We bought an 05 Dakota 3.7 auto QC last month when the weather was unseasonably warm. Now that the temps have become more seasonable (below freezing daytime temps) I think it takes forever to get to operating temp. I've started it and let it run for 2-3 minutes first thing in the morning and it takes probably 4-5 miles beyond that to warm up. This is our first Dodge so I don't know if that's normal or not. I don't know what thermostat it has. Is this normal or bad thermostat or something else maybe? If we replace it, would you recommend 180 or 195? Plan on doing some simple mods in future to increase mpg's. Appreciate any info/thoughts.

 

that sounds about right to me.....

 

spot on. same thing here

 

I don't think my truck has even seen below-freezing temps, and even on the coldest of South Florida mornings (upper 30s) a few times a year, it still takes about 3-4 miles to get to full operating temp.

 

Mine takes waaaaay longer to warm up, but then again, I'm from Canada and it has just hit 20 below.

 

what kind of hood scoop you running?

 

Don't have a scoop but yours looks killer. Would you recommend a 180 or 195 thermostat? We plan to put in 3923 plugs and a k&n drop in air filter in the next couple weeks. And a cat back later this year. Thanks.

 

I have the same scoop as yours jkeaton. Read it in one of the threads. Need to get it professionally painted tho, my home made job is good but can't get the clear coat the same as a body shop. Doesn't have the same shine if you know what I mean.

 

Mine in very cold weather takes a few to warm up.

 

I would get the stock thermostat (195). If you get a 180 then your truck will run colder and youre heating issue will get worse...I think. Maybe not, I may have just confused myself haha