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Al
Dodge Dakota
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10/31/2002
21:28:47
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 Subject: Heater Core Puked!
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2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT 4.7l 28k miles. Had a humid/musty smell come from the vents while running the Defroster/Heater yesterday. The defrosters were hot but seemed to be fogging the windshield a bit. I noticed what looked like some antifreeze on the floor. I shopvac'ed it and hoped for better in the morning.
Today the windows defrosted fine and the cab warmed well with no odor. I decided to go for it and began smelling the distinct odor of antifreeze about five miles into a twenty mile trek. Within a few more miles all vents began billowing antifreeze "steam".
Found a puddle of antifreeze around my feet... seemed like a pint or more. I shut down the defrosters kept the windows opened and kept wiping the windshield. the engine temp never went high. Limped it to the nearest dealer who refused to "fit me in"... So much for four star service.
Had to practically beg for some rags to mop up the mess. Needless to say they let it sit five hours without even looking at it. They couldn't even break someone away from washing new arrivals long enough to even shopvac that green piss.
I said screw them and called a rollback to get it to the dealer I bought it from. I am not sure if they shopvac'ed it either... better check tomorrow. But they told me the heater core blew and the parts won't be in until Tuesday.
Tuesday? WTF? Don't you think a Dodge parts hub should be able to get a core to a dealer much sooner? And anyone ever hear of a core EVER blowing so fast?
My old '90 GMC finally lost all heat and plugged a core after 125k miles! I am pissed about the core... but also about the carpet and the dis-service I received from the first dealer.
Anyone know who I sound off to... phone numbers and/or department head names would be appreciated. What are the odds that carpet is screwed? Can you even get that smell out or does the carpet need to be pulled?
Thanks in advance for any info,
Al
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tfgs
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2002
10:11:55
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I've seen em go with just 5,000 on the clock the morons in the factories damage them while making them or shipping them to the assembly factory or while installing them they don't care they get paid $26 an hour weather it is right or not.
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Hugh Brown
Dodge Dakota
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12/18/2002
09:08:50
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I had my heater core go the other day with the same symptoms you had. I had my truck new since May of 2001. I do have a 40,000 miles on my truck but should that matter. What kind of junk are they putting in these trucks. To top that off, they tell me they have no paper trail of the extended warranty I purchased which takes me to 50,000 miles. They also told me if you don't take extended warranty that you must sign paperwork to that effect, well they can't find that either. This is supposed to be a 5 star dealer! Please let me know where to complain as well. I will never buy another Dodge!
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Bryan
Dodge Dakota
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12/18/2002
16:00:28
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I haven't found anything on complaining to dodge about there lack of customer service at there dealers. But I've experienced it 3 times now! I have found a web site to complain to the goverment about specific problems with you're vehicle though. It's www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ . They have a spot were you can check to see if others have reported this same problem in the same component or system. And I'm sure some were you can add you're complaint to the list. Some of these are pretty funny. I'm still trying to figure out if this Ak at the end of a lot of the complaints for 2000 dakota's is the initials for the same person or a area of the country or what if its the same person this guy is some kind of nut or he has the worst luck in the world. Read about the "fuel sytem throttle linkage reports". I've experienced this same problem rpm jumps erratically during cold start. But Ak reports that a part of his heater core fell off while he was driving down the road and became lodged behind his brake pedal, and cause an accident! I haven't researched this yet but I think the heater core is located on the passenger side? He really must have been on a rough road to cause that chunk to fly clear over the hump and get behind the pedal! Or he was so fed up with the lack of customer service with the rest of his complaints he staged this little number hopeing to hit the lottery!
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B. Brown
Dodge Dakota
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1/20/2003
12:22:22
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Ten days ago my heater core also puked--The truck had 37k, just out of warrenty.The dealer advised me that there were no units in this country and they have no idea when new ones may become availible.
As luck would have it they did find one and had it UPS'd. Put the new one in last Wednesday(days in the shop). Also asked what other service might be wise so as not to have major failure.Suggest 4wheel service and trany flush and new seals. I OK'd.
