I decided not to go used after all, Friday I purchased a 2009 1500 4x4 Crew ST with the HEMI. Now I have several questions and wanted to know some things and chances are I will ask several more questions.

1. It has the lifetime powertrain warranty, what does it really cover, in ten years if I have a head gasket blow or something knocking, something happens, will it be covered or do I have to pay for the labor or how does this really work, is it really a warranty?

2. Gas, the book says 87 or 89 recommended, which should I use. Around here 87 with 10% ethanol is what we have, is that okay. What about oil, do you need to use a special oil in order to stay good on the warranty, same question for the gas, if I use 87 vs 89.

3. Break in, the book says keep it below 55 before 500 miles, I have been taking it really easy, haven't reached 500 miles yet, but haven't been keeping it below 55. Are there any other break-in suggestions?

4. Exhaust, it came equipped with a chrome tip, but I want to get a muffler that is good for gas mileage, do you have to get dual exhaust to get better performance and mileage or just replace the muffler and keep the single pipe run.

I have more questions, but I can't remember them right now.

Oh, what mods do I need and where is a good place for accessories online?

 

The lifetime powertrain warranty includes parts and labor, as long as the demaged part was'nt due to a modification by the owner. I put 87 in my Hemi, 89 is fine as well, you might get 1 MPG, but the cost difference for me is'nt worth it.87 won't harm your vehicle. Break in procedures are a guideline, as long as you're not doing burnouts, you'll be fine. As far as special oil goes, some use synthetic,some don't, I use a blend, for now, I might go to a full synthetic later though. I'm gonna install a dual exhaust Magnaflow($600) after Xmas,you might see a slight increase(10 HP) aint gonna really feel that,also slight increase in MPG(2 MPG)In about 10 years I'll realize the return on my investment lol lol.Now for other mods, some get a Trinity programmer, I'm gonna wait until a company gets a dependable programmer, right now I hear people are having problems with their programmers on 2009's.Gotta go to work, good luck.

 

1. it is a real warranty. make sure you keep records.
2. not sure on the DI motors, but on the OG Hemi you got more power with 89, esp for towing.
3. controversial issue... just do not be stupid.
4. mufflers will not really affect gas mileage. They will jack up your torque though and maybe give you a couple hp. Also they sound weird when MDS kicks in.

 

I need something that will indicate when the MDS has kicked in since the fuel saver light on the EVIC is not available in STs models.

 

Another thing about the warranty, you have to have a authorized Dodge dealership inspect your vehicle every 5 years.I plan on keeping all my receipts for any service(oil changes etc).As far as the MDS goes, I would think you can tell, b/c the truck feels sluggish, when you step on the gas, it goes into another gear and the MDS goes off. As far as not having the fuel saver light, maybe you can have it reflashed to your instrument gauge by a dealer(Call the dealer and ask,I guess)

 

Kevin is correct, you can tell with MDS is on if you pay attention to the truck/engine.

5W-20 oil ONLY. Brand, that is up to you.

The lifetime warranty is only going to cover the insides of your engine, tranny and differential. In other words lets say you have a sensor go bad, that will not be covered outside the 3/36. However if you have a bad lifter, shoot a rod, grind up the gears in the tranny you will be covered. I am guessing most of the people who will cash in on this warranty will be tranny related or people who drive the truck for 300K miles and the engine just dies. (I would love to see Dodge's response to that one).

I put 93 in mine, but for you I would do 89, it will be your best performance option and only costs 2.60 a tank! 3.20 if you have the 32 gallon

Exhaust, do not expect any decent MPG gains. Just get what you like in terms of sound.

 

i didnt know that there is a light on the dash for the MDS. neither my dads or mine has it and the are both SLTs. but i can tell when it come into play by the sound of the engine

 

It never occoured to me to ask until now, but I wonder if the warranty is to replace the components any time they're broken, or only if they only warranty failure due to manufacturer defects.

I know a lot of warranties on things specifically do not cover normal wear and tear.

 

From what I gather, if you have a early build 09, you did'nt get the light, there's a thread somewhere on here about the date Dodge began including the fuel saver light(MDS is on). I'm not sure if all you need is a reflash on your PCM or in addition to an updated instrument cluster as well.

 

ok mine is 10/08 and my dads is 11/08. it doesnt matter to me just wondering