Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Any information on the thermostat / water pump civitation issue?

[klenger]

I am taking my truck in for service tomarrow, and want them to look into the "flat tire" noise I get when towing up hills. There was some discussion a while back that this problem might be caused by a defective or incorrect thermostat causing the water pump to cavitate. The sound is like the right front tire is going flat, and happens when towing up hills, usuall in 5th gear (6 speed).



Does anyone know of any specific info I can point the dealer to for resolution? Thanks for any assistance.

 

[lschultz]

First I have heard of any water pump caviation on this engine. Have you tried switching tires?

 

[Old Man]

TSB number

Klenger, the TSB #09-008-02 is for a new thermostat and that # is 05015708AC. Go to Fritz's web site (dodgeram.org) and look under TSB's and click on 2001's. I think is was issue later part of 2002. Later.

 

[georgej]

Klenger,



Check and make sure the plastic snorkle between the air filter box is properly attached to the inner fender. This can make noise similar to a flat tire when really hummin up a hill while towing!



George

 

[klenger]

Old Man: Thanks for the info. I think this is what I was looking for. I will give it to the tech writer when I take it in tonight. If this really is the fix, it sure took them long enough to issue a TSB for it. My truck has been doing it since new Sept 2001. It's interesting that they only want the new P/N t-stat installed if the customer complains about the noise and requests the TSB. They want the old P/N used for routine replacements. I wonder what's different about the TSB t-stat.



georgej: I have heard about this problem too, and removed the snorkle to see if it would help. It didn't help, and I've been too lazy to reinstall it. I should do that sometime soon. Maybe I should do it before I take in in tonight so that they don't void my warranty for some stupid reason.

 

[klenger]

It's fixed

I took the truck to Breck Dodge in Tucson and had them look at installing the T-stat called out on TSB #09-008-02. They did not have the part in stock because they had never seen the TSB before, but they did check my T-stat and replaced it with the original part number. They ordered the part called out on the TSB and will install it when it arrives. In any case, replacing the T-stat solved the problem. The truck has never towed my 5er up hills this quietly. I am .



They also reaplaced the multi-function lever/swtich (turn signal) because it would sometimes snap back to the off position after signaling to make a turn. I have been living with both of these problems since the truck was new.



I am very pleased with the service from Breck Dodge. They changed my oil and filter (which I supplied), and lube job for a reasonable fee, and threw in a very nice wash job too. It looked great till I drove it thru 50 miles of dirt this weekend.