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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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11/03/2002
17:55:10
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 Subject: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Purchased a new 2002 Dakota last November and I have had a few problems over the last year. The one remaining unsolved problem involves horrible radio reception. I have the plain standard RBK radio that comes with the truck. For the first 7 months of owning the truck, the radio had no problems pulling in local stations. Then all of a sudden last June, I started getting static on several stations. At first I just thought it was a problem with one station, but then realized that all except the two strongest local stations were static. Drove the wifes car on the same roads and no static. Go to lunch with go-workers in their cars, no problems. Took it to the dealer and they told me it was my imagination or maybe it was just the change of the seasons. What! How could that have anything to do with it! I insisted they look at it so they decide to order a new radio. Later in the summer, they replace the radio and still the same static problem. Took it back two more times and they have checked the radio for loose connections, taken the antenna apart and checked it, and still cannot find any problems. Basically they are clueless. After the last visit on Friday, when they took the antenna apart, now it is much much worse. Even the strongest stations are getting static now. Has anyone else experienced problems with the radio? It seems like a small problem, but I've been to the dealer 4 times and still static! I thought about just buying a new radio (even though I think it's totally unfair that I have to spend more $$$ on this truck). Went to Circuit City and the guy is concerned that it is another problem besides the radio and putting in a new radio may not help, so now I'm not sure that is a good option either. I've had other small bizarre problems over the last year and I just do not have any confidence in this product anymore. Any ideas or other radio problems out there?
Thanks, JohnO in PA.
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Fubar512
GenIII
11/03/2002
18:27:30
|  RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I've not had that particular problem on my Dakota, but experienced a similar problem with a 1979 Mustang Cobra that I bought brand new, in the fall of '79, in Phoenix, AZ.
It turned out to be the funky ground strap on the back of the unit. Seems it wasn't quite making contact with the unibody, due to the hold down bolt having plastic shrink-wrap on it!
BTW, that car was the worse lemon I'd ever seen.
Confucious say: Any man can pee on wall. Be a true hero and crap on ceiling! I've tried being a hero once too often...
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curious
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2002
07:04:28
|  RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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*makes creepy ghost noise* OOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW~
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GENTLEMAN
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2002
07:56:42
|  RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Does this happen on both AM and FM, I am having a similiar problem but only on the AM band.
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Grant
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2002
12:36:37
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I had a similar problem when i first bought my truck. I was planning on installing an aftermarket stereo so i didnt do anything about it untill then. When i took out the stock stereo i found that the large ground wire that chrysler vehicles have, was not there. My truck does not have one for some reason and the dealership wouldnt put one in cause they said it was too much of a hassle. Does yours have the wire? its a big thick braided wire that is screwed right into the back of your deck?
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FastRT6Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2002
17:38:37
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Mine didn't have that ground strap either, but it did have the black lead coming off of the radio on the back. Look for a single wire going to the drivers side on the back of the radio. What you could do is find that wire, clip it about 5-6" back from the radio connector, crimp on some extra wire and run it to a new ground location. I tried using the factory ground wire with my aftermarket head unit and it produces a WHOLE LOTTA noise. Ran a new ground and it all went away. As for the dealer, send them a bill. See if they like it! Good luck.
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2002
22:29:15
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Thanks for the ideas.
I've not tried AM, only FM.
They guy at Circuit City said it sounded like a grounding issue too. I'll try to take the radio out and look for the cable. Thing is though, I've never done any car repair stuff before. I can fix absolutely anything in our 100+ year old house, so I'm pretty handy, but I've never did any work on the cars/truck. Sorry to be such a novice, but how hard is it to pull out the radio? Does the plate around the radio just pop out and then you can unscrew the radio or do you need any special tools? Again, sorry to ask such basic questions!
John
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Gentleman
Dodge Dakota
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11/05/2002
09:11:21
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Radio Removal 01/02
Remove the fuse cover on the left side of the dash.
Go to the panel in front of your knees and you will see 3 torx head screws that hold the bottom on. Remove these screws.
