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Dodge Durango
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Comments
What do you have the directional setting on when this occurs? I have noticed in my '03 Durango that when I have the directional setting on panel and floor together the flow from the panel vents is much less than when I have it on panel only. Most cars work this way.
2001 Durango 4.7 SLT
I had my truck serviced at the dealer today and upon bringing it home I noticed a whining noise when I had it in park. It seemed to be coming from the rear driver wheel area.
I brought it back to the dealer and the service manager indicated it might be the fuel pump. He brought out a tech and he confirmed it. They said when the weather gets really cold (9 degrees today)the fuel pump makes more noise. It's common and nothing to worry about.
Is this right? I'm still under warranty if something goes wrong, so that's some comfort.
Thanks in advance
Thanks!
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Does your whining noise go away after the truck has warmed up to normal operating temperature? If it does, I wouldn't worry about it. Are you having starting problems, particularly while the engine is warm, or have you had any stalling issues? Those are usually better signs of fuel pump failure...
Pity Chrysler cancelled the U connect system (for Canada) I wish they'd told me before the vehicle arrived as I was ready to buy the $500 phone the system needs to operate. The option of a retractable cargo cover in back would have been nice, once you've used one they make good sense.
It takes a 21 and 24 inch snow blade in front if anyone is planning to fit them. The rear wiper works great. Both the swept area and variable timing are superior to the Yukon. A rear mounted central locking switch in side the cargo area would be good, was this left off for safety reasons? The rear is definitely configured for people first, with cargo as an option, but its still a flatter floor than the Envoy. I have 275/55/17 Pirelli Scorpion Ice all round which were 200k's old off a Mercedes ML55.
Happy motoring!
Gas Mileage Tips
Steve, Host
I have an '03 SXT 4x4 with the 4.7L V8. I average 14-15mpg (my truck has 4,000 miles on it now). I would recommend keeping your overdrive on all the time (unless you are towing something).
Most of those tornado devices are useless. The only "special filter" that may help is an aftermarket air filter for the engine (like a K&N or Accell KoolBlue). Those are less restrictive than the standard air filters and allow the engine to breathe a little easier.
However, the fuel savings with a less restrictive air filter may not be worth the cost of the filter (usually around $50). Some people report better mileage with these type of filters while others say there was no appreciable change. I personally wouldn't spend the money on one unless it was a crucial component of a significant performance upgrade for the engine.
Have you been using 4WD a lot? That can bring mileage down. Also, a higher concentration of around town driving versus highway only or city/highway mix will drag the mileage down. Driving up hill a majority of the time can have an adverse effect on mileage, too. There are so many factors. Cold/winter weather drops mileage as well.
K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power?
The easiest way to get 10% better mileage is to check the air pressure in your tires.
Steve, Host
On the FAQ page of K&N's site there is a discussion of the mileage benefits, if any, of installing a K&N filter. It is FAQ question 1.
gchristy - the awd system will bring mileage down a little as it is always engaged. I would say, based on the awd system, driving hilly areas, and the cold weather that 11mpg would seem normal for your vehicle. My 14-15mpg figure is basically mixed driving in 2WD. When I use 4WD in the snowy weather, my mileage drops significantly (goes down to around 12mpg).
For those wondering what I mean by Multi Displacement System:
Quote from www.allpar.com website
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/new-mopar-hemi.html
"The 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT will be the first high-volume, modern production vehicles in North America to feature fully-functioning cylinder deactivation when they go on sale in the spring of 2004. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) will be standard equipment on the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT.
The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. In short, owners of the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT will receive the powerful benefit of the Hemi engine with the fuel economy that they would only expect from a smaller, less powerful engine.
"The MDS was part of the engine's original design," said Bob Lee, Vice President Powertrain Product Team, Chrysler Group. "This resulted in a cylinder-deactivation system that is elegantly simple and completely integrated into the engine design. The benefits are fewer parts, maximum reliability and lower cost."
This system should triumph where the Cadillac 4-6-8 failed because of the speed of modern electronic controls, the sophistication of the algorithms controlling the systems, and the use of electronic throttle control. The HEMI will be able to transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.04 seconds).
The HEMI engine with MDS has completed over 6.5 million customer-equivalent miles through Chrysler Group’s development and durability testing.
The system deactivates the valve lifters. This keeps the valves in four cylinders closed, and there is no combustion. In addition to stopping combustion, energy is not lost by pumping air through these cylinders.