Went to pickup the truck today (10 days) Bill was $1150.00. Got in the truck no heat and flor flooded.
Another failed heater core--now I am in deep SSS no truck no schedule and every one at Dodge in denial about a hc problem.
Any suggestions from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated.
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Al
Dodge Dakota
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1/20/2003
18:40:59
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Thankfully the heat is working on my Dak. However, I have now lost all "feet heat". I am not sure if I am about to go through this nightmare again... but I need to call the dealer and get it in again to be looked over.
I say BS for this. If Dodge cores are blowing and they cannot even get them in... SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG!
Anyone know how to look into recalls? This is may not even be limited to Daks. Since the Durangos are close in interior style... i bet they use the same cores... and maybe even have the same problem.
Any insight?
Al
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Zinker
Dodge Dakota
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2/02/2003
12:38:46
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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My 2001 Dakota Heater core began misting the windshield with a green mist at 57,000 miles. A 1.5 year old vehicle no longer covered by the 3 year, 36,000 mi. warranty. A call to the Dodge customer no-service line was of no help. Instead of being treated like a loyal customer with a problem, I was treated like the problem. Under no conditions would they stand behind their crappy product. They also said that this is not a problem and they have never heard of this happening before. One look on this website and others shows that this is a major problem not only with the Dakotas but the Durango as well. My local dealer had to wait a week for the part to come in as it is on backorder everywhere. (Sure, there is no problem here!)
I have now owned 3 new Dodge vehicles and have had numerous minor problems (lots of recalls) and a major problem with each one. I will NEVER purchase another Chrysler product again after the way I have been treated.
My local dealer was great in getting Dodge to pay for some of the repair. After a week of waiting the part came in and it was replaced. My carpet is destroyed and the smell of antifreeze is everywhere. The windows and dashboard also have a oily fog covering everything. My dealer said this is normal and short of replacing the carpet there is nothing that can be done.
I drove the car about 10 miles down the road only to have the new heater core that was just replaced blow again. What sort of quality parts is Dodge making these days? Now my vehicle has been in the shop for two weeks, and the dealer has no idea when the new part will be in. My biggest fear is this happening again. A co-worker of mine had a 2001 Durango with the same problem TWICE! He now drives a Toyota.
Thanks Dodge for standing behind your products so well. I have now been without a vehicle for two weeks and who knows how much longer. I have a rental vehicle bill and a car that was in very good condition now smells of antifreeze with stained carpeting. I wonder how long the 3'rd heater core will last? Hopefully long enough for me to trade the vehicle in and puchase a vehicle that is quality made where the manufactuer stand behind it.
I too may be soon driving a Toyota!
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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2/02/2003
22:48:32
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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i know how you all feel .
its the parts guys that are to good to be mechanics that blow me away
i had a tierod end go on my 2000 it was warrenty
the tires got bad causae im just to busy
any how they didnt have one instock the day they looked at it , but insisted that i get a wheel alignment done
WTF!
GET A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON BAD TIRES AND SCREWED TIE ROD END
i asked three times for my keys before the guy reluctantly handed them over.
3 days later they called to tell me the tie rod was in
i go there , i tell them to put on 4 new tires ,the tie rod end and do the alignment
no tires in stock
so i say put the tie rod end on dont worry about it
all of a sudden they didnt have room for my truck
the end result was i bought the tie rod end ,and installed it in their parking lot. the manager freaked . next time i'll do it on the showroom floor
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JLHTEC
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2003
19:36:58
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Looks like I am the newest victim. Last night I got the green misty antifreeze windshield, and a wet foot. I attempted to take out the dash, but after looking at all of the screws, re-installed what I had already removed. Removed the firewall hoses and hooked them together just so I can drive it. 2001 QC 4x4 4.7 52,000 miles. I can't wait to see the bill!!
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breetah
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
12:17:30
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Another victim here. It started as a slow leak, I had defrosting problems for a couple of weeks, but this weekend the smell started. I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota X-cab, manual, with 68,000 miles.