Pull the parking brake handle out a little bit and you will see a white clip that holds the metal rod to the handle. You have to pull the back of this clip down off the metal rod, then the metal rod will pull out to the left side of the handle.
Start at the bottom right corner and pull the knee panel out. It is held in by clips at the top that just pop out.
Above the steering column you will see 2 Phillips head screws right in front of the speedometer and tachometer guages. Remove these screws. A short screwdriver works best here.
Start at the right side again, over by the glove box and start pulling the dash out. Work your way across to the left side. Other than the 2 screws that you removed, the rest of the dash is held in place with the same type of clips that held the knee panel in. Steering column should be adjusted as low as it will go, and making sure the parking brake is on, put the gear shift lever in the lowest setting. Once you get it pulled out a little bit, you will need to look behind the headlight switch and locate the plug to this switch. You will see a little red clip that needs to be "unlocked" by sliding it with a screwdriver. Then one side of the plug will have a little tab that you need to push in on as you pull the plug out. With that plug undone, you will be able to rotate the dash up and over to the right a little bit. It will be very tight between the upper dash and the steering column, but with some TLC, you can get it out.
If you have 4WD, you will also need to undo the plug behind the 4WD switch. This does not have a lock, but does have a push tab that you need to push on to get the plug out. With that unplugged you can rotate the dash up and over to the right side. You should end up with it face down on the passenger seat with the heater controls still connected.
Now you will see the 4 screws that hold the stock stereo in. Undo those 4 screws and the stereo pulls right out.
Reverse this process to replace dash, but be careful to not tear your upper dash with the tabs that stick out on top of the dash you removed. It will also take a little bit of work to get the dash back down behind the steering column, but it will go back in. The top vent on the left side also likes to hang up and needs to be pushed down and in. You will see what I mean when you get there.
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Grant
Dodge Dakota
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11/05/2002
12:35:48
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Haha, for a 98 all you have to do, is start pulling the dash off and its pulls right out. takes about 10 seconds!! No screws or anything!
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Gentleman
Dodge Dakota
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11/05/2002
14:44:38
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Radio removal procedure is one thing I do not like on the 01/02/03
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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11/05/2002
19:50:13
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Oh wow, didn't think you would have to remove the entire dash. Thanks for the whole procedure in great detail! I'll give it a try, but maybe I'll wait until the weekend before I attempt it.
Thanks again.
John
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/04/2003
17:33:26
|  RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I dont know if anyone is still reading this but I have a 02 quad cab replaced factory stereo 2 months after getting it. Here it is 8 months after getting it and the static started.I updated the stereo with a new one and the static is still there. Not there when i play cds.I am going to look for ground wires see if that is the problem.
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/04/2003
19:37:46
|  RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I just checked my connections i ran another ground none of that helped. I reinstalled the factory radio it does the same thing only makes the noise when running but its the whinning noise from the engine.Its static I can see the antenna wire in the fender and it looks rusted there is a connection for the antenna behind the passenger side kick panel.It has the good radio antenna hookup not the dodge one.If anyone has any thoughts on this please let me know.Any help would be great!
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2003
16:40:41
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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No one else with this problem i was told the antenna may not be grounded correctly. I will try to replace the antenna.
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2003
23:33:52
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Well, I wish I had better news, but the static problem is real bad and about 2 weeks ago, the cd player died. The cd will work until the truck warms up and then it just ejects the cd and displays "err". In total disgust, I called Chrysler customer service to complain since this will be the 6th time the truck is in for repair for the radio problem and I was treated very badly. The idiot from Chrysler told me there was nothing they could do and take it back to the dealer, which I have done 5 times already. I called the dealer, they ordered yet another replacement radio, and just called me back today to tell me the radio was in. Then I got into a fight with the dealer because I wanted a loaner car for the day and they won't provide one. I've been there 5 times for the same problem and I am getting pretty sick of bugging co-workers to come pick me up, especially since it is a 20-30 minute ride to work from the dealer. Chrylser really doesn't go out of there way to keep customers, do they? It is taking all my patience that I have to not trade this piece of junk in before the warranty ends.
