Steering Wheel

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PSInt
The problem isn't with Dodges engineers, its with its buyers. They are taking the lowest bid or buying bulk with very few or no quality checks. Dodge should be going after its suppliers of the steering wheel and fuel sending unit, to get them to replace the part they didn't make right.

 

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I was a mechanic at a Chrysler Dealer for lotsa' years. Have ALWAYS had electrical problems. In the past, Chrysler would take care of their customers. That was in the mid 80's when they were financially strapped and appreciated their customers. Now that they have a few cars and trucks that are in demand, however poor the quality, they've gotten a little arrogant and they don't NEED your business. Well, you can be sure they don't NEED my business. I love the looks of the truck, but aside from the excellent choice of Engines, the quality SUCKS !

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1996 2500 4X4 Auto...

 

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PSInet read yor post on the stering wheel and mine is the same way. Was taking my truck back for some warranty issues before my warranty runs out and I told them about my steering wheel. When I called the next day to find out the status on my truck, the mechanic said he was still working on my truck but said that my steering wheel was replaced, no problem. I guess it depends on which side of the bed people wake up on in the morning. But I agree with what you say, for an average of 38,000 on the sticker make the inside a little nicer. My O/D off has worn off my shifter handle, my screws in my kickplates on the floor have rusted out but other than that for just turning 3 years old I dont see really any other problems so far.

 

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This comment is NOT directed, specifically at PSI (or anyone else). But, I think it bears saying, anyway. If there is a like site for Ford trucks, I can just about guarantee you that there are those who are *****ing about the "quality" (or lack thereof) of their Fords.

The Dodge Ram Owner's manual goes to great lengths in efforts to persuade us to clean/maintain our vehicles. Many of us don't, and then get hacked-off when things break, wear-out, or malfunction. Hey, stuff wears out, breaks down, rusts, discolors, gets brittle, cracks, etc. That's life in the fast lane.

It seems to me that if we know that steering wheels are going to fail, if subjected to a combination of salt, grime and UV degradation, then the answer is to take measures to clean off the salt and grime, occasionally, instead of pitching a fit and complaining that the manufacturer didn't make the steering wheel right.

Consider the bottom of ocean-going boats. They need periodic cleaning, scaling, barnacle-removal -- whatever. There are other examples of routine maintenance that are too numerous to mention. What's a "reasonable" amount of time for a poorly-maintained steering wheel to last, anyway. . ? And, who is qualified to make such a determination? It seems to me, too, that Dodge has somewhat of a "no-win" situation, here. Consider their strategy upon coming up with an alternative design for their "next generation" steering wheel -- the one everybody can count upon, for sure, to never fail on them. This wheel, they decide, will be solid, heavy duty plastic -- the way all steering wheels used to be in pickup trucks, circa 1970-1980. Now they've got a "dependable" model that will be immune to sweat, sun, and whatever else it will encounter -- trouble is the wheel is also uncomfortable as **** to use, and it's dangerous in accidents (no padding).

It seems to me that manufacturers (like Dodge in this case) sometimes get a bad rap, and the dealers (the crappy ones, anyway) compound the problem by not going to bat for their customers in cases when it simply makes good business sense to step up and offer to help, whether it's (legally) required, or not.

 

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I understand what you're saying, and I'd agree if it were an isolated transmission problem where abuse could be a factor, or a truck that was used as a snow plow, or an engine that never had the oil changed, but knowing the tremendous amount of failures of the fuel gauge and the unreasonable amount of steering wheels that are falling apart around the world I still think Chrysler should take responsibility for a very poor design and replace the prematurely failed parts. When I worked for Toyota, they rebuilt a transmission for a guy at 100,000 miles because they knew they had a problem with the design. That's QUALITY Customer Service. That guy will never buy anything but a Toyota ever again ! Wish Chrysler thought as much of their customers. Wouldn't it be nice if somebody in Michigan were to read these posts. They might learn what customer service is all about.

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1996 2500 4X4 Auto...

 

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I just don't like the added dimn with the wheel cover and really don't much like the orgional steering wheel. My other Dodge had was more comfortable with a hard steering wheel about 5/8 in diameter. The sweet torn factory steering wheel was a real pain for me so this afternoon I stopped at my favorite cantina and adjusted my lattitude. Got back in my truck a 1995 3500 won ton dually as was on my way back to the house to pick up tools when I started to pick then tare at that warn spot to discover that there was a shinney steering wheel under that cover. I pulled into the driveway got my sheet rock knife and made another discovery that there was a sawn covering much like the cover that is sold at Pep Boys for $14. 95. Needless to say I sat there for minutes very carefully skinning that crap off my steering wheel. When I got to the airbag it was just a nice fit with a little glue that cleaned up nicely even around the horn buttons came clean off. Now my horn buttons don't stick when I give the girls a toot. From Sanger CA Stephen's won ton dually.

 

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Well not trying to start anything but there are somethings in this world that just aren't going to last forever. Just how long sould Dodge Ford or chevy guarantee a steering wheel 200,000 miles? You don't say if you do any retail business with your local dealer. It been my experience that if you do business on a regular bases they would be more helpful with out of warranty repairs. Also if you were a dodge tech and a service manager like you say then you know its even harder to get help when you not even the first owner.

