new truck, new problems
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: michigan
new truck, new problems
Hey all, new here and have a few small (hopefully) problems with my new dakota.
gotta say im a little scared because i had a grand prix that cracked a block in the winter (all coolant no water was the cause supposedly.) than replaced that motor and the next one threw a rod. after replacing that, the transmission started slipping so I dumped it. needless to say I really dont want to screw my new truck up so any info to keep her running let me know. btw, I am a total idiot that needs everything explained to me!
ok I have a few questions that I will lump into this one thread.
first some info: Just bought the truck last week, its a 2001 3.9slt rwd with 45,xxx miles on the odo. automatic with AC. drive to college and work everyday.
-first question/problem: ok she is running a bit rough, not horrible just a little eh, lumpy is the only way I can describe it. when i shift sometimes (especially into neutral or reverse) it goes low on rpms and feels like its going to stall, in fact It did once. I shifted into reverse and it tried to hold on but stalled out. started it back up and ran fine after that. autozone guys said to try replacing sparks? should I even be too worried? I plan on using some stp injection cleaner, and replacing sparks. any other Ideas
-second: the belt squeaks when first starting in the cold mornings. I let it warm up and its fine. do I need to replace the belt right away or can I hold off for a while? if so how long?
-third: also when first starting the truck from cold. when I accelerate, the engine gives more vibration than normal. it smooths out as it warms and then purrs like a kitten. should I be worried?
and lastly: how the heck do I keep the paint looking good? it has swirl marks from a bad buffing job someone must have done so I hand polished, have yet to get direct sunlight on it so cant tell if that worked yet. after I waxed and polished it looks great until the next morning when all the condensation and sprinkler water dry and gets water spots everywhere! should I get a whole bunch of quick detailer and wipe daily? no garage just parents driveway!
thanks all!
gotta say im a little scared because i had a grand prix that cracked a block in the winter (all coolant no water was the cause supposedly.) than replaced that motor and the next one threw a rod. after replacing that, the transmission started slipping so I dumped it. needless to say I really dont want to screw my new truck up so any info to keep her running let me know. btw, I am a total idiot that needs everything explained to me!
ok I have a few questions that I will lump into this one thread.
first some info: Just bought the truck last week, its a 2001 3.9slt rwd with 45,xxx miles on the odo. automatic with AC. drive to college and work everyday.
-first question/problem: ok she is running a bit rough, not horrible just a little eh, lumpy is the only way I can describe it. when i shift sometimes (especially into neutral or reverse) it goes low on rpms and feels like its going to stall, in fact It did once. I shifted into reverse and it tried to hold on but stalled out. started it back up and ran fine after that. autozone guys said to try replacing sparks? should I even be too worried? I plan on using some stp injection cleaner, and replacing sparks. any other Ideas
-second: the belt squeaks when first starting in the cold mornings. I let it warm up and its fine. do I need to replace the belt right away or can I hold off for a while? if so how long?
-third: also when first starting the truck from cold. when I accelerate, the engine gives more vibration than normal. it smooths out as it warms and then purrs like a kitten. should I be worried?
and lastly: how the heck do I keep the paint looking good? it has swirl marks from a bad buffing job someone must have done so I hand polished, have yet to get direct sunlight on it so cant tell if that worked yet. after I waxed and polished it looks great until the next morning when all the condensation and sprinkler water dry and gets water spots everywhere! should I get a whole bunch of quick detailer and wipe daily? no garage just parents driveway!
thanks all!
Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 1
From: poconos, pa
sounds like you're describing my truck. v6 automatic, 4wd though. used to commute to college and work as well
first: do a tune up, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor. napa stuff is what i recommend, ngk or autolite plugs, copper cores only. mine stalls out in reverse when i first fire it up, i was told it's a bad ground connection for the transmission, accidentally locking up the torque converter.
second: if it makes you feel better, go ahead and change it, but i'm going to break 100,000 miles at the end of the week, woohoo for me, and i still have the originally belt on mine.
third: do a tune up
forth: i use the mother's 3 step wax kit. i must say it looks good even when dirty.
first: do a tune up, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor. napa stuff is what i recommend, ngk or autolite plugs, copper cores only. mine stalls out in reverse when i first fire it up, i was told it's a bad ground connection for the transmission, accidentally locking up the torque converter.
second: if it makes you feel better, go ahead and change it, but i'm going to break 100,000 miles at the end of the week, woohoo for me, and i still have the originally belt on mine.
third: do a tune up
forth: i use the mother's 3 step wax kit. i must say it looks good even when dirty.