My truck is sick

[NoCage]

I know there are some capable mechanics on this board (Radman, et al), and I could use some trouble-shooting advise for my truck.

I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota truck with about 80k miles on it, 4.7L V8. Yesterday, in the rain, while sitting at a light, at idle, the engine quits. Just before it quit, I felt the transmission bump a bit. After 5 or 10 minutes it does start, and I drive it to a repair shop nearby. It's running rough, like low on power, and starting is hit or miss (pun intended).

The shop said they hooked up their diagnostic computer, and got all kinds of weird codes, and wonder if the computer is shot. They recommended taking it to a dealer... I just had a physical a couple of months ago that included a prostate exam... so I'm hoping to avoid a similar experience at a dealer.

Let me back up a bit. About 3 years ago I T-boned a left-turner, and a lot of front end work was done. Shortly after the repair, the windshield wipers would cycle 3 times when I turn on the A/C. It's like I had pushed the w/s washer knob. The wipers also do this sometimes when it's raining when I activate the right turn signal.

Maybe the computer is whack... maybe some wiring up front is shorting out... dunno.

Any ideas guys?

TIA

 

[v65]

I am sure you will gets lots of answers here, let me give you a simple thing to try - the fuel filter. I say this based on:

1) Some experience with FI vehicles, they like fuel pressure. With 80,000 on the clock if it hasn't been changed nows the time.

2) Your mechanic may be full of crap. I have had two friends of mine that spent a lot of money at the mechanics because their vehicles would stall like yours. Mechanics have all sorts of solutions from new plugs and wires (which they mat or may not actually install) to new computers. Fuel filters did the trick in both cases.

3) The tranny noise may or may not be related.

4) The home mechanic should always start with the simplest and most economical solution first, then work into the pricy stuff. Well any mechanic should do that, but.

 

[ionbeam]

Could be the rain was unrelated, could be the tranny glitch was unrelated but based on the age of the vehicle, the high voltage ignition circuit is always suspect when there is misfiring in the wet.

[caveman troubleshooting]

Next time it is sunny and dry open your hood, start the truck and then hose the engine. If (when) it dies you know you are looking at a cracked coil, cracked cap or bad plug wires. Try this again at night using a spray bottle and you will usually be able to see lightning bolts in the area of the problem. [/caveman troubleshooting]

 

[donaldb]

I suggest a priest in order to perform an exorcism

Wish I had better advice, but beyond flushing radiators and changing oil I'm lost under the hood of these newer vehicles.......good luck, hope it's not serious

 

[twowheelnut]

Uh, your problem is spelled, D-O-D-G-E. There is no known fix. Sorry, go see Chevy dealer.

 

[radman]

These year Dakotas are known for bad coils. Start there. The noise in trans area could have just been reaction to misfire. AC/wiper/turn signals is likely bad Body Control Module- known for strange behaviour such as this.

 

[MikeYork5]

Start with the fuel filter - always a good idea. From what you describe it sounds as though it may be the problem. Has it ever been changed? When? The wiper concern is most likely a multi-function switch (the switch that lives inside the steering column and usually controls wipers, lights, turn signals, etc.). I very much doubt the two concerns are related. Also doubt the computer (CCM) is the problem. IMHO don't be afraid to take it the dealer, a little more expensive (maybe) up front but could be cheaper in the long run. They will most likely charge one hour of labor diagnosis time plus the repair. Don't buy the recommended MAINTENANCE if you so choose to keep the bill down. But the idea behind proper maintenance is to avoid what you are currently experiencing, and a fuel filter (if that is the problem) falls under the heading of 'maintenance'.

Sounds like Rad (above) knows CPD products (I don't), if he says coil probably it. However still start with (do) the fuel filter.

 

[radman]

I too would suspect column multi-function switch-till you throw in the a/c related symptom. BCM controls all non-powertrain functions, HVAC, lamps, wipers, locks. Fuel filter ain't gonna hurt-but ff symptoms usually begin at higher power settings, then worsen. Not surprised local wrench had code troubles, Mopars tend to have screwy trouble with aftermarket scan tools, multiple TSB's on this from Mopar. Nothing on these specific symptoms, however, and a bad coil can raise hell with engine op's, and not necessarily set a code, or set a dozen.

 

[snikr]

The fuel filter on those Dakota's is in the gas tank (been there....replaced a fuel pump on a 99 Dakota). In fact, it's built in to the sending unit. Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[v65]

oops, there goes easy. Without more info its hard to say whats a red herring here and whats not. If you have a way to check the fuel pressure I would try that, otherwise you might try my other rule of thumb - listen to Rad BTW, the rule of thumb only applies to fixing things.

 

[RoadGlide]

As a Sales Manager for Chevrolet, I'm compelled to help you with this problem. Actually it's really simple....get rid of it and buy you a Chevy. This will solve most of your problem (assuming you're not buried in that thing financially).

 

[radman]

As a Sales Manager for Chevrolet, I'm compelled to help you with this problem. Actually it's really simple....get rid of it and buy you a Chevy. This will solve most of your problem (assuming you're not buried in that thing financially).

As a sales manager, you must then have the ability to throw in on the deal:

6 fuel pumps

6 free intake and frost plug heater leak repairs

a bakers dozen power window regulators, switches, and power lock actuators

6 door latch handles, in and out

On average, the Chev trucks we have, never come back from a trip to a dealer without the required minimum $3000 repair bill, they have nothing to brag about when it comes to reliability. This is, of course, not to say that the Fords don't have their issues either. I would be embarrassed to be associated with GM anymore, and I worked for Chev and promoted them for 15 years.

 

[Bounce]

GM had a problem with the circuit that controlled the intermittant wipes; it would be very eratic and then work, or pause half way up, not work at all, etc. they had to replace that circuit under a recall (it was moisture triggered).

so many things pass through the main cpu now-a-days that any of the subsystems could act wonky if the master ecu got "bonked" in the wreck.

 

[Rogue]

fftopic:

As a long time ford hating GM guy I've got to agree with the Radster on this one.

As a sales manager, you must then have the ability to throw in on the deal:
6 fuel pumps

After having my fuel pumps go out, both on my personal GMC and my work Chevy in the same week (at about $1,000.00 a pop installed) I think my next car will be a Mopar.

 

[NoCage]

The fuel filter on those Dakota's is in the gas tank (been there....replaced a fuel pump on a 99 Dakota). In fact, it's built in to the sending unit. Hope this helps.
Tom

Crap... no wonder I couldn't find it. :blink:
I had a Ram 1500 prior to this Dakota for 3 years, and now this one for over 5 years. This is the first problem with either truck, period.

It may be Monday before I know anything. I'll post back with the cause.

Thanks again for all of the info.

 

[snikr]

When the fuel pump started to go on my 99 Dakota I had a local shop check it out. The pressure dropped after they shut it off and it didn't start good. The part was around $350. And you should use Chrysler parts as the after market pumps don't last very long at all. Hope this bit of info helps.

Tom

 

[Craig in SC]

If it ain't the fuel path...You might want to check the O2 sensors as well...I think your truck may have 4. That normally would throw a code but...who knows. 80k could easily kill a sensor.

 

[NoCage]

The computer module is okay... I wasn't going to believe any of the diag. codes until they checked it out first.

The CAM and crank sensors are history. The throttle body and injectors have some build-up. Plugs worn/fouled & will be replaced. I should pick it up this afternoon. We'll see. Thanks again gentlemen.

 

[radman]

Do it all but the plugs. Only ****** up people replace them before 100,000 miles, or so I've been told.