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Kdarmy
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
21:58:55
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 Subject: Dealership BS!!!
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I am posting here because it was here Ive read over the past months about others finding water on the passenger side.
Well, Sunday I got a wild hair while I was out and thought I should check mine out...The carpet was just slightly damp...I pulled the carpet up...The mat was soaked and the floorboard had an inch of water!!!
It went back to Dodge Sunday night with a letter, many of the post's printed off from here about the same problem and my key.
Dealer called Monday, said it was a seal in the back side window (I have a club cab)...I thought, BS! I mentioned the drain tube etc...But they said no, the air etc is ok, its draining the way it should be. Also said that their was no TSB concerning the drain tube.
I got the truck back today, new carpet also (I stated in my letter I would accept no less) with the new seal...I popped the hood just to look...guess what I found??? The heat shield in front of the drain tube had been cut back and a new extension tube installed.
I think Dodge has a problem that they dont want to admit. I think they want the warranty to run out on the poor saps who dont know to look for water. If you havent already, do yourself a favor and pull back your carpet and check, my carpet felt almost dry when I first checked, I couldnt believe all the water under it.
Thanks to all who post here, without it I never would have known. BTW, my Dakota is a 2002, I dont know if they have done anything different with the 2003 models?
Kindest Regards,
Keith
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FL 4WD
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
23:07:14
|  RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Seems every dealer is a little different.
I have seen a few of these and write up the warranty ticket describing exactly what I did.
Cut shield, install 90deg. tube.
No problem. No smoke up anyone's ass.
Yes- some have problems and many people don't know to look. So who knows how many are wet?
Another angle on the problem..... some other vehicles have a 90 deg. tube on the A/C drain. The tube gets plugged up with pine needles,leaves, and all kinds of crazy stuff. Then you have a sloshing sound in the car and water dripping from HVAC case inside the dash.
They (DC) tried a new answer to a problem and came up wrong. Personally, I think the correct answer is to have a drain tube and when it plugs up; show the customer what parking under trees does to the A/C system. Keep charging the customer to blow out the drain until they quit parking under trees.
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jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
23:27:14
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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yeah damn trees. i guess i'll either start parking down the street, move to kansas, or buy a different vehicle. You need to think before you open your mouth man.
Kdarmy, after reading your post, i decided to check out my passenger side floor. I found water too. I'd read a bit about that happening but until i got down and looked i had no idea.
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fargo
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
23:31:38
|  RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Yup chop down all your trees so you can park, better call paul bunyan, total load of bs.
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jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
23:50:07
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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03 qc water on pass. floor. Dealer said drain was obstructed. Told them about elbow and tube, they said it was ok now, no need for elbow and tube. Will look tomorrow and I bet I find water again, will post what I find.(been about a month, my a/c sounds like a mr. coffee)
Checked out co-workers 00 qc, his pass. floorboard was like a lake!
If you want something done right you gotta do it yourself.
16.5k
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FL 4WD
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
00:44:54
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Jeremy, Fargo---
Do what you want to.
The facts are : Sometimes drain elbows plug up with leaves and other organic debris.
The new drain setup is likley a result of complaints about blockage.
MOST people do not have this problem. (blockage)
Keep the intake grill at the base of the windshield clear and there will be no problem with a elbow on the drain.
Yes- the new drain set-up sucks --- put an elbow on it and have a dry floorboard.
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Walter
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
07:57:06
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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O.K. I would like to check for this myself but don't really know where to look. Can anyone post a pic that either shows were it is or maybe even the elbow itself?
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IMRidiculous
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
10:24:03
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Don't be such an ass. Dodge does not have a problem they are trying to cover up. The individual dealership's inability to properly diagnose a failure/problem is NOT indicative of what DC expects from their dealerships. Wake up, DC could not continue to sell cars if that were the case.
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IMRight
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
11:56:33
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Auto manufacturers will try to cover up anything to avoid a recall.
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IMRidiculous
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
12:39:57
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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OMG...it's a conspiracy.
Hmmm...no wait a minute...I work at a dealership. Maybe I need to go look again for that "conspiracy" bulletin. I have not seen it yet.
OK...here it is...
