Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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Comments

  • 2drive2drive Member Posts: 90
    I read in the BOB last night that the oil level is to be checked with a HOT (minimum five minutes operation) engine. "Checking engine oil level on a cold engine is not accurate" This is news to me.
    Could this affect the 5 or 6 quart issue?
  • rldssrldss Member Posts: 7
    Does any one else have this on there 4.7 some times I hear a nocking sound it sounds like it is coming from the drivers side it don't happen all the time but I hear it when I'am stoped.
  • bobs5bobs5 Member Posts: 557
    Thank you for the advice on the farm bureau discount.
    Now to find a dealer....the fun begins!
  • kingquad1kingquad1 Member Posts: 37
    rumors here in Detroit are DC will start using MB trannies in their vehicles. what about using there diesels?
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    The rebates being applied before or after tax is very dependant on the state. Until this fall, the taxes in OK were based on the list price of the vehicle. Check with the tax comission or your accountant for the local scoop.

    One thing about oil levels is that not all oil fiters are equal. Different brands and models can vary the amount that they hold. As someone who has dealt with a lot of technical manuals, I can also assure you that mistakes are easy to make and rarely get corrected.

    The MB transmissions are being considered for heavy duty, high HP applications, but the MB diesel is too big to fit the Ram. DC owns Detroit and they have a new V6 diesel that is supose to be fantastic and in V8 form would be ideal for the Ram.
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    If you can remember to send or post that check list when you get back from your retreat at the beach. It must be nice to lounge around and have a pina colada served to you while watching the babes walk by. Have fun and enjoy.
    I'll be taking the QC by the dealer next week to drop off a survey to them and get my second free fill up. So far I am very pleased with the QC. In the 4 weeks waiting for it I only saw 1 other QC. They must not be very popularright now, at least here in So. FL. It's perfect for me though. No family to haul but stuff every now and then. I was just tired of having to clean my suv every time I hauled stuff. I hauled a load of plywood with it and it runs better with a heavy load.
    Remember folks get that Farm Bureau rebate, its found money. Call a FB ang join for $50 and get $500. You have to be a member for 30 days to get the rebate certificate. I was a member exactly 30 dayswhen my QC came in.
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    In your area you probably have a Costco, Sams Club or BJ's. Contact or join one of them and they have contracts set with all dealers. It's worth the membership fee to get the vehicle at $300 over invoice and all the discounts. I saved over $3500 on my QC. Also you have to realize the current rebate from DC runs out at 1/08/01 if my memory is correct. Figure 6 weeks for delivery to be sure you get it before the expiration and remember the FB rebate time factor.
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    congrats on your new q/c. i also live in so fla. kendall area and have seen very feq q/c also maybe 5 in 6mos... saw a dark red slt on the way to work today. mine is a 01 white sport, with all the goodies! love this truck. have u noticed your right rear wheel sticking out more then the left? i havenot found any answers to this situation as others on lot have same offset rear axle i'm going to asume its in the design.things to look for: rear doors not aligning or flush against cab, front grill not sealing against rubber seal along side of hood. what color is yours and what city do u live in? see ya
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Jerry, when I return to home base I will look in the Dodge folder in my home desktop computer. I am fairly certain that I saved it there, and if I have it; You have it.

    Bookitty
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    it sounds lke you bought your QC in OK. Were you able to use the Farm Bureau discount there? I have heard conflicting stories.
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    My QC is medium bronze metalic and silver bottom.
    My right rear wheel stickes out a little also. The doors all seem to be aligned ok. It is a truck so I'm satisfied. The wheel seems to be one of the items a lot of people have reported about in this chat room. If you have any questions on the truck from what I gather Bookitty seems to be up on all of the stuff. Keep your eye on the chats because he is suppose to put in a check list for us new owners. Oh, I'm in Ft. Lauderdale. I have an SLT. I still have a thing for some of the chrome.Were you able to get the current discount and the Farm Bureau discount?
    I have to get the wheel flares and mud flaps. I can already see the dirt flying up on the sides when I go through puddles.
  • victxvictx Member Posts: 108
    The 2001 owners manual advises to use synthetic oil in the differential if you are towing on a regular basis. I don't tow on a regular basis, but do sometimes and would rather be safe than sorry. Anyway, the manual says see dealer for details. Anyone find out from a dealer the recommended weights, brands, etc. I've got the 4.7L 5spd 4x4 3.55 LSD.
  • hennehenne Member Posts: 407
    i have this noise also and it turns out to be a vacuum on the drivers side mounted on the firewall and supported by a bracket with rubber mounts. if you put your hand on it you can feel it pulse. and the ticking is noticable more times than others and i havent figured that one out yet, but its normal.

    robert
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (henne) I beleive the unit you are refering to is part of the EVAP test sequence that takes place under specific conditions. I hear it as a "thumping" sound under the hood for several minutes when I first start a cold engine.

