Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

tegwj · January 2002

Jim --

You miss my point -- I don't believe the dealer is *obligated* by default to provide the repair. Given the history of this particular type of failure (well documented in this forum) I am simply wondering if there is any recourse which might create "official" factory support for performing the repair out of the original warranty terms.

twj

mtrialsm · January 2002

No dealer "gives" parts away, any service department will jump at warenttee repairs,
I haven't looked at the 12K limits.
I'd talk to the dealer you purchased your
truck from or give Dodge Corp. at call.
I hate to keep hearing about brake rotor
failures (are mine domed to fail?).
I have 10K on my Quad, so far so good with
everything.
I'd be pissed with a $110.00 alignment fee!!!!!
mick

tegwj · January 2002

...didn't even work, i just dropped the truck off again to get it fixed. You'd think that, if the truck were road-tested, the fact the steering wheel was off-center when going straight would be a clue.

And I'm assured the truck is road-tested after every alignment. We'll see.

twj

surffla1 · January 2002

I recently noticed while standing outside my new (650 miles) 2002 4.7 manual QC a very faint high pitched whine while in idle. Sometimes more noticeable but always just barely heard over the engine rumble. Truck is running beautifully, gauges all normal. Curiosity finally got the best of me so took it to local 5 star (not the closest) dealer. The available mechanic said it's the normal sound of the fuel pump working and added that it should get more noticeable as the fuel tank empties. Comments please?

PS Love this truck. The 4.7 manual is a dream.

sunburn · January 2002

I noticed the same noise on my 2002 4.7L. I crawled around until I isolated it to around the fuel tank and attributed it to the fuel pump. This seems to be a common on most newer vehicles, although the intensity of the sound can vary. For a while back in the early to mid-90's, Fords were notorious for having a very loud electric fuel pump.

sconsinite · January 2002

Hello to all you Quad owners out there! I am soon (I hope) to be a Quad owner after a 00' Dakota Club Cab 4x4, then a 00' Durango 4x4, both with th 4.7 V-8 and auto trans. I am very happy with both vehicles, but just now getting around to the choice I should have made many moons ago...have kids, dogs, and other stuff to haul? Get a Quad Cab!

My inquiry is this: I have ordered a 2002 4x4 Dakota Quad Cab, and am totally excited to take delivery. Does anyone out there know how to check order status via the web? I have the VON, and the dealer says it was in status BX, then scheduled for Feb. 04, 2002 delivery. So how can I check without waiting for the dealer to get back to me all the time? I ordered Dec. 31, 2001, taking advantage of the 7/100K warranty.

I should note that I found a fleet web site for Dodge that allowed entering a VON # to check order status, but it required userid and password (dealer says they don't know).

Any help is greatly appreciated!

mtrialsm · January 2002

I glad someone pointed this out to me. Why is it
that Dodge is the only manufacture that hasn't
fixed this safety issue? You can put the truck
in gear (auto) without pressing the brake pedal!!
I think this was a serious safety issue that has
been addressed by others. Of course I won't leave
my truck running with the pet dog or a child in
my truck, but there's is always someone that will
and has done that!! Try it, from Park to R or D
and don't press the brake!!! Be careful!!!
If you didn't know this, you do now.
I own a 2001 Dakota Quad. I love my truck!
mick

tuvtest · January 2002

Order status cannot be tracked online, but you can call Dodge to track it that way. Below is a link detailing the procedure.

http://www.dodgeram.org/buying_info/Order_status.htm

ferous · January 2002

What is a safety issue to one person is a "pain" to another. My QC is a 5 spd, so I don't have this issue to worry about, but my wife's '96 GC (Grand Caravan) is an auto and I am use to just "dropping" it in gear. I travel 5-6 times a year and I hate the rental cars that force me to push the brake first. I'm just not use to it.
It's not that I'm against it, I just don't like it. Like you, I never leave the kids or dog in the car while it's running.

ferous · January 2002

I just read in the paper last week that 7% of new cars and trucks sold in 2000 were manual shift. My QC is a manual 2000 model so I'm one of the 7%. Thinking back over the number of "manual" members in this club, manual QCs have got to be at least twice that rate. It seems like 15-20% of us own 5 spds. Does anyone else agree with this?

enfurio · January 2002

The percentage of manual owners on this website is very high, but I doubt that the overall percentage of QC 5 speed owners is the same. Personally, I love mine. I've only owned one other stick (GTI) so I don't know how bad some of the other manufacturers are, but the 5 speed 4.7 L combo gets alot of praise. I am still getting used to rapidly downshifting, 4 wheeling and trying to eat a taco when times call for such actions, but am pleased 90% of the time with my stick. Plus, you can put lots of cool knobs and petals on your truck!

sunburn · January 2002

mtrialsm - for better or worse, the 2002 Dakota's have a brake/shift interlock.

sconsinite · January 2002

I contacted DC via the info you posted above today. Not suprisingly, the Programs HQ did
not have a build date yet. Gee, how did the salesman that sold me the truck have a date of Feb. 3rd or 4th??? Yes, a five star dealership.