Can anyone give me a clue about how much this should cost? My dealer has tried to screw me over before (it was an incident with my manifold) and I want to go in armed with some info.
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B Brown
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
19:44:00
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Al,
Seems like the heater core problem is concentrated on 2001 models--Probably trash parts out of Mexico. Dodge really should stand up on this issue. If they don't it will be because their liablity is low--no one will die from a bad heater core, unless you allow you pet dog in your truck.
I and all the folks I talk to will never,naever buy a Chrysler or Mercedes vehical if the attitude stays the same. I lost my vehical 20 days--2 cores and my out of pocket costs were ove $1600.
Next buy will be a Toyota--unless Dodge wakes up!!!!!
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jlhtec
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2003
10:41:41
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I believe that this is a safety issue. I had burning hot coolant drip on my boot when this happened. Had this been my wife with open toe shoes, she would have received 3rd degree burns, and possibly gotten into an accident and killed someone. I contacted Dodge when this happened, and have not heard from them. I also received the bill...$975.
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Marine1
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2003
13:37:07
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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The bills are so high because the entire dash (to the F-wall) must be taken out to replace the core (8+ hours). Just did one this weekend at the shop. This is not limited to Dak/Dur either. My Mothers 99 GC Limited with 50K had to have one replaced. The whole dash had to be taken out and with all those electronics too! My dads C/K took 10 minutes to do and that included a bathroom break! Chevy strikes again! If my dakota has to have one I'll sell her quick!
Rob
-----------
1999 Dodge Dakota CC Sport 4X4
5.2L 3.92 Auto
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Zinker
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2003
14:35:44
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Update:
I now happily drive a Toyota Tundra. After owning 3 Dodges and numerous problems, I have seen the light.
It's amazing how fast the Dodges loose their market value compared to the imports. Do you think they will ever figure it out?
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rich
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2003
10:46:15
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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2001 dakota quad cab 4.7l my first core went at 28k miles in nov. lucky it was still under warrenty. took it back to dealer got a loner car and got it back 5 days later with new carpet and redesigned heater core. now its march 19 2003 and at 34k miles redesigned heater core has sprung a leak.called dealer,can't get it in until the 24th but will have car waiting for me. will let you know how i makeout this time.
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00-4x4dakota
Dodge Dakota
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3/22/2003
22:08:33
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota with 44k. i just started smeeling the Antifreeze last week. I found a new heater core for 32 bucks online. But am thinking of taking it to a dealer. Has anyone tried contacting DiamlerChrysler customer care....were they any help.....this is what I may do, not sure....whats even worse, I just bought the truck out of the lease....that'll tick ya off....any suggestions would help, thanks for the help.....
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brandy16
Dodge Dakota
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3/30/2003
01:04:37
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Ive read all the complaints. almost all have said that they had to wait a long time to get a new core and the new one blew two miles down the road. You guys all own FORDS. I never heard so much bull in all my life. You are so full of it I can smell you from here.
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Shawn H.
Dodge Dakota
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4/01/2003
13:04:22
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Well here we go again, I am now on my 4th heater core. I have a 2001 shortbed 2WD Dakota with a 4.7liter, 67,000 miles on it. In the last 4 months I have had to have the heater core replaced 4 times. This is my 4th new dodge and I will have to say that this is the only one that I have had problems with. So far I have been lucky that the heater core has a 90 day warranty on it so I have only had to pay for the first time,$535.00. I do want to thank you for this web site and everything that you have put on here, I printed this out and took it to the dealer ship where they are working on my truck and said I thought that they weren't having a problem with there heater cores! They are suppose to be calling Chrysler dirrect to see what there are going to do about this. If anyone out there knows what I can do from here or who to contact I would appreciate any information on this.