Customers will experience estimated fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent under various driving conditions, and a projected 10 percent aggregate improvement. Improved fuel economy is realized without any change in customer experience—drivers will receive the benefit without changing their driving habits and without compromising style, comfort or convenience."
I have found the steering to be extremely responsive, plenty of power and smooth riding. Some have criticized the interior as less than appealing or even cheaply done. I have not found this to be so. While I may look at it differently, as I am driving this in rural areas and I do not want something that is so fancy that I am afraid to get it dirty. I owned a Chevy 1500 4x4 four door extended cab truck before. The Durango rides with the smoothness of a car and yet the strength of a truck. Rough roads are no problem for this vehicle.
I recently picked up three five shelf (6 foot tall) bookshelves, in boxes, from Staples and was able to slide them into the back with no problem. In the next few months I will make my annual trip to Nebraska to pick up meat from a rancher -- I will haul 6 - 7 head of butchered and frozen meat back here to Arkansas for members of my church and friends in the community. Total weight of meat will be in excess of 3000 pounds, in a trailer, and would expect no problems with the load.
Some have complained about the gas mileage for the Durango. I am averaging about 15 - 16 overall and getting 19 or slightly more when it is all highway driving.
If I had to do over again, I would buy a Durango -- the 04 addition as the older models were too small.
CR seems out of step with most everyone else. almost every other publication has said the durango is either close or is the NEW standard among mid and full size SUVs.
The responsive steering is absolutely amazing. My first test drive in the new Durango, I was a little nervous about the quick reaction and response of the vehicle. I found myself over steering when I made turns. The first time my wife drove our Durango, she was weaving all over (our side of the highway). She made the same comments that I did. I found as I adjusted my habits from the truck to the Durango, I was in far greater control in the Durango. I am on rough roads often due to the weight of trucks hauling rice and beans to the plants and grooving the highways. The Durango is a joy on in this environment.
With a responsive steering and the traction control system in the Durango, I believe snow should be no problem. While the Durango has the built feel of a truck, it is far smoother than a truck. I guess I would say that it has the structure to handle the needs one may want and yet the driveability of a smooth car.
As for city driving, until I returned to Nebraska for a three year stay (five years ago), I had spent the last 25 years in Houston and Austin, TX; Birmingham, AL; and St. Louis, MO. All of my children grew up learning to drive in cities. This Durango is a joy in city traffic. High enough to see where you are and sturdy enough to handle the situations you get into. I realize these are not NYC driving issues!! You might ask your dealer for some names of buyers in your area and check with them for their response.
Good Luck in your hunt.
Thanks.
Just wondering if anyone else has experienced an unexpected acceleration (stuck throttle) when the engine is cold and not warmed up yet. Started the car today, and started driving without letting much time for warm-up. First stop out of parking lot, and with foot off the gas in prep for braking, engine reved on it's own, quite a lurch. Had to stomp the brake really hard and fast. Engine throttled down after that, and have not seen the behavior since.
Don't know if it's a one-off, or if this is a problem seen by others that's not quite made the TSBs yet. I'll be having things checked this week at the dealer.
Dodge Durango: Prices Paid & Buying Experience
Steve, Host
I was looking at a '98 Dodge Durango, and I was wondering if they still installed cup holders back where the third seat would be even if the third seat wasn't an installed option.
Thanks!
Then, I had a car I wanted to trade in. The offer I got was too good to pass up, but the Durango was not here and I did not want to lose the tax break on the trade in. So, I bought an '04 Sequoia 2WD Limited in early December.
I liked the Sequoia OK. It rode VERY nicely, was quiet, and obviously very well built. But, it did not have all the stuff the Durango has. My Durango came in about 10 days ago, and they delivered it to me to test drive it and consider trading in the Sequoia. Well, after about 10 minutes, I fell in love with the Durango. It is AWESOME. It is powerful, as smooth and quiet as the Sequoia, has every imaginable option, and appears to be just as well built.
Basic differences that led me to trade in the Sequoia: 40/20/40 Durango back seat affords easier access to the backseat for the kids (I have four); the in-dash Sirius radio (the add-on in the Sequoia worked fine, but was not easy to reach); fold-flat rear seats MUCH more convenient; memory seats/radio/a/c VERY convenient and MUCH missed in the Toyota; better steering wheel radio and cruise control buttons; rear doors open to 84 degrees that makes kid access easier; easier to use DVD with cool remote storage place (I wish the headphones were auto on-off, though); better visibility; rather much faster acceleration; the seat-belt recepticals in the Durango are hard plastic that makes them easier to latch with one hand (the Sequoia are on a strap that is limp and needs two hands to latch); and I like the little storage drawer behind the back row of seats.