    Without being too technical:
    A small pressure is built up in the fuel tank.
    Two tests are performed on this pressure.
    1) can it be maintained?
    2) It is bled thru a known-sized orface in pulses and timed.

    If you leave your gas cap off or loose... these tests will fail and the trouble lite would be lit.
  • gbilhimergbilhimer Member Posts: 53
    Well, my door lock problems are back again!
    I washed the truck the other night and they started going up and down again.
    When I took it in last time (a couple of months ago) they didn't find anything of course but replaced the timer control module under the dash.
    I have the factory alarm also.
    Has anybody else found the cure for this?
    I hate to keep taking it back to the dealer when they don't have a clue what to do.
    Is there a TSB on this problem?
    Other than this little glitch the truck has been great for 12,000 miles so far.

    2000 Quad Sport 4x2 Flame Red
    4.7 auto lsd, all the goodies except power seats.
    ordered 12-16-99 delivered 1-28-00.
  • impaulmimpaulm Member Posts: 8
    I had the same power door lock problem with my 2000 QC. The dealer replaced the drivers side key lock cylinder 2 months ago and I've had no problems since. There is a switch in the cylinder that is vulnerable to moisture, when it shorts out the locks continuously actuate as the system thinks the door is being unlocked with a key.
  • mailman54mailman54 Member Posts: 111
    Read a post on 5 October on the DML about the 4.7 multi-speed auto. Poster had complained to the service manager at his local dealer about lazy shifts, especially at full throttle. I listened up immediately when I heard this, since my 4.7 auto seems to hesitate when floored and does not shift crisply under hard acceleration like you would expect. It actually seems to shift crisper and the truck pulls harder under 3/4 throttle than under full throttle. The service manager replied that the computer actually retards the engine timing for a split second during the shift! He said they did this to give smooth Cadillac like shifts. He then conceded that it really wasn't intended to be a truck tranny. Can you believe this? Then it got interesting. He said the tranny was the same one being used in many Mercedes models. There it is a 6 speed unit. There are also provisions for having user selected models (economy, comfort, sport, manual), but there is no talk of making these features available on the Dodges. This tranny will be the one in the rear wheel drive 300M and Charger models if they are built (and he said they would be). These models will also get Mercedes independent rear differential units. I don't know how much of this stuff is on the up and up, but it is sure food for thought!

    Mailman
  • 2drive2drive Member Posts: 90
    I've checked my oil level twice with a hot engine over the last two days and it looks like the six quarts, as in the manual, is correct for my truck.
    Both times the stick read right at the top of the safe zone with a six quart fill. With a cold engine it has always read higher than the safe zone and that had me worried.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (mailman54) Your dealer is right-on about the
    shifts being dynamically tailored depending on the
    immediate operating conditions. Not only can the
    xmission change the engine timing to smooth out the
    shifts, it can also directly tailor the "shift
    speed" (time to complete a gear change)
    using several clever technologies.

    HOWEVER:
    Although there is talk in the automotive news
    about DC using MB xmissins in the future, the
    assemply plant has yet to be built (ref.. http://www.autointell.com/news-2000-2/Oktober-2000/October-10-00-p2.htm )

    ....thus I doubt
    that this is a MB unit by any measure.
    Additionally, the 4.7L V8 hemi and the "special"
    automatic xmission that was built for it were first offered in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
    You can decide for yourself if this is a TRUCK or
    not.

    The following URL clearly states that the 45RFE xmission was designed for "TRUCK PLATFORMS".

    http://www.autointell.com/nao_companies/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/daimlerchrysler/chrysler/chrysler11.htm/map

    Here are a couple of URLs to web sites that you
    can peruse at your leisure. The truth lies within
    these (web)pages.

    http://www.autointell.com/
    http://www.alldata.com/
    http://www.car-truck.com/
    http://www.autoguide.net/
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    I have changed my own oil the last 2 times (6000 & 9000 miles) the most recent being yesterday...Both times i have let the engine drain for +/- 45 minutes until ALL drips had stopped and on a level surface (like the B.O.B. suggests)..