Thanks in advance for any information on this,
Shawn
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Bill Smith
Dodge Dakota
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4/11/2003
00:01:31
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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must just be a gen 3 problem...96 with 95,000 no problem at all except the timing chain rattle...and iv'e gotten used to that
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Bruce Clark
Dodge Dakota
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4/12/2003
13:10:58
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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This is not a Chrysler Problem! Chrysler purchases heater cores from Vendors! I've been dealing with heater core problem in my Dakota a lot longer than ANY of the other posters here. I purchased my Dakota 4x4 V8 brand new (special Order) in 1991. I get about 30,000-40,000 miles (average) out of the heater cores. The truck currently has 249,000 on it! I've changed the core 5 times myself - and the current one is leaking. Yes, it's a pain in the ass to do, but I've done it enough that it's almost routine. I've used this truck hard for all 249,000 miles.. I've towed oversized loads in 120+ temp's - and got the heater box under the dash so hot that the Panel/Defrost door melted from radiant heat from the core. That did not make it fail any faster- in fact that core lasted longer than any others! The temp gague was almost at the very top that day as I was pulling a very steep grade at 29MPH. Still running the same old 5.2 and only had to rebuild the tranny finally at 190,000. This truck has hauled heavy loads and/or towed most all of those miles. It's been a very reliable machine - all be it except for the heater cores. Finally, to make them last longer, I installed a vac operated water valve on the INLET to the heater core. Then, durning warmer months, I plug that valve into a vac source so the core is not having coolant pumped through it. I'm now cosidering putting another set in - to totaly (100%) bypass the core so it never even gets pressured up except when I need heat. Basically do a total by-pass rather than my current setup of just blocking the input.
I've tried other (non-Dodge) branded cores, and they died even quicker. In fact, the longest lasting seems to always be the OEM's. The currently installed unit is now leaking (I can smell it). I always wait till I see Green coming out of the Evap drain in the firewall before wasting 2 days pulling the entire dash. With the 91-94's the leak will NEVER leak coolant inside the cab. Also, even after ignoring leaking cores for months, I've never had major total failure. Just the stupid smell, and fogged windows till I replace it!
Now, changing the core is not for the faint at heart. You have to know a fair amount about a lot of things - that I doubt the average Joe in here will know. But I thought you all might find this interesting..
Bruce
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jeffwhetstone
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2003
18:49:28
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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looks like I get to join the heater core pukin' club. 2001 Dakota Club Cab 4x4 4.7L. Got 37000 miles and a big green puddle on my previously clean carpet. Still waiting to hear if the 'service' department of my local friendly 5 star dealer will pony up and pay for the repair....because, of course, they couldn't 'fit me in' for a few days. Did anyone here ever manage to get rid of the foul antifreeze odor?
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Denekim
Dodge Dakota
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5/10/2003
01:58:48
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I have a 2001 4.7 Dodge Motorsports Package and my heater core just went out in the same fashion as yours did at 28,476 miles.
My service was a bit better though. I drove it straight from work to the dealer and they took it right in. Had it back by 3:00 in the afternoon. Mine did not make a big mess on the floor, but it sure messed up the windows, and took some time to get the smell out.
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Al
Dodge Dakota
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6/11/2003
19:39:06
| RE: Heater Core Puked! AGAIN!!!
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Well here we go again!!! I started off this damn thread and hoped I would not be adding to it. The last core was replaced 10-31-2002... Yes Holloween... Now just over seven months and 14,000 miles later my vents are steaming again!
Just had the truck in over the weekend for them to service the tranny and get my AC working... that has not worked since the core was replaced. Well they said they tried to fix the AC, but would need to get it in at a later time. I thought it was no big deal then... but I wonder if they knocked something loose under the dash trying to fix the AC.
This is the last straw... there are obviously far too many flaws in this model year... having seen others on different threads. I am going to check the NHSTA web site and contact Dodge as well. I'll post back when the core is fixed... Then I'm done with this truck and Dodge as well.
Later,
Al
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Al
Dodge Dakota
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6/17/2003
05:37:38
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Well it was the heater core again! Although I am pissed about the fact that I blew two heater cores in 42,200 miles, I could only give praise to the dealership from which I bought it. They got on my side against Dodge and that was really nice.
