yesterday:
1. Attach lift handles (6 small L-brackets) with rivets.
2. Attach protective foam strips to cover (temporary strips to prevent scratching the truck rails during test fit).
3. Install front lock (the "total access" cover is pre-drilled for the front locking mechanism, but a 2" hole must be drilled for the rear lock later).
IMPRESSIONS SO FAR?
-- The instructions are very thorough, and there are no missing parts.
-- A good quality rivet gun (about $15) is essential.
-- Time and material so far: 60 minutes and one cold beer.
I ran it for 1200 miles before hooking up my 2,200 lb. enclosed trailer with one 750 lb. motorcycle aboard... Just wanted to be sure it was fully loosened up before placing that kind of load on it.
ALSO... I took Chrysler's recommendation (in the owner's manual) at the time seriously, and had the dealership drain and replace the conventional rear-end lube with a synthetic blend... Bought an extra bottle of the stuff... When I took the truck in for "quick oil changes" and fluid checks, I made CERTAIN to bring the extra lube along and stress that if the rear end needed topping off, to use the synthetic.
Perhaps I'm over-cautious, but the Ram performed flawlessly over many thousands of miles towing loads up to about 5,200 lbs.
Good luck!
Tom
The dealer also has a chevy franchise several miles from the Dodge's. My Quad was kept at the chevy dealership for over a week while accesories were put on. They reported three offers for the Quad, presumably from Chevy shoppers.
Sorry to say (but I'll be perfectly honest), the Safari Bar install was halted midway through the project. I removed the plasic shroud under the oil pan to access the bumper mount bolts (required) and realized very quickly that the truck would have to go on a hoist to do the install... Replaced the shroud and struck a deal with the local Ziebart guy to do the install while they have the truck in to spray the Rhino Liner.
I'm not saying the Safari install couldn't be done in the driveway with a set of ramps... Just don't have that kind of time to burn, and felt the better route was to pay the guys to install while they have the truck in the bay.
As to lights... I'm still fishing for an appropriate set of blue visibility "bullet" lights... When the whole thing is wrapped up, I'll be happy to send digital images if you wish.
All-in-all, I'm extremely pleased with the accessorizing to date... The white/black theme (no chrome) is very appealing, and I'm certain the finished truck will be perfect for my purposes.
Your dealer's willingness to swap oil changes for the priviledge of "evaluating himself" on the CSI form doesn't surprise me in the least!
I have to assume that your dealer has attained Five-Star status (a marketing advantage). Retaining that status depends in part upon what shows up on those DC evaluation forms. Providing a couple of oil changes is a cheap and quick way for the dealer to help retain Five Star.
SO... What does Five Star REALLY mean??? Go figure!
leak coming from a hole in the back fire wall just
to the right of the LEFT exhaust tube." (see post #459) I see you mentioned "the right rear of the engine" in post #464. To simply clear up the location it is on the left of the engine compartment while standing in front of the Quad. As for reading my manual, I agree, I should but I didn't think it would give me an answer as to where that particular tube leads too. Again thanks for the response though bpeebles, I'm still learning.
4daughters
Carl
Take care and be safe all....
Zach
I have a 2000 Dakota club cab sport 4x4 with the 4.7 liter V8, 5-speed manual, 3.92 axle ratio, tow package, HD service, 31 inch tires, limited slip diff., and all the other good stuff. I read your message about how the computer needs to learn how to idle. I have 700 miles on my truck right now, and it has stalled maybe 2 or 3 times when I push in the clutch (every time it was in first gear and I was coming to a stop). I also notice that EVERY time I come to a stop, the idle will bob up and down from 300 to 800 and finally stabilize at 600. I tried searching for your previous message, but I could not find it. Can you give me a brief run down of what I need to do to fix this. How does the computer "learn" and is this problem an easy fix that I can do on my part, or will it have to go back to the dealer. I appreciate your help. I looked at your profile and it seems you really know your stuff. If there is any other problems, let me know. I am new at this message board, and this is the first truck I have ever owned. I really love the truck and cannot believe the power it has. By the way, a Pontiac GTO is a great dream car. I like the Dodge Viper, but WAY to expensive for my budget!!!