    After draining and replacing the Filter (Mobil1 M1-204 which is the SAME capacity as the MOPAR..I checked it), I dumped in 5 Qts of 5w30 Mobil1 Tri-Syn and took the truck for a easy run around the block untill the temp needle came to its usual position and parked back on the same level surface and waited 10 minutes as in the BOB(not the 15 minutes as in the Owners Manual)...I checked the oil and it was in the ADD region, I put the final Qt. in(6 total) and repeated the procedure and read EXACTLY to the top of the Full Line..So in my eyes, the 6Qts are CORRECT for the 4.7L V8...

    My Opinion:

    (1) The key is to let the engine DRAIN for as long as possible to get AS MUCH of the oil out of the Orifices and hollow valve train as possible...

    (2) Change the oil on a LEVEL surface...I know the popular thinking is because the oil drain plug is on the rear of the pan, you want to park on an inline so the oil will drain to the rear..WRONG...This could cause the oil in the orifices and valvetrain and even the pan to "Pool" up away from a drain hole thus leaving oil in the engine that would normally drain out on a level surface..(From the OIL FLOW Diagram, it looks like all these passages could easily hold a Qt or MORE)...

    (3) If all procedures (Draining on a level surface and checking procedure) are followed to the tee..then 6 qts in the 4.7 will give the correct oil level everytime.

    Feel free to disagree with me and post your comments..I only know that 6qts works for my 4.7 and i find it hard to believe that i got the only one made to hold all 6 qts...

    BTW...9200 miles and averaging 18.2 MPG (by paper and pencil) and 17.95 (by the Truck Computer) with a 4.7L, 4x4, 31x10.5's, 3.55, 5-sp, LSD...Mixed hwy and city driving..

    CHAD
  • kminekmine Member Posts: 10
    Hey there,

    I was told your the "guy" for this question. 3.92 vs 3.55 ratio in a 01 quad 4.7 towing package and auto tranny. I will be towing 2600-2800 lbs of boat and trailer 2-3 times a week. Mostly flat some hills.

    Do I need the 3.92, and what is the effect on gas mileage.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Jerry, arrived home tonight, and I cannot find the checklist. I was certain that I stored it, but cannot locate it. As I am not the author, perhaps someone else downloaded it and can produce it for you. Again, I apologize.

    Bookitty
  • astaasta Member Posts: 122
    Took the new Quad up to Santa Barbara for my girlfriend's b-day. Went smooth as can be, except for a few more tranny issues. Basically, the surging feeling off the line from 1-2 has been replaced by "hunting" sensation. Only first thing in the morning, only off the line from a dead start as I'm going approx 10-15 MPH. Feels like it can't find 2nd gear. Adding throttle (half-3/4) doesn't seem to help much. Disappears after a moments or when I reach approx 20 mph. After this first sensation it doesn't come back during the duration of driving. Any theories out there???
  • shawkwavshawkwav Member Posts: 18
    I ordered a 2001 Dakota Quad Cab about a week ago, and I am contemplating whether or not I should have ordered the Heavy Duty Service group which contains, the 136-amp alternator, 750 amp battery, as well as the maximum engine cooling package, which includes the tranmission oil and power steering coolers. This may seem silly, but I would appreciate anyone's input for my piece of mind.

    Thanks,

    Shawkwav
  • tuvtesttuvtest Member Posts: 237
    Jsten- I'm too lazy to dig through all the old posting to find your original request but from looking at the last few, I think this link may be of help. It's an inspection checklist for a Ram, but I used it as a guide when going over my QC. It's quite extensive but obviously does not list the known QC problems.

    http://www.dodgeram.com/buying_info/Inspect.htm

    Shawkwav- sorry to sound wishy-washy, but it all depends.You have to look at your usage. If you are just using your QC to run around town, with an occasional light hauling, in and average temp area, you should be fine. But, if you plan on towing any significant amount ( which I'm assuming your not since you din't mention it) or hauling a lot, or live in an enviroment that has either weather extreme ( heat is the major killer of auto transmissions), hot temps, or, serious snows (having to rock out of being stuck) are hard on autos.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    When I started looking at the Quad last spring, I checked on the FB discount. At that time, only two state Farm Bureaus did not offer the discount to their members; Oklahoma and Hawaii.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Mark, always a good choice on ordered vehicles
    (stock units may not be so equipped depending on
    the order manager at the dealership). I personally
    always go for the HD service group, as it is cheap
    insurance and the heavy duty cooling (for both
    engine and transmission (automatic) are well worth
    the price. In colder climates, the heavy duty
    battery is also a good bet. For folks who drive
    their own vehicles for volunteer emergency
    services, the fast recovering alternator/battery
    combination is very desirable as well. If you can
    still change t your order at this point in time, it would be a good choice. If you cannot, don't sweat it; You will survive.

