Common problems with 2003's

[MUDDY]

got mine last of dec 02. had crack on alt brckt and it has a slight pull to right. waitn for an adjustable ball joint to fix that. also the chk guages lite has flashed a few times but i will ignore that as i dont trust the dlr to do a reflash



so far im pretty pleased w/ the 3gOo.

 

[CIverson]

1500 miles on my 03. I've got the 2100rpm vibration. The passenger window has a sticky spot when It's rolled up or down (gotta take it in for that). Also, the paint seems to chip waaay to easily. My rockers behind the rear wheels are already pitted to hell because UPS lost my mudflaps and I had to wait for them.

 

[RDietze]

echo

<< and i think the 48RE could use a better shift program under light throttle. >>



i echo this gripe - the 48re doesn't know what the h*ll it is suppose to do.

don't forget that "great" torque converter (slips) - another attempt of DC going out of their way to be as CHEAP as they possibly can.



with all of it's weaknesses, i still believe it is the better of the bunch (toyota doesn't make a truck with a cummins in it do they?)



my first dodge!

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Originally posted by Elite1

Greg, Did the dealer say anything about the airraid filter or bullydog box, when you took it in for the transmission? Or did you take them both off? BTW, 11,000 miles on mine with no problems. I was surprised at how dirty the stock air filter was at only 9,000 miles, so changed it, and felt an immediate difference in performance. The fuel filter also was very dirty and changed it at 9,000. It looked exactly like the one pictured on one of the other threads. Maybe residue from the new tank? I just ordered di-pricol gauges and the afe air intake system, from Genos. I would like to get the Bulldog box some day... . are you still happy with it?

Bullydog box is ok. Great on top end but no power below 2250 rpm's. I would get it if you are on the FWY all the time. Light to light is the same as stock until 2250. I took it and the ez off the truck for the service. They cant say anything about a replacement filter. They sell K&n's there.

 

[EB]

Have had the cracked alt. bracket, a cracked power steering line, have had the limited slip unit replaced and the rear end does whine. Other than that, no problems, 72,000+ miles.

 

[bighammer]

The big smile all the time. (gets your face hurtin' sometimes)

 

[Wiredawg]

We love our's!

We love our 03. Great power, nice shifts, better over all fit/finish inside. I did finally figure out one thing I don't like: The clothes hook on the back abover rear window vresus over the rear doors. We can live with that.



A good friend of mine just bought an 03 Ford 6. 0L F-350. Said the Dodge road to rough. I didn't tell him what a big mistake that was. He makes lots of money, so he can trade it when it goes south on him.



You can't gor wrong w/ an 03 Dodge.



Wiredawg

 

[y-knot]

I feel for the FORD owners that got bitten by the new 6. 0l bug, I can not imagin being in some of there shoes. Ford has a nice truck, and if, and when they get the 6. 0l bugs worked out it will be a good engine. You have to remember they have already jumped into the EGR area, i never would have thought they would have such a hard time, DODGE will not release there version of this new generation of cummins motor till they have to, Why?? I can only hope they have this issue worked out, I would not want to be one of the first few who purchase the new cummins. As much as knowone wants to think about it, there is that posibility. I,m sure with the success ford had with there 7. 2L power stroke, no one thought they would be makeing a misstake by ordering the 6. 0L, probally never crossed there mine. Of coarse those guys are going to defind there brand, no one wants, or likes to addmit to a "misstake", or untimely purchase. Just think what our form would be like if the cummins had such a probalem? I really could care less what someone else drives, I susspect if the cummins was in the ford, I'd be a ford owner. Right now the ford has several advantages over the dodge, Fit and finish is to a higher standard, more options, better seating, wheel wells that have liners, dual alternators, ect. I think we had better cross our fingers and hope cummins/dodge has there shi* together, before we get to carried away laughing at someone else while they are down.

 

[Withers]

Hey Guys, thanks for the replies, I was not expecting so many, keep the replies going, it seems the problems that the new trucks have are pretty minor, compared to the Fords. My buddy that has the troublesome Ford is very mechanical and very diesel savvy, but he's not a computer wiz by any means, he is a heavy equipment operator/contractor, and does most of his own repairs himself. I know there are guys out there that hate Fords, but when you spend 40k-55k for a truck, you would think it will run for more then 1500 mile before it dies on you, again, and again regardless of what brand you bought.

Again guys, thanks for you input, and the more I get the better.

 

[HVAC]

"03

Love it!Oo.



Got the six speed, very nice.



Suspension, no less then awesome.



Brakes, excellent.



This truck is a eye opener. It's a quantum leap IMO. I love this truck and can't say enough about it. The new frame is a beautiful thing, asthetically as well as engineering.



BTW, did I mention the engine? It has one of those Cummins things in it Danged if it isn't only a six cylinder Well, it's Too quiet!!! I'm not takin' it either. I'm installing a LOUDer muffler cause Dodge messed up and put that large offensive quiet turbo gagger on it WHAT were they thinkin'? Give me some audio with my other sensery inputs please!



Drivin it and lovin' it, 5000 miles in two weeks!!!

