I dropped the truck off at the dealer today to have the blinking engine light, wheel play, and front engine noise addressed. I didn't get too upset, but told them these are existing problems, and want them fixed or they could keep the truck. They called me an hour ago, and said it is not showing any codes, and could not get the light to blink when they drove it. They said it seems to have new plugs and wires, so they are going to replace the coil, becuase" these Dodges are known for bad coils". The front engine noise is from a bad water pump, they are going to replace that. The wheel play is due to a bad wheel bearing...they will replace that. Then he says.."this is a lot of work..if you were to have this done, it would cost $1200" This may be true, and it is great they are doing this work, but he won't even say "plenum"...so I hope this coil does the trick. What do ya all think ??

 

I think he is trying to avoid doing the intake.... Did you check it out before you took it in?

 

I looked thru thr throttle body, but did not take it off. I saw some blackish residue, but directly under the "butterflies"...the rest of what I could see"obviously not the gasket area" looked shiny. I still pushed it as an option, He said there is NO way it is the gasket, becuase it is burning NO oil. I guess I will just have to wait till I get it back, and see if the light comes back on. Do ya even think the coil is a possibility ??

 

I would bet distributor cap. That was the problem on mine. (changing the coil worked for about two days.)

 

I was going to say it sure sounds like a bad water pump, good thing they found it before it seized or your fan ended up in the radiator.

 

Ya, they told me they heard a bearing noise, but wanted me to keep driving until something broke..I finally just dropped it off and told them to figure it out. I will change the distributor cap myself when I am done with them. Is there a particular cap I should buy ? Or wires ??I am thinking of Autolites 3923's for plugs, but I didn't want to put different plugs in, and have the service guy blame them. I also plan on a new thermostat. I appreciate all the advice. Thank You

 

A good cap with brass terminals is all you need. Accel makes them, along with a fair few other companies. If you ask for one at the parts store, they should be able to set you right up. Don't forget to get a rotor as well. (I prefer to get my rotor from the same company that made the cap..... I don't think it really matters.... but, hey..... there ya go.)

Good quality wires as well. I think summit, or jegs, or even both.... sell a complete "kit", that has cap, rotor, wires, and plugs.. for a reasonable price. Not sure if the parts stores will have them or not. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

I got the truck back today, and put some miles on it. I loaded up the 4-wheeler and drove around and hit some good hills. So far NO problems. The front engine noise is gone with the new water pump, and so far no leak on the inside of the tire. The engine light never came on, so I am hoping the coil was going bad. I realize I still have a plenum fix down the road, but I am hoping it will be a while before it goes, and I am able to save some cash for the fix. This is my first Dodge, and know this model will have issues, but it is actually a great truck. It has all sorts of power, and rides great. Thanks for all the help everyone. this site is great !!