Things I like better about the Sequioa: one-touch up and down windows in both front windows (only one touch down on the Durango driver's window); the little top console with the pad in it; seats a little (VERY little) more confortable; bigger sunroof; better DVD headphones (auto on-off); and there seems to be more room in the front seat, and more headroom.
Long story short - I got a great trade in from my Dodge dealer and I now and the proud and happy owner of the Durango. I cannot tell you how happy I am with this car - it is better in virtually every way than the Sequoia, and is more than $5K less when comparably equipped.
Firstly, my Durango comes in in about 2 weeks. It is LOADED LOADED with HEMI but I left off the DVD as I am putting a bigger aftermarket in since the 6.5" is TOO SMALL and does not offer TV as well. I am putting in an AUDIOVOX.
While I think it is best SUV for me, there are a number of things I do not like. Here I go....but what do you think????
I am from Canada and you cannot get the Sirrus radio here.
Fit and finish is great however that dash is not very sexy like the new Ford 150.
Color selection is terrible on the Durango. No off-white. Red is ugly red.
Rims could be nicer
Need another HOT rim selection for those that hate the RIMs. (I ordered Chrome)
Why not PAINTED Door handles? Those black things are UGLY. Look at the EXPLORER. WAY nicer as they'[re painted body color.
No auto down windows ALL AROUND is dumb. Why not??? AUdi and VW has them on all cars....why not Chrysler?
Stereo was crap. Listen Dodge.....You need a TOP END good sounding steroe....not a big audio name with crap sound.
Need a JACK for MP3 Players right into the stereo like the Pathfinder Armada has! That is perfect for connecting an MP3 player. At least the stereo plays MP3 so I'll let that go.
Better (or different option) for step. I like aluminum for a step, or put one on like the X5. That molded one is not as nice.
Seats for driver and passenger is not very sporty looking.
Interior color choices are boring looking.
Siruis: Sorry to hear that it is not in Canada. I REALLY love it.
Fit and finish: Have not seen the Ford, but, so far, the F&F on my Durango is great - I don’t have a single complaint.
Color selection: I agree, but I am almost exclusively a white buyer. As long as they have white, I don’t much care about anything else. I agree that the red is bad.
Rims could be nicer - probably true, but I hadn’t noticed. I got the chrome and they look pretty nice to me.
Why not PAINTED Door handles? Picky, arn’t we? (smiling)
No auto down windows ALL AROUND is dumb. I agree with you 100% - this is WAY annoying. Of course, it would probably have cost $5 to $10 to upgrade this. Big mistake not doing it, in my opinion.
Stereo was crap. I could not disagree more. The infinity in my car is awesome. Crisp, clean, loud, and no problems at all. I love the stereo.
Need a JACK for MP3 Players - I am not sure, but I think the in-dash CD player plays MP3 discs directly. Also, the factory DVD plays them, too, and has inputs. Speaking of the DVD, I agree that the screen is a bit small, but the hidden remote holder is great - my kids usually lose the remote an hour or two after I buy the car.
Better (or different option) for step. I ordered mine without running boards (the only option I did not get) - they always scuff my pants and make them dirty, and it is easier for me to get into the vehicle without a running board.
Seats for driver and passenger is not very sporty looking. I tend to agree, but they are okay. The Sequoia seats are more confortable.
Interior color choices are boring looking: Like the exterior color, I tend to only like/buy grey interior. This one is fine for me.
By the way, each time I drive this car, I like it more. It is truly a car I can live with in all respects. I STRONGLY encourage you to STRONGLY consider it. Good luck, and please email with any other questions.
You must have missed this at the beginning of my rant! I ordered a 2004 Durango with everything but the DVD as I am putting in a better and cheaper unit (with hidden remote) from Audiovox. I ordered the Kaki exterior and Dark Kaki Light Greystone interior. Could only see pics of that interior as there was not a single one in Ontario to view.
BTW: I have friends at Daimler who took great care of me. I paid $ 1000 under dealer cost through the employee plan (a relative is retired) and they get a check from Daimler for selling to employees.
I ordered it 2.5 weeks ago and it will arrive in 3 weeks.
I too have had white vehicles alot. My last SUV (which I just sold) was a white 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (junk junk junk junk junk), before that a 2000 White Escalade (liked it), then a 2000 White 300M (loud road noise and returned it at 18 months into lease....came out of an Expedition (liked it).
I drove the Durango for several days straight and liked it more every time I drove it. Was very very nice on road. Quiet, comfortable and I thought well priced.