 

[Withers]

Hey guys, I cruise the Ford sites for my buddy trying to get some info for him and it's scary how dedicated some guys are to Ford. I was reading a post by a guy who was getting rid of his 2003 6ltr because it was to much trouble, and in the last sentence he say's " at least I did'nt buy a Dodge or a Chev" and I'm thinking to myself " ya that would be horrible buying a reliable truck" , and the guys that are having trouble with there trucks and have the guts to post there problems get reamed out by other Ford owners saying there sick of the whinning or they are "trolling" trying to stir it up.

Another site had a poll, who is having problems with there 2003 6ltr trucks, 31% are having major problem's, would you get on a plane if you were told that there is a 31% chance that you will crash into a mountain

 

[JStieger]

12,000 miles and only really minor complaints:



1) cracked alternator bracket replaced

2) CO2 safety recall

3) leaking rear pinion seal. 2 seals and one rear yoke replaced and it still weeps down the side of the pinion housing. Everytime the dealer says it's normal to weep, it's from the previous repair, and then cleans it up real nice. Time for a nice, polite, formal, complaint letter in the next week!

4) Don't know which is worse - the low beams or the high beams?

5) Cup holder too low; the shifter will easily knock over a nice, hot big mug of coffee!

6) Tow hooks too small to pass a chain hook through. One has to take the hook off, then pass the chain through, and then reinstall the hook to grab onto the chain link.

7) Trip computer went blank once momentarily 1000 miles ago. A friend with the 03 Hemi said his computer did the same too.

8) A month ago a diesel mechanic at work with a souped up 12-valve CTD came up behind me on the interstate on-ramp going uphill and blew by me like I was standing still and smoked me out! As he passed me he had a big grin on his face. Talk about irritating ! I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet as he's been working nights for a while.



In comparison there're three guys I work with that bought the new 6. 0 PSD. 2 of the guys are on their 2nd 6. 0 after the dealer replaced them. The 3rd guy just says every swear word in the book when asked about his truck. In between the swear words I hear "no power"... "computer crap"... "sputtering then dying on the interstate". In all fairness, though, the first 2 guys are now happy with their rigs.

 

[DPKetchum]

I was surprised to see posts about rough ride! Mine rides great for a 7000lbs 4x4. On top of everything else all the late model FORD owners STARE as you turn in front or drive by them

 

[Hunter1]

As far as a reflash, I would never do it again! Being the dummy I am, I went in to get it done, thinking it was a nice safety thingie.



Well, I came out with a truck that does not have its original power nor does it idle correct.



It idles, whump, whump and whump compared to a nice smooth idle.



Nope, I would not recommend the reflash



The dealer checked it after and said "It is right in DC's expecations"



I had a much stronger truck prior, I don't care what the hell the dealer tells me!



Hunter1

 

[Kilby]

I agree. My stock suspension rode real nice for a heavy 4x4 truck. I'm surprised to hear others saying theirs ride bad. It rode better than the two Fords we test drove.



Anyhow, 9K miles later and I have no complaints. I really dig this truck!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Originally posted by Greg Boardman

Bullydog box is ok. Great on top end but no power below 2250 rpm's. I

My Bully Box doesn't work that way, it starts coming on pretty much right off the bat Have you had it checked out?



I have 14,800 miles and lovin' it! I did have a bad ECM which was replaced under warranty at 11,000 miles. Other than that fit and finish are top rate (and I have Pat Blue), shifts slick, no vibration, great mileage, great power, steering & brakes are top shelf. Did I mention I love it?



There are a few design quibbles I don't care for (steeply raked windshield, too few places to mount stuff, can't see hood out windshield, grille's a bit too tall, etc. ) but I can sure live with these shortcomings. Nothing like a truck that starts every day, doesn't leak, hesitate, cough, idle rough, vibrate, clatter, etc. etc.



Vaughn

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Vaughn



I have had a Bullydog box for about six months and that has always been the complaint about it. Not that it is a bad product, I like it fine, but it does come on in the upper rpm's. That is the way the program works. I have talked to them a number of times, I did some prototype work for them. They have a problem with a runaway if it fuels too low in the rpm range. They will have it worked out soon if not this time now. I haven't taked to Philip for about two weeks. I am going to send it back on monday for a checkup.

 

[tschwab]

Originally posted by Withers

My buddy that has the troublesome Ford is very mechanical and very diesel savvy.

If this is the case, the Cummins is the obvious choice

 

[tschwab]

Originally posted by Withers

Hey guys, I cruise the Ford sites for my buddy trying to get some info for him and it's scary how dedicated some guys are to Ford. I was reading a post by a guy who was getting rid of his 2003 6ltr because it was to much trouble, and in the last sentence he say's " at least I did'nt buy a Dodge or a Chev" and I'm thinking to myself " ya that would be horrible buying a reliable truck" , and the guys that are having trouble with there trucks and have the guts to post there problems get reamed out by other Ford owners saying there sick of the whinning or they are "trolling" trying to stir it up.

Another site had a poll, who is having problems with there 2003 6ltr trucks, 31% are having major problem's, would you get on a plane if you were told that there is a 31% chance that you will crash into a mountain

Yeah, I've seen all that also, and most of the guys that DO get ford to buy back their trucks, get back in-line to buy another ford 6. 0 WHY???????

 

[Barry]

13,000 miles and the only problem is the A/C compressor is driving me NUTZ. When it cycles in and out it roars and vibrates all the way thru the "go pedal" and into my right foot. Makes more noise than the engine... ... ... ... ...