One other thing I found peculiar was that Programs HQ acknowledged that new incentives/rebates came out on Jan. 09, but they did not have any info. on them yet. They also could not give me the web address to monitor the incentives myself. She told me to call back in a week and check again. I couldn't believe they didn't have their own incentive info! I asked the kind lady if the dealer's had the new incentive/rebate info. She said no. So if you were to buy a vehicle right now from DC, they couldn't even tell you if there are rebates available?

I cannot wait until our new Quad Cab arrives, but I am unimpressed by the salesman and DC Program HQ!

Impatiently waiting...Sconsinite

bcarter3 · January 2002

sconsinite. The first time I contacted DC regarding my order I was told my truck was scheduled for build in three weeks. A week later I called and a different person told me correctly that my Dakota was on the train!!! I think most of those people are in training.

bookitty · January 2002

Byron, in training for what?

Bookitty

tuvtest · January 2002

Potty training of course, cause they are all full of S(#!*

mtrialsm · January 2002

Who are some Dodge dealers that give discount
on internet parts orders?
Thanks.
Mick

Karen_S · January 2002

Let's watch the language...I don't want to have to rap your knuckles with my ruler. ;-)

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

tuvtest · January 2002

I'll go wash my own mouth out with soap

tuvtest · January 2002

Please contact me off line regarding the remote control Dakota you mentioned back in November. My e-mail address is in my profile.

mtrogstad · January 2002

I know this is more of a maintenance question, but I already posted it there and I didn't get any response.

I have a 2001 Quad Cab, 4.7, auto with 13,000+ miles. I have been going by Maintenance Schedule B in my Owner's manual since I live in North Dakota (cold) and drive mostly city miles. That schedule states to change my front and rear fluid at 12,000 miles. Is this really necessary? Does it void the warranty if I don't?
What should I expect my dealer to charge me to do this procedure?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

decentman4you · January 2002

My Present 2001 ordered directly from the the Factory, recieved 8 August 2000, QC 4x4, LSD, 3.55 T&H, HD everything, Amberfire, 4.7L auto AWD, tow pkg factory installed, I got everything except for Leather, sliding rear window, an cd-in-dash, and I have the TITLE GVWR is 5780 lbs, Born on date is: 07-00 ---- For stereo help see

http://www.crutchfield.com

ok just read from november to present,

What were the Best Sparkplugs to replace in this engine? Bosch + something?

just changed the oil at the dealer again $30.00 @ 13,240 miles

sunburn · January 2002

Thanks for the door panel removal info victx. The key was knowing to lift the door panel up after removing the screws. The rest was quite easy.

hogger4 · January 2002

Complained at my 5 Star Dodge dealer about whistling vents that don't change airflow very well when control is moved. Turned out there was a TSB (technical service bulletin) on the problem along with a fix kit. 3 hours later (they had to remove entire control unit +) no more whistles! This was the first one they have done, so it may be a new "fix". It worked on my 01 Quad with 36K on it, so check it out for yours. No charge as it was fixed under warrantee.

surffla1 · January 2002

hogger,
could you be a little more specific on your problem and the TSB. Only gripe I have with my 02 Quad is the A/C fan. Level one is just about completely useless, level 2 is about where you'd expect level one to be. Takes level 3 to finally get some decent air flow, but even at that level the outside vents (closest to the doors) still lack any substantial air flow. I live in central Florida. We are having a very warm winter even by Florida standards. Yesterday was moderately warm and I felt like it took way too long to cool down the cab after sitting outside for a few hours. Has me really worried about June-August. Seems to me I recall reading some earlier posts regarding this problem. All replays appreciated.

ferous · January 2002

The A/C output on my 2000 QC is just like you described. Thankfully in Michigan we only really need the Max A/C a couple dozen times a summer, so it really doesn't bug me.

Today is almost one of those days. It's 48 degrees and the snow is melting faster then the snow birds drive in Florida.

bpeebles · January 2002

(surffla1) Have you applied the "upgrade" to the AC system?

I spent less than $20 at HomeDepot for some pipe insulation. Applied to ALL of the AC plumbing where heat was being lost under the hood. Also wrapped the "receiver/dryer" unit for same reason.

Now, I do NOT have any sweaty pipes under the hood... instead, the AC cools nicely.

As for FAN performance.... My 2000 Dak has has a very powerful fan. The design of the plenum makes this power deceptive. What I mean to say is that it is easy to be decived and THINK that there is not much airflow because the distribution of air is very even.

