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Anything else I need to keep my eyes peeled for?
Thanks for the info.
First problem: within a month of purchase, there was a strange whine/hum sound emanating from the rear of the truck during deceleration. Dealer determined that there was a problem and replaced the rear-end. Everything's okay...right? Not so. My father has noticed, lately, that the transmission seems to have problems as well...reverse won't engage properly (particularly when the engine is cold), the transmission makes a grinding sound in neutral (after coming out of reverse), and it doesn't seem to be shifting properly in drive. In recent weeks we've also noticed that there are large "buff" marks on the passenger side doors--as though somebody went a little nuts while polishing the truck (this is only really obvious in bright sunlight)--and that a"thunking" sound now comes from the firewall/transmission tunnel while the engine is idling. And, finally, while preparing to change the oil the other day, I noticed that there was oil all over the bottom of the engine and transmission...which led me to discover that the front main seal is leaking.
Now, I'm sorry, but these are problems that I wouldn't have expected from a 1959 Dodge, let alone a year 2000 model. I'm not sure what my dad is going to do about all this....but I'd like to know just what the heck is going on with these trucks. Are we going to get the latest round of problems taken care of, only to have the head gaskets blow in another thousand miles? I know that they're not ALL this screwed-up...my friend has essentially the same truck, with the addition of 4x4, and has had no problems (save the occasional pinging--which, admittedly, could be serious) in 11,000 miles of MUCH harder driving.
So...that's our Dodge experience. Anyone see any recourse here, apart from just getting things fixed and hoping nothing else goes wrong?
I don't believe you should look to insurance and extended warranties for the small stuff. You get a cold, you pay for the doctor's visit . . . likewise, if your radio button falls off, put it back on or buy a new one.
But this time it paid to have the extended warranty, even though it was an outrageous price.
At 23,000 miles I needed the "whole lower end" of my engine and the torque converter, etc replaced. Took them 11 days to get the parts in and make the repair...and I don't live out in the country. Now at 48,000 miles it's starting to feel the same way again. I'm waiting for the noises to follow the feeling and then I'll take it in. Extended warranty is good til 70,000 miles.
Only this time, after I get it fixed, I'm selling it and moving on with my life.
This is a city-boy pick-up...the hardest thing it does is get a carwash with worn-out brushes. But I feel like "what's going to happen now?" Other than a few minor interior glitches, it's been an okay truck...but I can't wait until the major glitches show up again next time...when I'm outta warranty completely.
Or maybe I'm just paranoid....
I also have experienced the "thunking" sound coming from beyond the firewall.
However to top it all off is this, and this really just plain annoys me, the stock wheels on the Dodges are directional, to say that the teardrop shape has a direction. However all the wheels are identical, meaning the teardrop shape goes the proper direction on the drivers side and the wrong way on the passenger side.
Like I said this is an annoyance only. I have checked out ford, chevy, gmc and found they put left and right side wheels on those trucks.
Anyone with the vibration problem that have taken it to the dealership please let me know how that went. Just biding my time before I go, I have other issues with them that I am sure will turn ugly, (body work was done to this supposedly new truck and is now showing up in the right light)!!!!
'98 2500 4x4
Cummins Auto
I would really be reconsidering whether the person that charged me 400 bucks for a brake job can be called a friend!
JC
I have adjusted the rear drums on several GM products years ago. Do I need any special tools to do this myself and are there any specific problems I should be looking for. Plan on changing my "erl" this weekend and the brakes have never been adjusted. Might give it a shot.
Thanks
I have had a noise/whine in the drive line which is slowly getting worse. I do not feel a vibration. I only get the whine with moderate torque on the drive line. If I take my foot off of the gas or accelerate hard, the whine stops. The whine is also louder between 40-60 MPH. At 70-75 it is there but very soft compared to 60. At 10,000 miles I put synthetic gear lube in the rear axle which was changed again at 60,000. When I tow a boat/trailer (6,000 lbs) the whine is softer. Can anyone tell me does this sound like the trans, differential, carrier bearing on the drive shaft, or something else? I can not tell exactly where it is coming from.
