Hi everybody!

I'm new here...and this is actually my first post!

I used to own an `03 SRT-4, but sold it a couple years back. I just recently (yesterday) picked up an `03 SXT for fuel economizing. This recent score is a super clean car with 68k on the clock. It drives like a dream and seems super tight overall. BUT... I've got a couple questions that are probably best fielded by experienced pros such as yourselves.

First off... my SXT has an automatic trans. My question is: is there supposed to be lamps illuminating the PRNDL? I just noticed this for the first time since I bought the car during the day and I drove it for the first time tonight, only to learn that you can't see the PRNDL. Obviously, it's easy enough to find where I need to go, but thought there'd be some lights in the gear selection area.

Second... maybe this is better answered another area of this great forum (I have yet to investigate the entire site), but I'm getting a clunking/rattle sound coming from the general front end whenver I go over even the mildest of bumps or cracks in the pavement. Like I said earlier, the car feels really tight (this includes the steering), but something sounds loose up front. Could this car already need lower control arm bushings? My SRT-4 had 89K when I sold it and it never made any such sounds. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance, everybody!!

Dale

 

Not sure if this link will work... but I'm trying to post up a pic of my car. (below)

 

1. Yes
2. Could be LCA or sway bar bushings. Both are easy to check.

 

Thanks for the info, Darthroush! I did a fair amount of searching before making my post and noticed you are pretty involved in helping people sort through issues. Much appreciate it, man!

I can't comfortably go beneath my car at the moment due to the fact that it's raining out there, but will as soon as it dries up a bit. Although, I suppose I can check into this PRNDL light situation! I'm assuming I should be able to pull the PRNDL/console bezel off to see what's going on? I have downloaded the various available service and parts manuals you were kind enough to point to in other posts (again- thank you!) but I didn't see anything specific pertaining to the PRNDL bezel. Any last tips/advice before I go start yanking stuff apart?

Dale

 

There is usually a small bulb that illuminates the PRNDL display, although I haven't had to take mine apart.

Also check the outer tie-rods mine went bad around 70-80k.

 

It is a standard 194 bulb. You have to remove the shift **** and center console and then you can get to it. If you have the 2003-2005 shop manual, refer to page 67 in the "interior" section. Also, you are going to want to pull the parking brake up as high as possible. I didn't think another click or two would make a difference...it does, lol.

As far as sounds go when things are bad, LCA and/or sway bar bushings generally make squeaking/creaking when going over bumps. Tie-rod ends creak while turning. Ball joints will clunk over bumps.

Might as well just go over the entire suspension (ball joints and tie rod ends). I've replaced everything on mine before 100K. Depends on the environment the car is in. Some will wear things faster.

 

Thanks, guys! Got that little 194 bulb replaced and I'm good to go. And yes, darthroush...you were quite right about those additional clicks on the parking brake handle! You really do need every last one to get the console off!

As for the environment this car has been driven in... it's been in Michigan which has probably the worst roads in the USA. Well, at least amongst the worst. Therefore, I'm sure the suspension components on this car are aging sooner than usual. But what's strange is that the car drives amazingly straight & tight! Just have that pesky rattle clunk when going over even the slightest bumps in the pavement.

I was about to start on checking the suspension parts out that you guys have mentioned, but it has started drizzling again, making everything moist on my driveway. I'll get to it eventually.

 

I never had to replace my ball joints yet and I'm at 115k, but I cheated and put grease zerks on them.

 

Okay, guys... until I can get some dry weather here to check out my front suspension a little better, I've got another interior lighting question for ya'!

It looks as though there's a couple lamps out (or maybe just one?) that lights up the right side of my speedometer and the left side of the tach gauge faces. How difficult is this to get to for bulb replacement? (assuming it's more 194 bulbs or something)

Thanks in advance, guys!

Dale

 

Two screws on the left and right side of the dash pad. You'll need a shorty phillips for the two screws on the side of the center defroster vent. Remove A-Pillar covers carefully. Pop dash pad up and remove from car. Undo cluster trim piece and remove. Remove four screws and pull cluster out. Lights are on the back. Once you do it the first time and figure it all out, it takes about 5 minutes to do it thereafter.