Im fairly new to the site, been looking through many threads about a few problems with the truck. Decided to take the truck to the dealership to see what was wrong. First problem no heat, second map lights don't work and third the power door locks don't work. Bought the truck used and noticed the radiator had a crack in it, the seller had it replaced. Didn't think anything of it till the temp dropped and there was no heat coming out the vents. It works for about two seconds then cold air. The dealership said, it could be the cluster causing all three problems, more so on the lights and locks and that the new radiator has hot and cold spots. The cluster is $620 and the radiator not even sure. Looked at getting the extended warranty, my truck is an 03 QC with 59K miles, they are offering a 5 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper for 2900 at the dealership. CB

 

Why go to the dealer? And $2,900 will be better put to use in a savings account against any catastrophic failures down the road. Take the truck to a well-recommended shop or shopsand let them fix it, probably for under a grand - total.

 

navy those are the best 3 things that can go wrong, first off how often does your woman say its too cold in here and then cranks up the heater? secondly real men dont need maps, and thirdly the power locks wont work so you dont have to worry about her getting in when you unlock your door.


try looking for other companies that deal with warranty offers, im looking at one through chryslerwarrantys.com, i checked goes back to 04, but to give you an idea it would be a bumper to bumper lifetime for 2800 bucks.

hell youre in SA i put 25k miles a year seeing that everything is on the other side of town no matter where youre at, so that warranty could be spent in 2 years. hey was the 7/70 not around in 03??

 

yeh $2,900.00 would not be a good investment in my mind. That can fix alot of problems over the next 50,000 miles. Ask around with friends and try to find a good shop.

 

Flush out the cooling system really good...might have to spray the hose directly into the heater core. Check the fuses for the locks and the bulbs for the lights. Might as well replace the stat as you're flushing the system..

 

Keep your $2900 in your pocket and get away from the dealer. Go find a reputable shop in town. Dealerships are great 'parts replacers' but I think you need a mechanic to troubleshoot the problems.

I would try to flush the cooling system w/chemicals. Remove the heater hoses and flush & backflush until it runs clear. Replace the T-stat. Check all hoses & replace as necessary. Refill w/antifreeze.

Check fuses for your map light & door lock problems.

This will cost under $100. Put $2800 in the bank.

Speed Safely,
AL

 

You guys are great. LOL, RamItOne!

Will look for a good local shop, I am pretty handy with the tools. This is my first Dodge, it is a smidge different for my previous Chevys.

Is there a good shop manual out for these trucks? What are the procedures for flush the cooling system?

CB

 

Damn right it's different! It'sa real truck! Another forum used to have the actual Dodge shop manuals posted, but I don't see that anymore. Don't know why. Try to stay away from Haynes or Chilton's unless you have a bird.