I drove the BMW X3 as soon as it was out (too small), X5 (still too small) and virtually sat in or drove everything. I would have bought the new (huge) Armada from Nissan but it did not have split 3rd row seats. When I go up north, I need 6 people and room in back for stuff. Without the split 3rd row, it kills the interior storage.
Anyhow, I will be trading my 2004 Durango in as soon as they announce an R/T or SRT version since I like the truck, but think the styling needs something. I found a website that showed some 2004's with 22" wheels. That is not for me, but I would like ground effects.
I would also like to see more horsepower.
Any ground effects pics from anyone?
Lastly, I see Dodge has a new campaign that will show a bunch of stupid celebrities in 2004 "done up" Durango's. It starts in the spring. See their web site.
Cheers everyone.
What about the other $29,000? :-)
tidester, host
Thanks for clarifying. I didn't pick up on that - I was just focussed on total cost of getting the car you want.
tidester, host
I want to go a little bit more than simple dirty road, but definitely not rock-crawler?
I was thinking to buy new one, 2004, with skid plates and off-road tires
I do not know anybody around who has and went off-road on it, and it’s useless to ask salesperson
Thank you for advice
The only review I was able to find on towing (other than regurgitating factory capability) was at http://www.truckinssuv.com/features/0402suv_durango/. They pulled a 6500 lb boat, but only put one sentence in it.
"After a day of driving the Durango in nearly all trim levels, all three engine options, as well as while towing a 6,500-pound, 26-foot boat with the Hemi, we were surprised at the stability and agility of this truck."
Not much help, but otherwise a good read. I am also aware of the Moter Trend article (have the mag) and am waiting to get a hold of the Car and Driver one.
Thanks
Well, upon noticing some tire wear and steering wheel pull I decided to get my D alligned. Got the call back from the shop saying my upper ball-joints were in rough shape and the lowers are getting there too.
All I can say is: &%@#!!!! I purposely bought a 2002 as I thought the newer models had hopefully resolved, or, at least would have less ball-joint issues. So, now after owning the truck for 3 months and only 25,000 total miles on it I have to deal with that inevitable Durango curse.
I absolutely LOVE my D. But I am also pissed that this has happened. Yes, I have the warranty, but will this happen again at 50K? Ughhhhh...
Through both online research (mostly Edmunds and Consumer Reports) and test drives, evaluated the Tahoe, Envoy, Expedition, 4Runner and 04 Durango.
Was leaving a Honda CR-V, wife has an Acura MDX.
Liked the Tahoe, but $ value was just not there compared to it's competition, and I felt the design, ride and overall technology of the mechanics are getting tired and dated.
Did not like the Envoy, nothing technically wrong with it, just a personal choice.
Liked a lot of aspects of the 4runner, very nice vehicle all around, the iForce V8 is an incredible engine. But the seats and seating position were not comfortable for my frame. Since I spend about 3 hrs per day in a car, this was an important decision for my personal situation.
Expedition ended up being my runner-up choice. Nice ride, nice handling, more up-to-date styling and technology than the Tahoe. And prices are reasonable. The only reason it made runner-up and not first place was it's boxy exterior styling.
I went with the Durango w/Hemi. Liked the styling (you love it or hate it, I loved it), the new innovations that went into it, and the $ value was the best out there. And the Hemi rocks :>>. I was initially concerned about Dodge quality, having been personally burned by a '96 Dodge Caravan that seemed like it needed several thousand dollars work every 20,000 miles. I dumped it for the MDX before it hit 90K miles. But after doing a lot of due-diligence on the new Durango's quality; Checking NHTSA and finding very few complaints or TSBs, searching online and finding that the Newark plant modernization included a lot of quality improvement checks, and going over the vehicle in-person bumper to bumper, I decided to give the *new* Dodge a shot. So far, the bet is paying off. Opposite of what Consumer Reports states, fit, finish, and materials on my vehicle are of good quality. I have no gaps in my dash, or any sharp plastic edges on my seats. Ride is wonderful, handling is great. Zero defects to-date. The bottomless power of the hemi is sweet when you need it. And, I'm very happy to report, my gas mileage is far better than I expected. I am averaging between 17 and 18 MPG highway, and around 13 in city. I know that won't win me any "green" awards for conservation, but I went into the Durango expecting a dismal 12 or 13 MPG based upon CR's findings. They must have towed a house during the entire road test...
So - I selected the Durango, and am very happy to-date with that decision. I'll keep y'all posted if I find any problems, and how the *new* Dodge handles them if they arise.