    Bookitty
  • kminekmine Member Posts: 10
    Checked with service people for Dodge today. I'm ordering 4.7 HD,TP, towing a boat under 3,000 lbs. mostly flat some hills. They stated that the smaller 3.55 is the rear end to get. As long as the tongue wait on a trailer is under 1300 lbs they feel the 3.55 should work fine unless hills and frequency of towing become a major player.
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    steve234 - That's what I thought, too. But Lori at meltonsales near Tulsa, OK says the discount is good there. Hope she's not feeding me a line.
  • mulderigmulderig Member Posts: 31
    Also on the Heavy Duty Service Group you must order it or you can't order the tow package. Plus when I did some researching before I ordered my Quad I found out that the 136 Amp alternator is not part of the Heavy Duty Service Group but it is part of the SLT & Sport Options. That is why I ordered the Heavy Duty Engine Cooling at half the price and will install the hitch myself.
  • dskoczylasdskoczylas Member Posts: 22
    I have had my 2001 Quad cab 4X4 for about a month now. I have a 4.7 5 speed with 3.92s The engine seems to growl really loud and rough at about 2000 to 2500 RPM and I fee quite a bit of vibration through the shifter and gas pedal at this RPM. It is annoying on the highway at 65mph because it runs at about 2000 rpm. Is this normal for this engine and drive train? I am intersted if anyone else with a 5 speed has these symptoms before I bring it back to the dealer to be told it is normal.
  • dskoczylasdskoczylas Member Posts: 22
    I have had my 2001 Quad cab 4X4 for about a month now. I have a 4.7 5 speed with 3.92s The engine seems to growl really loud and rough at about 2000 to 2500 RPM and I fee quite a bit of vibration through the shifter and gas pedal at this RPM. It is annoying on the highway at 65mph because it runs at about 2000rpm. Is this normal for this engine and drive train? I am intersted if anyone else with a 5speed has these symptoms before I bring it back to the dealer to be told it is normal.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    David, if you are concerned, take it to the dealer service facility and make your complaint. I have the same combination, except that i have the 3.55 axle ratio. There are no loud engine noises or vibrations. The engine is very smooth. Even if the service department tells you that it is "normal", you will have documentation of your complaint on record.

    Bookitty
  • 96g1196g11 Member Posts: 88
    When ordering a truck, if you are going to use it as a truck, make it a truck! I keep my vehicles for a long time. I recommend ordering anything that can be ordered heavy duty. The money spent initially will more than be made up for in the long haul (pardon the pun).
  • jsten2jsten2 Member Posts: 23
    Thanks for the checklist. I just printedit out.
    Bookitty,thanks for the try, if anyone has the QC checklist post it for everyone.

    I love the sound of the engine and exhaust on this truck. Nothing like my 4.3L V6 chevy. Which by the way was a great engine that I have 180K on and it still runs well. I hope I have as good an engine this time.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    The catch is that if you are a member in any other state, an Oklahoma dealer should honor it. Where I bought mine, they have a lot of buyers who were members in KS, MO, or AR. Under the right circumstances, I could have joined the Colorado FB since I have a property interest there, but it felt too clintonesque
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Steve it is only "clintonesque" if you run for Senator in a state that you visited once or twice. Unless of course if you are genuinely interested in helping the people (at least the people living on Park Avenue).