Thanks again.
Carl
The only time the Quad stalls is because of me being too fast off of the clutch on starts. Family has four vehicles some with autos so sometimes one forgets. I'll start using your "Accelerated Engine Teaching Process" today.
tmiller - Your dealer sounds like my dealer - Dodge (Five Star) first then expanded with Chevy. Also will provide free towing, within 15 miles of dealer, if their advertisement plates are on front and back. Again, I said "no" to all of that.
On free oil changes, they will use synthetics if you provide. Someone ought to get shot for needing that oil filter "trap door".
Good luck
Carl
carls5 - I had to make a flapper valve run tho the local Lowe's store today and parked next to a red QC Sport 4.7 auto with all the goodies and with a matching tonneau. Great looking vehicle! Anyway, after making my purchase, I decided to wait for a while to talk to the owner. He raved about it, couldn't say enough about how happy he is with it. He's getting about 15.5+ mpg now, started out 12-13mpg; the overhaed console computer a bit lower than his own calculations when he fills up. I am really beginning to work my wife, too. Also took my 4 year old grandson out last Sunday to look at some on the dealer's lot. Got him excited about a new truck, too. Can't hurt to have all the allies you can get!
(As soon as I came to a complete stop, the idle would 'lock in' at the proper setting.)
I brought this up to the dealer several times and each time they reported that the idle speed was correct. (The boneheads ignored the problem.)
I have the DODGE shop manual and have read thru it several times. The on-board computer has a 'fuzzy logic' algorithm that allows it to 'learn' certain settings (IdleSpeed, Ignitiontiming, InjectionPulsewith...etc) These settings are stored in memory based on a SIMILAR CONDITIONS WINDOW. (AirTemp, Humidity, BatteryTemp, ExhaustTemp, AidDensity, RoadSpeed ...etc) These are stored in both short-term and Long-term memory and included in the algorithm for learning.
Given this knowledge, I realized that the onboard computer needed time to 'adjust' to different conditions and 'learn' the best way to idle under these conditions.
I found that I could speed up the learning process by allowing the computer time enough to figure out how to idle. I began to hold the clutch in on long down-hills coasting along between 35-50 MPH. At first, the idle would 'hunt' for over 40 seconds before beginning to settle into a constant speed. After several 'teachings' over the course of a week, The idle began to 'learn' faster and settle into a solid speed much faster when I held the clutch in. The occurrence of stalling was reduced too.
Now, I have about 9000 miles on my Dakota and just for fun I held the clutch in for several minutes down a long hill yesterday...NO HUNTING AT ALL. I attrubute this to the onboard computer having learned how to idle under those conditions. (The long-term SIMILAR CONDITIONS WINDOW has some real data in it now)
Do not get me wrong... I still experience an occasional stall but this is usually during slow manovers. (Such as backing up a short hill) Rarly, after such a manover, When I push the clutch in, the idle drops to almost nothing and somtimes the engine stalls.
I hope this information is what you were looking for. Does any of this sound simular to your experience with your Dakota?
By making uncommon events more common we can help the truck to learn how to behave - that is why bpeebles clutch down coasting works well. I had a problem with warm reversing, but solved it by reversing into the garage at the end of the day for a while rather than reversing out in the morning.
Incidentally, much has been made of the polite and friendly attitude of the Dakota topics, but I saw a trend a few posts back that I think we should continue - b peebles was referred to as Mr. Peebles. I think in future you may call me Mr. Jordan, Sir, God - well you get the idea ;-)
Have a pleasant break for memorial day my friends, and regards to all my fellow veterans and current servicemen.
this topic has been "frozen." Please continue these discussions in Topic 1934 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - IV. Thanks!
Front Porch Philosopher
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