As for the 2001 Dakota.... The entire Dash was redesigned and I cannot speak for air distribution in that case. As far as I know... the FAN is identical.

nthdgreee · January 2002

Regarding Post # 3925:
My vents also whistle and will be taking my truck in for service (2001). You mentioned a TSB on this particular fix, any idea what number TSB that is or where I can look up the TSB's on the net for information. I want to bring it to the dealer and sound informed when I tell them about there own TSB on the problem.

Thanks
Nthdgreee

henne · January 2002

I can attest to the 2001 a/c. My 2000 a/c was great and not a complaint about it. Now the 2001 is another story, its loud with little air, and the outer most vents on the driver and passenger side I think are there for looks to balance out the look of the dash because very little air comes out of them. I miss the 2000 a/c. Another thing I like better about the 2000 is when I am going up a hill the 2001 always downshifts and the 2000 just powered right on up the same hills. I looked at multiple 2001s and they all do it. The 2001 lost 5hp compared to the 2000 and I guess its right in the powerband that I am in when going up hill.

Robert

hogger4 · January 2002

TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) number was 5080749AB: A/C PKG: AIR CIRCULATION. It took about three hours to do as the technician (mechanic) had to remove the entire heater box from inside the truck. I do not know it's effect on the A/C, as this is heating season in Upstate New York.

bobs5 · January 2002

FYI:

http://www.wyckoff-mopar-parts.com/dakfacserman.html

Best price I've seen so far for a factory service manual.

Mine arrived this week. Lots of reading ahead for me.

The truck is running fine.

We had some snow this past week and went out to engage the 4wd for a little while before the plow trucks went through. YEEEE-HAWWWWW

There is quite a difference in performance with and without the 4wd engaged.

Bob

enfurio · January 2002

I just recieved my 2002 Dakota service manual. It is now a BBB (Big Blue Book). I too have a lot of reading to do.

mopar67 · January 2002

BOB>>>>>>>Big orange book
BTB>>>>>>>Big Teal book.
BGB>>>>>>>BIG green book (maybe same as above?)
BBB>>>>>>>Big Blue book

Just so we have all the acronyms straight on this.

tsadowski · January 2002

For starters, I love my Dakota Quad Cab. Best vehicle I've owned. 4.7 engine is awesome. Second, this seems like a great discussion board. Congrats to all of you for making this successful. Now, to my question. When there is the slightest amount of wetness on the road, my truck is almost on ice skates. I am unable to go up modest hills, even in low gear (my trans is auto). I live in TX, so this isnt about ice. I've learned to live with this and avoid hills when its wet. But lately, I've been hydroplaning, even when Im driving carefully. The kicker was a 180 that happened while I was making a left hand turn. Thankfully, there was no traffic at the time, or I would have caused an accident, and perhaps some serious injury.
I am an experienced driver and have driven many cars and vans in my day, even serving as a professional delivery driver for a time. However, this is my first pickup. I can understand the lack of weight in the back causing problems of this nature, but my gut tells me that something is wrong. Can any of the experts here help me out? I have 2WD. My tires were the originals that came with the truck new. Goodyear Eagle LS. P255/65R15. I've got about 27K miles on the truck (and on the tires).
Any suggestions? (sorry for the LONG post)

mopar67 · January 2002

I have done extensive research on tires and the BF Goodrich All Terrain TA k/o along with Pirelli seem to be at the top of the class.
You might check out tirerack.com for some reviews posted there by users of various kinds of tires.
The stock goodyears leave little, if any, to be desired. 'bout all I can say is they're round and they hold air.

bozco12 · January 2002

I only have 3.5k miles on my 2002 dakota. I have experience similar tires spinning and hydroplaning w/ my 2wd also. In both instances it was in light drizzle. I had attributed it to the tires . I will definitely go w/ the stock goodyear

bookitty · January 2002

Terry, sometimes hydro-planing may be caused (or at least encouraged) by under inflation or uneven inflation. Definitely, empty trucks are light in the rear and tend to gandydance a bit. The aforementioned reasons along with the design of the tire can contribute to hydro-planing.