    Bookitty
  • erich3erich3 Member Posts: 3
    Well, I took the plunge last night. Found a 2wd Quad w/ 4.7 auto, 3.55 Anti-spin SLT.
    Anyone have any experience with the folding tonneau cover?
    Unfortunately the only one they could find did not have a CD player - any recommendations here would be great, speakers, head units etc.
    The truck is all black - what is the best way to keep it looking new and avoid swirl marks etc besides not driving it and leaving it in the garage.
    Can't wait to pick it up, could not resist the $2000 rebate.
  • slickwilliedjslickwilliedj Member Posts: 252
    i didnot get the rebate because it wasn't being offered at the time and i'm not a member of the farm bureu. however, i feel i got a pretty good deal for a all option sport in demand.
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    Look out, Boo. We'll get erased off this board, too! But in case anyone is watching - there is a 2000 QC dealer demo I've heard about, haven't seen yet as it is in another state. The problem is it has 6000 miles on it. Lot of miles, I know. What's your opinion on pursuing it?
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Bill, a dealer demonstrator is nothing more than an untitled "used" truck. Take the window sticker information to ascertain the equipment and options
    and then build the vehicle (if you can still find 2000 models on line) and look at the invoice pricing. Factor in the various discounts and rebates (Daimler/Chrysler, Farm Bureau) and go from there. It must be substantially lower in price and carry the full factory warranty plus any extended warranty that you can wrangle out of the dealer. Too often, demonstrators are sold at a fairly high figure. look at the Blue Book values
    as well, treating this vehicle as "used". Once you have all of the facts, compare it against a new model (either 2000 in stock roughly equipped the same or a 2001 model). If you feel that it is a great deal, then move forward. But, it must be a good deal. Remember, if you had that same truck a dealer would consider it a used vehicle. You must do likewise.

    Bookitty
  • stvdmanstvdman Member Posts: 62
    I tried to read through as much of the previous posts as possible but I only had so much time so...
    I am looking for a good tonneau cover for my Quad. I dont want a hard one just a nice soft one that is easy to use. A between the rail one would be perfect. Anyone buy one as of yet and if so where and how much $$$. Thanks alot.
  • zonkzonk Member Posts: 208
    Yeah, they were starting from invoice (copy shown on their site (with additions for sprayed in bedliner and tinted glass)), subtracting holdback (surprisingly enough), subtracting 10 cents/mile for the mileage, then subtracting the $2000 rebate. This came out to be $22,789. I was then going to bring up the FB discount. Twas for a 4x4 SLT with a bunch of options. The 6000 miles scares me, though. Who knows the abuse it has taken? Thanks for the advice, though.
  • ahasherahasher Member Posts: 236
    I see alot about the fold-a-cover and such, but not much on "soft" as with the EXTANG covers. So her is myy .02 worth. I paid $209 (free shiping) for the SABER snapless cover. The smooth snapless lines and ease of removal (5 min and it's rolled up to the cab), plus the lower price, warranty and rep. was the deciding factor for this type. yeah, I know, no real security, but in my case I only need simple rain and wind protection. 90 Min to install (including 2 beers) EXCELLENT instructions, hardware and fit to the QC bed rails ( NO rain or water from washing inside the bed!!). If you are looking for this type, I hope this helps.

    ahasher
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    You are using the New Webster's definition 2. I am using definition 1. Let's not even think of definition 3.
  • h_bosih_bosi Member Posts: 9
    I was test driving several QCs. I really liked the 4.7L engine for its power and smoothness. However, the engine seems to resonate at a low frequency. Just to convince myself that the annoying vibration is from the engine, I occasionally pressed on the clutch at highway speed (to low-rpm the engine temporarily) and the low-frequency vibration goes away.

    Anyone QC owner noticing and being annoyed by this?

    dskoczylas: Do you think that the 2000 rpm vibration is the same as the problem described above?

    P.S. - I ordered a QC, but with a V6, because I could not stand this low frequency resonance!
  • moparpower1moparpower1 Member Posts: 14
    When I picked up my quad it had marks on the box in the paint that were in the primer.Took it back to dealer to get repainted when got it back had overspray and paint job worse than factory,they have now had it for over a week and was told that I will get it back in the morning waiting to see how it looks this time.
  • robl4robl4 Member Posts: 2
    this may have already been answered but how does someone become a member of the Farm Bureau for the $500.00 rebate. Does Dodge or Farm bureau pay for the rebate? Finally, what steps must be taken in order to qualify.
  • cetriscetris Member Posts: 13
    I have noticed that when I direct the air-flow to the footwells in my QC, that the blower seems noticeably noisier. If the fan is in the fastest or next-to-fastest speeds, it is really loud. The noise seems to originate from near the top of the dash though, not from below where the air is actually blowing out....odd. I haven't checked any others yet so I don't know if it just a misaligned louver in my particular QC or if this is something typical to them all. Anybody else noticing this? Oh yeah, I love the truck too.

    Thanks.
  • dskoczylasdskoczylas Member Posts: 22
    Yes h bosi the resonance is at around 2000 rpm. But it growls alot when you push it past 2500 to 3000 rpm when speeding up on the highway. I am bring it to the dealer next Wednesday to have it checked. It is a shame that a V8 runs so rough. My 5.2 in my 98 Ram seemed smoother at the ame RPM.
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