Here's what she's had a problem with so far:
When you start the truck for the first time each day, it doesn't matter how warm it is outside. It doesn't want to idle correctly. It's a little reluctent to kick up to high idle at all. If you stand outside of the truck when she starts it you can here it missing and struggling to keep running. Funny thing though it hasn't set a code off. She has tried running a different brand of gas but it won't go away. It also does it occasionally at a red light. It's rather anoying
Any Suggestions??
The trucks biggest problem is a thunking noise coming from what seems is the steering shaft. I can feel the vibration when I am driving and place my hand on the steering column. If anyone has experienced this problem with their Dodge, I would like some insight on what is really going on. The dealer will probably replace the steering shaft for the 3rd time.
ALSO, I would appreciate some insight on purchasing an extended warranty from who and how much is too much.
Thanks. Jeff
I have the same problem except the dealer is telling me they can't feel anything.
You have described my symptom to a tee.
Curious?
At first I thought it was my imagination because I would be driving home from work and would feel the thump. The next morning I would not.
Living in New England, the temperature can be cold in the morning and much hotter in the afternoon. Over time I have figured out it is much more noticible in hotter temps.
Oh well, if summer ever gets here.... I will bring it back to the dealer.
Any update on yours would be appreciated!
BTW, My problem started when the Trans. linkage was replaced due to clanking noise (only warm in park). There is a service bulletin on this! I have still had the problem two times with the new linkage.
I went back to the dealer today and to their amazement, the clunking noise could still be heard coming from somewhere in the steering assembly. The noise could be barely heard outside of the cab, so while I sat in the cab listening to the clunking, the technition grabbed the steering shaft and the noise stopped. Amazing!! I suggested to him that since this was the second steering shaft and the steering box was already replaced, perhaps there was a problem in the steering column or it's related parts. He agreed and went ahead and ordered the replacement parts.
By the way, I also live in a cold climate area and the clunking noise is less noticeable when the truck is cold. You may have the same problem.
Oh yeah, the technition noticed a clicking noise coming from the serpantean belt tensioner. Yet another part being replaced!! I will be getting an extended warranty plan. If I had to pay for everything already done on this truck, the bill would have been around $1800 - $2000.
I'm getting tired of putting money into my truck. It only has 75,000 miles(not alot for this day-in-age) and I bought it used a year ago. I've already put $2,000 into it just to keep it on the road.
Regarding my last post about the rough idle on my girlfriend's truck: It goes in the shop tomorrow. And it's getting worse. It now stalls if you don't keep your foot on the gas, yes it's the 5.2 w/5-speed. We are not waiting until July to get it fixed. I doubt it'll even be running until then!!
OH the wonderful world of DC products
They re-programed the computer with the new flash software. It drives awesome!
They had the truck for three days. And because the idling problem was intermittent, they couldn't find the problem. So I asked about this new program. The mechanic said he didn't know anything about it but would check for us. Turns out DC gave him the new parameters and he took care of it. If anyone else has this problem make sure to ask the mechanic about the computer.
Thanks sjg2
I can't tell where the water is coming from. Carpet gets wet when pickup is just sitting
in the driveway (yes, the windows are up). I'm on the verge of tearing out the interior
to find the leak.
I've seen other posts where the front end was out of whack and moving the tires around fixed it. Sounds like a fairly common problem with Mopar.
DO NOT GO TO A DEALER FOR THIS PART OR YOU'LL PAY OUT THE [non-permissible content removed]!! Go to an auto parts store (Auto Zone=$80) and order one. It is the entire assembly. It took me about 1/2 hour to replace it with simple hand tools. I started the truck and now it's sooo quiet. It's easier than doing an oil change