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waldo00o
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2003
17:09:40
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Chrysler/Dodge customer service sucks bad.
Went to first dealer: Had a new saleman. had no clue
what he was doing. Spent two hours there. Did not get
anything accomplished.
Second Dealer: Ordered Truck. Wrong color interior.
Third Dealer: While walking into the showroom they
dented the truck I was going to buy while detailing it in
the garage.
Took truck back to first dealer because the transmission
makes all kinds of clicking thud noises. Told me it was
normal. Called another dealer and made an
appointment I was never going to go to cuz I could tell
the guy on the other end wasn't going to do any work.
Can I take this truck to someone else other than dodge/
chrysler and make them pay for the repairs?
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Justy
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2003
17:40:25
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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You never know. It could be some kind of interference with your tuck engine. Possibly somthing like your alternator, or even Ign Coil. But if it were somthing to do with the ignition it would chage in pitch as you increased or decreased you rpm.
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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5/07/2003
22:33:58
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I thought about it being engine interference, but I payed close attention to the noise on the way home tonight, and it doesn't seem to be related to the engine in any way. I still think it is either a very poor quality radio, or a bad connection to the antenna because it seems to have more problems with stations when I'm going through an area with lots of mountains or some trees. It almost seems like the antenna is not connected, but the dealer supposedly checked that multiple times. I'll find out more on Tues when it goes in for service. In any case, the radio does need to be replaced (again) since the cd player is also broken.
John
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Grant
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2003
04:38:14
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Hey, i have a 98 dakota and my radio has always had static. when i had the stock speakers and deck in, the static would cause the rear speakers to not play all the time because it was so bad. I put an aftermarket deck in and new speakers and i still get static, but the speakers always play at least. I have never been able to find the problem for it except for the fact i dont have one of the big braided ground wires in my truck.
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2003
17:58:19
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I have checked the antenna i took it out cleaned under it reinstalled i also pulled the entire antenna wire looking for breaks nothing.I am taking some print outs of this to the dealer so i can prove i am not the only one having problems when i called them they told me they have never heard of this. I have tried two pioneer stereos the same I also tried an antenna filter and a power filter no luck. I hooked the the stereo to the battery and buypass the harness. I am almost thinking it has something to do with the distributor or spark plug wires. I am going to the dealer monday they told me give them an 1 and a 1/2 hours if they cant find it they will give me a loaner till they fix it.I also seems to get worse when the engine warms up. I will let you all know my results keeping my fingers crossed.
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2003
17:58:23
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I have checked the antenna i took it out cleaned under it reinstalled i also pulled the entire antenna wire looking for breaks nothing.I am taking some print outs of this to the dealer so i can prove i am not the only one having problems when i called them they told me they have never heard of this. I have tried two pioneer stereos the same I also tried an antenna filter and a power filter no luck. I hooked the the stereo to the battery and buypass the harness. I am almost thinking it has something to do with the distributor or spark plug wires. I am going to the dealer monday they told me give them an 1 and a 1/2 hours if they cant find it they will give me a loaner till they fix it.I also seems to get worse when the engine warms up. I will let you all know my results keeping my fingers crossed.
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2003
18:00:10
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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sorry i dont know how i posted my last response twice.
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2003
21:23:41
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Good luck Dakotaster! Please let me know Monday what happens, since I have an appointment on Tues. I'm glad I'm not the only one having this strange problem. I keep complaining and all I get in response is, "what's your problem- the truck is running, isn't it!" It is like they dont care or dont take it seriously. Granted, if you put it in perspective, it is just a radio, and I know there are others that have bigger problems, but it just makes the ride real annoying and the reason you buy a new truck is so things work fine for at least a few years!
I'm impressed you may get a loaner. My dealer never gives out loaners. This time I screamed real loud (6th time up there for various things) and they are having a guy who works there and lives near me pick up the truck Tues morning, so at least I dont have to drive up there again.
Good luck!
