Is Dodge considering extending the warranty "if" the problem of loud noise at startup in cold temps gets "worse"? I am very close to running out of factory warranty and would hate to be financially burdened by a preexiting condition with the vehicle.

 

My 2012 durango does the same thing. It is not normal for any car to sound like a screaming banshee when it starts. Mine is in, underwarranty. They have replaced the water pump twice, power steering pump, ac pump, idler pully,tensioner pulley, belts etc.... still does it. I know several people that have this same engine in jeep cherokee, wrangler etc... and they have not had this problem. It can't be very common because they dont know what to do about it. My dealer is working with dodge engineer in detroit to try to figure it. It is not acceptable to pay 35,000 dollars for a car that sounds like that. I went from a chevy to a dodge, all my G.M. freinds laugh at me when I start it up, and I dont blame them.

 

My dealer has found the tensioner pulley is the problem. Have it replaced and the sound goes away.

 

Thanks so much for sharing this information - will go talk to my dealer.

 

jeromeflynn,

I've had a chance to look into this issue a little further. I have seen an identical case involving a howling sound heard from a cold start. Replacing the idler pulley and tensioner successfully removed the noise.

This time of year the weather can really take its toll. Be sure to keep an eye on your fluids and maintenance schedules. It's always beneficial to let your servicing dealer know if you notice any trends or inconsistencies.

Take Care,

 

Still having the intermittent noise at startup (Friday morning, Tuesday morning and evening). Took your advice and went back to the Dodge dealer with the information about the pulley/tensioner. After a brief look they stated that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and they do not replace parts unless they are broken. I guess the vehicle is still "operating as designed". Evidentally some dealers are a little more accomodating or motivated than others. Good luck!

 

seanymph,

It never hurts to let your dealer know when you're experiencing a noise intermittently. By bringing the issue to the dealer's attention it has been noted that you have noticed a change in the vehicle.

Chrysler dealers are committed to addressing all of your concerns and the warranty is there to help with that process. If a defect isn't found and no harm to the vehicle is present, repairs would not be necessary. The Service Manager at your dealer can answer more technical questions regarding the diagnosis.

During the winter, some noises heard can be considered normal due to the low temperatures.

Take Care,

 

If the issue is actually related to pulley/tensioner could it possibly be rubber compound in the belt being to hard to grip at cold temps or expanding slightly till it warms up? I started it up yesterday morning (Thursday) and it was screamming! Temp was 9 degrees. The little sucker under the hood was not happy. I did leave it at the dealer some time ago over night and was told it was operating as designed and all the penstar 6's sound like that. If I was closer to Canada I'd drop by so you could take a look. I am having more conversation here than at the dealer in Brookpark Ohio USA! I have about 800 miles of warrenty left, hope it does not turn out to be a lemon. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Typical dealer response - I can assure you that the V6
was not designed to make that noise,mine is 2-1/2 yrs old
and we have had a very cold winter and does not make that
noise.

 

SOme noises in cold is normal, this is not a normal noise. Maybe you can have your dealer call Randy Wise chrysler/ jeep in Clio Michigan. That is who I have been dealing with. By the way this is not the dealer I bought the car from, that dealer told me it was a normal noise. If it is warrany work, you could try another dealer, thye all have to do the work. Chrysler technical services IS aware of this issue.