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ChrisS
Dodge Dakota
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8/03/2009
13:36:52
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 Subject: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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I have a 2003 Dak QC 4X4 3.9 Auto 62K
Here a couple things that bother me that I would like to fix. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
1. Ticking when idles - Dealer says its fine
2. Transmission shifts like crap, hunts for the right gears, doesn't downshift low enough on steep hills. Dealer did a PCM update that helped, but not to my standards
3. When in gear at a stop light or sign, idles rough. Doesn't feel like it will stall, but shakes\vibrates more than I'd like.
4. The elusive "whistle" noise on cold days
5. This is a good one: If I drive the truck for a while, park it, and then go to start it again while it is still hot, it seems to fire up immediately - like it doesn't even have to turn over on full revolution before it starts. I turn the key and I hear the starter turn it over for less than a second and its running. Almost like there is too much fuel waiting there. Cold starts are fine.
6. clunking in front end going over big bumps. I put new napa shocks on it and it helped alot, but it still does it over the big bumps.
Any ideas on any of these things?
Thanks!
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first time
Dodge Dakota
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8/03/2009
16:52:43
|  RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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There's a first time for everything.
This is the first time I've ever heard someone complain their vehicle was starting too well (#5) ! Maybe you could swap in a set of old used up plugs, or find some wires with too much resistance to fix that. Or rub some dirt on your air filter, that should help too! ;)
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just me
Dodge Dakota
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8/03/2009
21:33:01
| RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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Message:
freakin complainers....go buy another truck
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ChrisS
Dodge Dakota
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8/03/2009
21:46:23
| RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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first time - I mentioned it because it is not normal behavior and I want to figure out what is causing it. The truck should start consistantly whether it is hot or cold.
just me - you are an idiot. I love my dakota, it is the 2nd one I've owned. I am not complaining, I am looking for ways to improve the drivability of my truck. So if you do not have anything constructive to contribute to the questions I have, please save it.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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8/03/2009
22:00:24
| RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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Message:
Chris,
1) If it is a real faint ticking, that could be the injectors. That's normal. Some are a little noisier than others.
2) Maybe service the trans. Or have someone with a DRB or other scan tool and check for any transmission DTC's.
3)Have you tuned it up lately?
4) No clue.
5)This is, to me anyway,completely normal. If my truck is warm, all I have to do to start it is bump the key to start and it fires right up. I've got an '00 with 110k miles on it. Definitely something I don't see as a problem.
6)Could be a few things. Possibly balljoints. Only way to find out is by checking out the suspension/front end.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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8/04/2009
00:50:12
| RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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ticking could be sticking lifters due to sludge. I had that happen on 95 3.9L. engine flush fixed it right up (and restored fuel economy) that can also cause excessive idle. so can bad battery connectors.
front end noise could be bad bushing or boot.
- Dan M
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ChrisS
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/04/2009
21:15:56
| RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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Thanks for all the suggestions. Tonight I took off the throttle body and cleaned it. The IAC was caked with black grime - cleaned that gently with a rag, it all looks new now. Idle is not as rough. Bought a can of seafoam and am going to run that for a while to see if that helps my ticking noise. Also ordered the NGK plugs that everyone talks about here - the ones that are 1 heat range colder. I think Larry says these work well in these trucks.
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heavyjay
GenII
8/15/2009
16:46:44
| RE: Things that bug me on my 3.9 Dak
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Mine starts the same way when it's warm, turn the key and boom, it's running. Seems normal ehough to me.
Mine also ticks, but I'm pretty sure it's coming from the passenger side exhaust manifold. I'm not looking forward to changing it out.
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