John
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2003
21:39:07
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Yeah Ill let you know how it goes.I called several dealers today and they all said never had any other complaints.Thats the same thing they said about my wiper arm hitting the hood.They need to read my post in the recall board. I can sure say that i never was treated this way by a ford dealer. Plus my ford dealer was alot closer my dodge dealer is about a half hour to fortyfive minutes away and the ford dealer had two shifts of mechanics open till midnight so you could take it after work and not have to get rides or miss work.I also checked my AM and i dont think i heard any static.Nothing like FM.
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juniork
Dodge Dakota
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5/09/2003
02:56:39
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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did you change you spark plugs around the same time? if you changed your plugs around that time, it could be the problem with the static. I don't remember which kind of plug causes it, it is either the resistor style plug, or the non-resistor plug. but the main question is, did you cahnge you plugs around the same time the static started?
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/09/2003
17:40:47
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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No juniork Nothing was changed it just started out of the blue.I havent changed plugs yet only have 5200 miles.Its the non resistor plugs that cause that i was wondering if one of the resistors in the plugs could go bad i dont really know what makes a plug a resistor or not.Did notice that there is very slight increase when the engine speed increases.Hope to find out Monday Thanks for the thoughts
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dakotaster
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2003
16:21:31
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Well just got back from dealer they they were scratching their heads. THey had to call dodge and were on the phone for about 45 minutes.They didnt tell me what they said but they gave me a loaner (little mitsu lancer) HaHa.They did tell me that they changed my cap and rotor that did not help. I hope to get it back tomorrow.Ill keep you updated.
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2003
22:29:11
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Thanks for the update. My truck goes in for service tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. So far, they are not out to a good start. My dealer absolutely refuses to give me a loaner so I complained and finally got them to pick the truck up in the morning at work. The only way they agreed to this is a mechanic lives very close to where I work, so he is stopping by to get the truck on his way to work. Well, I set this up last week (through my salesman) and the mechanic guy was supposed to call me to arrange the time and place to get the truck. Well, he never called me. So I waited until 4pm and called to find out what was going on and they forgot. What a bunch of bumbling IDIOTS. So, assuming (which is a stretch of the imagination) they dont forget again tomorrow, I should be having the radio repaired.
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Daksmack
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2003
22:42:05
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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I recently read an article about ground straps causing radio static. My 2000 QC 4.7 does it bad in the mornings.
Im sorry but I dont remember where I read it, thought it was speedtweeks.com but I just checked and it wasnt there.
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dakoataster
Dodge Dakota
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5/13/2003
17:25:10
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Well back from the dealer again this time with my truck.So far so good no static they replaced the cap,rotor and rerouted the ignition wires and my coil wire i looked i did not see anything moved maybe under the dash what ever it works for now.They test drove it 8 miles did not do it again.Scares me that they drove it im sure the were not careful hopfuly they did not beat on it to hard. I will be curious to hear what your dealer says. I will report anything else if it goes wrong. Good Luck
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JohnO
Dodge Dakota
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5/13/2003
21:35:07
| RE: Bizarre Dakota radio problem
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Well, they replaced the radio and claimed that they checked the connections on the ground strap and antenna and after all that, the static is about the same. The CD player seems to work, but I didn't use it much tonight as I was playing with the radio on the way home and while running errands. When the truck was ready and I talked to the dealer, they claimed that the radio worked fine up there at the dealer. But I can tell you it is not any better (or worse) than before. The static does not seem to be related in any way to the engine. It just comes and goes, but seems worse in areas where I'm under lots of trees or in between mountains. I really don't know what to do. Maybe I'll look at installing a new after market radio from Best Buy or Circuit City or something. I hate to spend any more money on truck because I dont plan to keep it past the warranty end date.
They also could not determine why the truck occasionally stalls when it is put in park. Of course, they said they could not duplicate the problem, but I was able to make it stall first time I got in after they dropped it off and the guy left! They did mention something about an update for the engine programming code and they applied that, but it didn't help the stalling problem.
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