Bookitty

iowabigguy · January 2002

Don't forget the limited slip differential can also contribute to this problem. My guess is the Goodyear tires though. Is your inflation pressure too high? Is your tread down to the wear bars? Rick

tsadowski · January 2002

I ordered some Pirelli Scorpion Zeros. From the reviews in Tirerack (incredible site!), this sure seems to be the best bet. Thanks for the tips, Mopar, Bookitty, and Iowabiggy. I set my tire inflation correctly in the meantime, and that sure helps. re: the limited slip differential, can you explain more? In addition to the tires, this sounds like something I should look into.

iowabigguy · January 2002

tsadowski, On a vehicle with a limited slip differential the inside tire in a turn on a slippery surface or under hard acceleration will have a tendency to lose traction. The left and right axles are connected with friction plates which try to keep both axles spinning at the same speed. When you go around a turn on dry pavement the inside tire has to turn at a slower speed than the outside tire. These friction plates slip to allow the inside tire to to turn at the slower speed. However if the surface is slippery there is no friction plate slippage because the tire is not getting traction. The same thing happens when you are accelerating too fast for a turn, the tires start losing traction and there is no grip to force the friction plates to slip so the axles are spinning at the same speed and you "drift" through the turn. Go really too fast and the drift turns into a spin as your pickups bed passes the cab. This is kind of a simplistic explanation but I think you'll get the "drift" of the explanation. If you want the "really Technical" explanation ask bpeebles. This is why I had asked about tire pressure. A over inflated tire has less traction than one with the proper inflation. An overinflated tire has a smaller patch of rubber in contact with the road than the tire with proper inflation. Driving on wet pavement actually causes a buildup of water under the tire that with enough water and speed can actually lift the car off of the pavement so that you are riding on a thin film of water. Rick

deckdog1 · January 2002

I just replaced my tires last week with the Bridgestone Dueller AT. Here in Chicago we just got a deep slushy snow last night. Not the slightest bit of sliding or hydroplaning. Bought them at Costco. Sears quoted $435 installed. Costco was $274 for same tire. They have $50 off a set of four on Bridgestone or Michelin until Feb.3rd. That includes everything. Road hazard, mounting, balancing, etc. A set of Michelin LTX AT will run you $362. Also a very highly rated tire. I figured for the price difference I can apply that to changing my warped rotors! Rick

deckdog1 · January 2002

Forgot to mention in previous post that the Bridgestone Duellers I bought were 215/75/15 on my 99 dakota 2wd cc. Sorry.

Rick

slogdog · February 2002

Hi. I have a 2001 QC that came with a Duraliner over the rail bedliner. The paint on the rails is now damaged due to the plastic rails. Can anyone give me a suggestion on how to fix this?

I am thinking about cutting off the plastic part over the rail and putting on steel plates but haven't been able to find the plates for a QC. I am not sure if these plates will cover the damage either.

Somebody please help before this thing wears thru my paint!!!

bpeebles · February 2002

(slogdog) This is one of the very bad things about those silly bathtubs they call bedliners.

They damage the paint and are an explosion hazzard.

I bought a "RubberQueen" rubber bed mat for $50. It keeps any cargo from sliding around, I can roll it up and cary it to a garden hose for cleaning. It does not damage the paint and does not build up a static charge that can cause explosions at a gas station.

bpeebles · February 2002

(slogdog) Whoops... I forgot to answer your question.

You may be able to use rubbing compound or a clay bar to remove the damage to the clearcoat. Just be careful not to REMOVE the clearcoat.

slogdog · February 2002

Thanks for the quick response, bpeebles. My other question is, if I can't remove the scratches, what are my other choices? I might get a tonneau cover but I don't want the scratches to show when I take it off. Can I get caps for the rails that won't do any damage?

Thanks.

henne · February 2002

I had the same thing happen to my tailgate and it specifically stated on the Pendaliner warranty that it does not cover paint damage to the inside of the truck bed. My damage was on the outside of the tailgate where the liner wraps around the top of the gate and covers about an inch or so down the outside of the gate, where the liner edge is. It rubbed all the way to the metal. When I brought this to Pendaliners attention they stated that they are not responsible for it and I noted what the warranty specifically stated and after multiple emails and phone calls they agreed to paint the tailgate. I now have a LineX spray in liner and I will never get another drop in.

Good luck,

Robert

varroa · February 2002

Hi guys,

I just got over 26K km on my truck now and I have to change the spark plugs and clean the throttle body. Anybody got any ideas on which plugs to get? I have a 2001 Quad with the 4.7L, manual & 4x4.

P.S. Scorpion tires are great, I had them on my cherokee and they worked great.

phishcranium · February 2002

Just a report on gas mileage: I am in Maryland and have driven the vehicle since late October. I am experiencing 13-14 mpg. I am buying the cheap gas and driving to and from work about 20 miles highway. I have the automatic/LSD/4.7l with oversized tires and 4x4. I was hoping to get better mileage but what can I say..I like the vehicle. Oh, I have only 3000 miles on the vehicle so far. Anybody out there in MD getting better?

phishcranium · February 2002

Regarding Bedliners, I did extensive research and I eventually went with the LineX spray in. All I can say is that I love it! I don't miss the old drop in's and the way they scrape the top rail paint. So far the spray in has held up to some abuse. A load of firewood, a load of rocks, and a few dead deer! The blood did stain it a little, but I didnt' try to wash it out yet. I am sure it will come out.

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

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