Attn All Dealerships: We do not want the future business of our current vehicle owners. Therefore it is now policy to deny knowledge of common problems and to tell the customers that they are dreaming.
Don't be such a cynical thick-head. How can you even trust the paper boy with a pissy attitude like that?
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FL 4WD
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
12:54:46
| Reply to Walter
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The easiest way to locate the drain is to look inside the truck. Pull back the upper edge of the carpet and you will see the HVAC case comes to a point, this is where the water funnels to. The drain will exit the bulkhead at the same position on the other side. There is a shield that covers it, so it will be hard to find.
With the vehicle on a lift, it is easier to remove the shield and cut off the top portion; then install the hose. I think it is a 3/4"hose. We are using an emission hose and cutting it down to just the elbow-- about 1 1/2 inches each side.
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FL 4WD
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
13:04:57
|  Reply to: IMRidiculous
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You have the old bulletin, it has been superceded.
The new bulliten invloves a new special tool. It works like the flashy thing from movie "Men in Black" --- works great. Just flash away any memory of wet carpet and send 'em home.
What problem?
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dryguy
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
14:17:45
|  RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Man, you all had me worried I might have been driving around with water in the floorboard for 2 years. Anywho, I just went out and pulled up the carpet and it was bone dry! Whew!
Happy ending for a change :-)
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
8/20/2003
14:57:07
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Sh!t, I've never looked for this problem. Better go glance around and see what I find...
K&N Drop in AF (CAI during summer months)
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
FASTMAN 70mm TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
14.52@94.2 MPH at Silver Dollar Raceway
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jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
18:12:13
|  RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Yup, there was water. Dealer said DC won`t authorize putting an elbow and tube and cutting of heat shield, said my model has a redesigned heat shield that solves the problem. I was polite and told them it would at least rule out drain as source of leak, no-go. I assume if I do it they would have an excuse to void warranty on my HVAC system. It`s going in next week, I told them I don`t care what they do but just want this problem fixed. I think I`m in for a few trips to dealer over this issue.
03 qc 4.7 auto 4x4 16.5k
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IMRidiculous
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
18:26:45
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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I almost feel sorry for most of you. You appear to have crappy relationships with your dealership. Someday you will learn.
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IMRight
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
18:35:02
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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You sound like the typical jerk that works at a dealership, IMRidiculous. Go back to screwing your customers and shut up.
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FL 4WD
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
19:39:45
|  Reply to: jeremiah2360
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If there is another dealer in your area, give 'em a try. The best shop does not always look that way.
If you continue to have problems AFTER repair attempts; DC does have a whiner line and will open a case that involves you, service manager, and DC rep.(It's called a CAIR) When talking to rep. just stay cool and state your case. Instead of focusing on a drain tube addition or other repair, focus on getting and keeping a dry floor. Maybe get a new carpet too.
If you pull back the carpet and pad right under the HVAC, sometimes you can watch the water seep down. There is a foam donut gasket that is pressed between HVAC housing and bulkhead. If you can, SHOW them that "this is where water is coming in-- fix it".
Please verify the leak location before pressing the issue with DC or Service Mgr.
I have seen ONE case in which the housing was damaged (cracked) upon installation at factory. It is not common, but can happen.
Most important- stay reasonably polite and collected when at the dealer or talking to rep. The pointing, cursing, and yelling don't do anything but pit everyone against you.
(Not to imply YOU do, but some people do and think it gets them somewhere)
There are other possibili
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jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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8/20/2003
22:36:21
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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FL 4WD, thanks for the info, I`ll check around the HVAC and will post how this all turns out. The dealership I am going to sold me the truck and they are a 5 star dealership.(I get the letters asking if I was satisfied etc.) They have been pretty good about the issues I`ve had with my truck so far. I had four things going on when I dropped it off, water, front clunk when turning all the way(greased stops-fixed), subtle popping sensation in steering wheel while in stop and go traffic or going slow(they had to order intermediate shaft-and will be putting that in as well as dealing with water issue again),and a ticking noise that sounded to mech at work like valvetrain, he said it`s nothing too bad. I just thought I`d mention it,(dealer tech didn`t hear anything unusual)I know this motor likes to tick anyway(evap systym,injectors,etc.)