Anyone looking to buy a Dodge in NE PA should skip over all the big fancy dealers and call up Pompey Dodge in Kingston, PA. They are a smaller dealership, but they stand behind their sales with great service and really try to make things right for the vehicle owner.
God, I hope I don't post to this thread again!
Later,
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Mike Mulnix
Dodge Dakota
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6/24/2003
11:05:46
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I have a 2001 Dakota quad cab. 37,000 miles and it blews a heater core. Of coarse it was the mourning I was leaving for Cancun for my 10 year anniversery. I now have just over 40,000 miles and it goes again. This was the first dodge I have ever owned.I love the truck but if this is a indication of how reliable they are I am going back to my GMC trucks. I also just bought a 2002 Intrepid I am wondering if I need to sell both of them ASAP? Dodge better handle this with no charge or I will go Postal!!!!!
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Chuck
Dodge Dakota
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6/28/2003
10:38:25
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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In Michigan, if your car is in the shop for the same thing three or more times, it (potentially) can be considered a lemon. If you have a case, and you win the suit, you can receive up to treble damages. And you can get a little satisfaction, too.
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Todd
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2003
13:53:24
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Well hell why don't we throw me on the list of unsatisfied 2001 Dak owners. Told the dealer about the green smell at 28K miles and they said no problem. Sure enough 30K and she blew all over my floor. I am so F______'n pissed off. I have had a bundle of little problems with this truck and the dealers have succesfully replaced my fog lamps and updated my PCM. Time to do this s--t myself and have a local radiator shop build me a real core. This is the last damn thing I wanted to fail on the truck. What a deal eh. I think I will sell this bastard and buy a Hyundai or Kia.
2001 Dak 4X4 4.7L CC.
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L.Clarke
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2003
20:51:37
|  RE: Heater Core Puked!
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I have a "97", 5.2L etc. etc. My heater core also blew early in life <5K miles, but since then, thank goodness no probs. I'm a QA Engineer. Sorry to disagree with Bruce BUT....if Chrysler doesn't make them then they are purchased to their manufacturing specifications. If there are part failures it's either Chrysler's bad design or vendor sloppy workmanship and given the length of time this problem has been going on my bet is on a Chrysler design problem otherwise that account would have been cancelled. (one would hope....)
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slopehead
Dodge Dakota
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7/06/2003
10:39:24
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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actually, Chrysler re bids the parts they purchase every three years. The manufacturer of those parts, has to, to get the order, warrent the parts he makes for them for as long as Chrysler warrents the car. So in effect, if you go back to a dealer with lets say, an A/C pump that is bad, the cost of replacing that pump under warrenty is charged back to the manufacturer of the pump. So the manufacturer of that pump has to figure in his cost of repairs in his bid to D/C for the parts he sells them. Either the manufacturer of the part gets his repair cost down to where he is making money, or the price for the part goes up too high and someone else takes over the contract for that part. Since the early '70's your mopar has a power steering pump made in Saginaw Michigan as GM's Saginaw Gear division just because they under bid the Chrysler Perrysburg machining plant by $1 per power steering pump. every 3 years CPMP rebids but GMSSG under bids them by as little as a dime to keep the contract.
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Loose-Wheel
Dodge Dakota
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7/17/2003
23:56:31
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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Wow..
I just Had my Heater core take a Powder...
it does not sound good to repair readin the replys
I like my 2000 Dakota Sport..and I'll fix it
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Kerry
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2003
19:09:25
| RE: Heater Core Puked!
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It is comforting to know that I am not the only one suffering from heater core anxiety. But after having to replace my rotors twice since I bought the truck, having antifreeze dripping on my feet, ruining my carpet, causing a horrible smell, and having the dealer accuse me of excessive braking (are they suggesting I run a few red lights to save their flawed brake system?)I traded my $30,000 piece of crap in for a $14,000 toyota Corolla. I will never buy another Dodge and I am still paying off the $1,500 bill for replacing the heater core and turning the rotors. I feel bad for the new owner and would warn everyone to stay away from Dodge dealerships.
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