Daimler Chrysler Roadside Assitance - works

[KatDiesel]

Well last night I had to use their service. Was on my way to work when the transmission started hunting (on I80), pulled to the side of the road and shortly after truck wouldnt move at all. So hopped out... . oops transmission fluid all over the ground. So I dialed the number, took about 15 mins, and a tow truck was there within an hour. I had went to work while a friend of mine babysat the truck until the tow truck arrived. Was a nice big F450 with a flatbed, and the driver owns a Dodge 1 ton... . so he took care of it, and was impressed with what he "saw" ... now if only he could see it run



So they deleveried the truck to the address I requested (independent transmission shop) with no questions asked. They picked up the tab.



Now we'll see if I have to buy new cooler lines or not, it was too dark, and I was too late for work to really "explore" it last night... ... ... . needed to change the fluid anyhow, guess now is as good of time as any

 

[Partyat33]

I have used it at least twice. Was EXCELLENT both times.





Dennis

 

[Pit Bull]

Kat

Sorry to hear about your trouble, but it is nice to know that the service works. Keep us posted on how your truck is. I saw you run it at KCIR and it is very impressive.

 

[lschultz]

I used it three times. First time on 91 when oil cooler started leaking and filled radiator with oil and blew out antifreeze. I was in Austin,Tx bought it in Bastrop. Did not have to wait to long. They took it back to Bastrop & payed it all. Second time was on 98 when lifter cover gasket blew and it blew out all the oil between Bastrop-Austin. Truck from La Grange picked it up and since he was going back to La Grange he dropped it off at dealer. Third time ran out of fuel just out of Austin going home sending unit went out. Same fellow from La Grange picked it up again so it went back there. He remembered me. Had to wait about 1hr. So far no problems with fuel gage 50000+.

 

[illflem]

I used it twice, great service. First time was on a Friday evening, dealer was closed for the weekend, so I was towed 60 miles to a motel. From what the info says this service is good for as long as you own the truck, whether you buy it new or used from a private party or dealer, warranty doesn't matter, but of course they write into it that it may be canceled at any time for no reason. The number to call for a tow is 800-521-2779, put it in your glovebox if you don't have it already. They won't pull you out for free if you're stuck though.

 

[WyoJim]

You have used the roadside service twice illflem!! You should buy a 24 valve. Thanks for the phone number.

 

[bignick33]

I'm glad you guys have had good service with the program. I have used it once and my experience really sucked. It was last year on December 22, I think and my truck's injection pump, quit, and here i was sitting in the grass on side of a two-lane road in the country. I called them as soon as it happen, and before they would talk to me i had to give them my policy number, which, i didn't carry with me. So, they would send a tow truck until they had that number. So i got a ride home, and then I called them back when I got that number. They said ok, and said that the tow truck would be there in about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. This was about 6:30 p. m. So i went directly back to my truck to wait on the tow truck. 7'o'clock came around and left. 8 o'clock came and left and then after three hours and two more phone calls to the 800 number i had, it arrived. It was an unpleast night, but one positive thing that came with this experience was that I didn't have to pay a dime for the tow, and the injection pump was also free, under warrenty.



Nick Kingsley

 

[CWebster]

culprit?

Kat,



Just wondering what they diagnosed as the problem. Had a similar situation happen to me TWICE, and the problem was the $ . 25 hose clamp on the transmission cooler line behind the front bumper. The trans line goes from a rubber hose to a metal line with the rubber hose fitting over a barb end with a hose clamp to secure it. Seems like over time it works itself loose dumping fluid everywhere. inexspensive fix if you know what to look for. I am also curious if my modified valve body may be causing some of the problem because of the increased line pressures. If it is increasing pressure through the trans cooling system it might be forcing that rubber hose off but I don't now.



Thanks

Chris

 

[azcummins]

niced that they showed up for you

I called them once when I had a flat. I knew they would take FOREVER so I got started on changing my tire. After over an hr, I had the wheel off, the new one on and I was ready to go. As I was wiping off my hands, the roadside assistance dude shows up. Next time I'll forget calling them and get myself a better jack. The stock one sucks.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by WyoJim

You have used the roadside service twice illflem!! You should buy a 24 valve. Thanks for the phone number.

Jim, now I get to eat crow. Both tows were for the same faulty 12 valve lift pump. New pump did fix it though, that was 170k ago...

 

[Jeff Knight]

The paper work with my 02 truck said that it's only good for the 3yr-36000 mile regular waranty! I will look again to make sure. Jeff

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by KatDiesel

... So I dialed the number, took about 15 mins, and a tow truck was there within an hour.

Well, let's see... . that should be just enough time to remove the EZ and boost elbow... LOL!!!

 

[KatDiesel]

They really didn't ask any questions, they just asked for the last 6 digits of the VIN number, and my name, where I was, nature of the problem, and where I wanted it towed to (not the dealer). Like I said I was impressed actually.



As far as to whats wrong, one of the cooler lines closest to the radiator, the fitting broke, and the other one close to it is about to break. Its going to be handled with aftermarket stuff for about $125 (this includes replacing a switch in/on the differential for my 4 wd light to work properly).



I'm glad its that simple... ... ... just curious if there was any damage internally while I was running out of fluid. I'm sure the pump ran dry for a short bit.



Edit : Well I placed a call to Bill K regarding checking for internal damage... ..... see this post DTT Customer Service

 

[RADdodge]

KatDiesel



Unique post. Very gratifying on several counts. Nice to know that the towing service works (most of the time). Always good to hear positive words about the Kondolays and co. (link) KatDiesel's threads are always enlightening! Also, thanks CWebster. I think I'll add your suggestion to my checklist. This site is like mining in a gold field. Keep it up!