I just dropped it off and trusted them to find the problems.(no yelling or screaming) I thought they were pretty good about it, there was no "couldn`t duplicate problem" stuff. The ticking is probably nothing anyway but at least I documented it in case.
Again thanks
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Selcher
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
11:11:35
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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I just checked and I too have water on the floor on the passenger's side of my '02. I have an appointment tomorrow morning to get a new steering rack, upper control arm with ball joint and new tire and I'm going to be mentioning this water problem. What exactly should I be saying to them regarding this water leak? I have nothing but problems with this place so I want to go in there and be able to tell them exactly, word for word what the problem is, where it's located and how to fix it. The more detail the better. Any help greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Aaron
'02 4.7L CC 4x4 - H.O. Cams, Cold Air Intake, MBRP Split Duals, Clear Corners, Custom Fiber Glass Tonneau Cover, Limo Tinted
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IMRidiculous
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
11:45:43
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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So let me get this right....even though IMRight thinks "the typical jerk that works at a dealership" is screwing customers, you guys still take your vehicle there?
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Barney
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
12:42:32
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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Don't be too quick to accept the drain tube fix. On my 2000 Quad they found the evaporator core resting on the bottom of the plenum box that caused water to collect. Usual problem was a splashing noise as the fan blades churned water, worst case water would make it to the floor. Tech Rep was involved. Certainly they share notes. I was near the end of an extended warranty. Took three trips to the shop and two test drives to convince them that the noise was a defect. They replaced the core and repositioned the new one to avoid recurrance. Good Luck!
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jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
12:55:23
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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how were you able to get them to give you new carpet? Did it smell or discolor the original carpet at all?
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
12:58:59
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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DC will gladly replace the carpet if ruined by a leak, but not if it can simply be cleaned. It's all in the relationship you have with your dealership.
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Selcher
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
13:54:41
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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I took the truck for a half hour drive today with the A/C on high while the carpet was pulled back. Oddly enough I couldn't find any water dripping down anywhere. Perhaps I didn't drive it around long enough? I can tell you that the carpet sure stinks now that I've turned it over. I used carpet cleaner earlier in the summer because of a foul, mildew type smell however I believe I've found the source of the odor. I would be happy if they cleaned it but I don't think it'll get the smell out. I checked the driver's side and it was dry and no smell. Go figure.
Regards,
Aaron
'02 4.7L CC 4x4 - H.O. Cams, Cold Air Intake, MBRP Split Duals, Clear Corners, Custom Fiber Glass Tonneau Cover, Limo Tinted
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jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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8/21/2003
19:23:49
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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I pulled back the carpet and foam from pass side where the HVAC housing comes to a vee where the drain tube is located. Could see water dripping down, even though it appeared to be puddling well outside. Just came off hwy so maybe it was being pushed in cab. Or maybe it just drains inside and outside all the time, who knows but hopefuly they will fix it.
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FL 4WD
Dodge Dakota
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8/22/2003
00:04:31
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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There are 2 options:
1) Install hose/elbow
2) Try to re-seal the donut gasket between housing and bulkhead
The hose/elbow is apparently a bit too renegade for some dealers/technicians: but very effective and efficient.
Resealing the gasket involves either a sloppy squirt of sealant/silicone or partially removing the housing; possibly discharging A/C system and partially removing the dashboard. Just to replace a part that has already proven inadequate in the long run.
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SilverDak01
Dodge Dakota
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8/23/2003
15:12:59
| RE: Dealership BS!!!
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After reading this thread, I decided to go out and look at my passenger side floor. Sure enough, the thing is wet. I'm about to trade this truck in for a chevy or ford and never give dodge my business again. This is stupid stuff that DC designers should have thought about before putting the trucks up for sale. My truck is out of warrenty, so taking it to the dealer to repair this leak is not an option (I could see them charging me an arm and a leg for it). The dealer I bought the truck from (a dodge dealer) has still not followed up on their promise of sending me an owner's manual for my truck after 5 months. Could someone please post some pictures or something showing exactly which hose is the one that leaks and how to fix it? I have no idea where the water is coming from right now. Any help is appriciated. Thanks in advance guys.
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