Dakota Engine Trouble (02 4.7L V8)
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Dakota Engine Trouble (02 4.7L V8)
This is a long story but I'll keep it as short as I can. A few months ago, I hit the back of a truck during a traffic jam on the freeway. I compensated the man for damage to his exhaust system, and we went our separate ways. However, a few days later, my engine fan began scraping the fan shroud (made a terrible noise). I had a look, and apparently, the trailer hitch from the other guys truck had gone through my (plastic) bumper compressing the radiator and condenser, and forcing the shroud into the fan's path. I was able to change the radiator and condenser, and had the truck taken to the shop to get the job finalized.
That should've been it, but ever since I got the truck back, the "CHECK GAGES" light has been coming on randomly. The first time it came on, I didn't think anything of it. I parked the truck and returned to it half an hour later, only to find that the engine wouldn't start. I managed to get it to start by revving the accelerator as I turned the key, but my oil and engine temperature gages were all out of whack. I checked the oil, and it seemed fine. The truck also began making a slight rattling sound whenever I started up the engine.
I didn't have the time to take the truck to the shop, so I continued to drive this way for a few weeks. I drove yesterday, and the engine seemed like it was beginning to putter out; then the engine light came on instead of the typical "CHECK GAGES". I tried starting it today, and for the second time, it wouldn't start. This time was different though: sounded like it needed a jumpstart. I held down the accelerator, and the engine really kicked in. Engine light was still on, but the engine wasn't stuttering.
It's safe to say I won't be driving my Dakota for a while. I'll be taking it to the shop on Monday, but I'm curious what you guys think. Was the engine affected by the trailer hitch? Maybe the electrical system wasn't connected properly, or there was a problem with the AC recharge? I really don't know...
Thanks in advance.
That should've been it, but ever since I got the truck back, the "CHECK GAGES" light has been coming on randomly. The first time it came on, I didn't think anything of it. I parked the truck and returned to it half an hour later, only to find that the engine wouldn't start. I managed to get it to start by revving the accelerator as I turned the key, but my oil and engine temperature gages were all out of whack. I checked the oil, and it seemed fine. The truck also began making a slight rattling sound whenever I started up the engine.
I didn't have the time to take the truck to the shop, so I continued to drive this way for a few weeks. I drove yesterday, and the engine seemed like it was beginning to putter out; then the engine light came on instead of the typical "CHECK GAGES". I tried starting it today, and for the second time, it wouldn't start. This time was different though: sounded like it needed a jumpstart. I held down the accelerator, and the engine really kicked in. Engine light was still on, but the engine wasn't stuttering.
It's safe to say I won't be driving my Dakota for a while. I'll be taking it to the shop on Monday, but I'm curious what you guys think. Was the engine affected by the trailer hitch? Maybe the electrical system wasn't connected properly, or there was a problem with the AC recharge? I really don't know...
Thanks in advance.