 

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Points taken on both sides. Perhaps Dodge should 86 the rubbery stuff which doesn't hold up and check out late 80's/early 90's Chevy truck steering wheels. They have a semi-soft plastic that holds up. My '88 V-30 has been driven & parked out in the Texas sun for 12 years with no deterioration whatsoever of the wheel.

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Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

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That would be an easy fix Bill but then you would have people mad that dodge is behind the time and have hard steering wheels. The point is things aren't going to last forever. With reguler cleaning and a steering wheel cover this problem could have been avoided. And seeing how is not the first owner you never know what care the truck had before.

 

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I don't know whey Dodge went to the "soft" steering wheels--safety or style. I went through two of the ST wheels-- tended to hold them in one spot and the rubberized coating wore through in about a year. My dealership was good about it and when I mentioned the problem to the service manager, he asked if I would like to try one of the leather SLT wheels (no charge). I put mink oil on it every few months and here in LV we don't get the buildup of sweat/salt to aggravate the situation. It looks new after about 2 years. Folks, it is coated but still real leather, and needs the kind of care leather requires. I guess some folks don't want to perform any maintenance, and I guess that means Dodge needs a cheapo wheel that is more durable. Then what do they do? They reserve the leather for the deluxe SLT with power everything and cloth inserts on the doors--another extra that looks bad if left to get filthy. You can't have it all--luxury stuff and bulletproof work trim are not the same.
On another note, I realize some trucks have electrical problems but my early 97 has not, including towing. My dealer did put in the headlight switch upgrade but I had no problem beforehand.
Dodge has the same problem as other mfg--sticker price is all that most buyers look at after seeing the color and general appointments. If they spend on one thing like the permium Cummins engine instead of a cornbinder or rice burner diesel, they have to watch cost elsewhere or lose too many sales to ignorant consumers (the majority, sadly). I think overall Dodge has done well to give us the only premium quality engine in a light truck while keeping quality at least on a par overall regarding other things. As another poster mentioned, check out the other forums like ford-diesel.com if you want to see a lot of whining about poor quality. Then too some get a used truck, perhaps a high mileage ex-hotshot, and then the hard usage may be more to blame for later problems than Dodge. When I went to Texas last month for the rally, I saw many, many Dodge Rams on the road, diesels, all pulling heavy trailers. I saw almost no other brand pickups used as hotshots or heavy haulers. That's a pretty strong message in favor of our Rams.

 

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I have fallen OUT OF LOVE with my truck. I miss my FORD. I never had the petty problems with my ford that Ive had with this wonderful Dodge. Not to mention the fact that when something needed to be fixed or replaced, Ford just DID IT while Dodge crys and pisses and moans like its costing the dealer, not Chrysler. I bought a 7/100,000 waranty, but it isnt worth the paper its printed on. I have to fight for everything that needs to be fixed or replaced on my Dodge. I might mention that I always take my truck in TOTALLY CLEAN and when I get it back, its filthy and sometimes a scratch or dent. Chrysler sucks in my book and I will NEVER recomend any friend of mine to waste their hard earned money on one. Not when you can get MORE POWER with a Ford and not have to walk because of all the Dodge breakdowns.

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98 Quad Cab 4X4 Cummins Automatic Totally loaded Minus fuel sender plus right brake pull, no extra charge!

 

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Phil,

I think you may want to try a new dealership. Just a thought... (laughing to bust a gut, here... )

 

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Phil
I enjoyed reading your post here ... Those are the same reasons I gave up Ford and went to Dodge ...

 

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My point of this whole thing is not to say I hate my truck... . because I don't. I think the styling is some of the best around and I enjoy driving it. the Cummins Diesel with it's power and fuel economy was the deciding factor. My fuel mileage right now is bad (14. 7 av) but I'm sure I can improve that with a pump timing adjustment, valve adjustment. or maybe something as simple as working on the TV cable adjustment. My point of this whole discussion is that Chrysler MUST KNOW by now that their fuel sender and steering wheels are sub standard and they're not doing anything to correct the problem. My truck is in outstanding condition or I wouldn't have bought it. I shouldn't have to be concerned how well the fuel sender or steering wheel were cared for. THEY SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 85,000 MILES WITH NO CARE ! And I wasn't dealing with a dealer, I called Chrysler's Customer Service Line. When the girl told me they wouldn't do anything I asked to speak to her Supervisor. She said she WAS the supervisor... . have a nice day. Not my idea of Customer Service. ALL cars and trucks have problems. How the problem is handled by the manufacturer determines the quality of the company.

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1996 2500 4X4 Auto...

 

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PSInt,

I think this is another "horse" that has been pretty much beaten to death by now. But, here's my last thought on the subject.

Most of us used to think of 85,000 miles as pretty near the first-generation (first owner) "service life" of an American vehicle. When I was a kid, my folks used to trade their cars every couple of years, and I seldom remember seeing a vehicle with over 50,000 miles on the odometer. Their philosophy was, "Why keep this thing until the maintenance costs begin to rival the monthly payments. "

Times have changed. People expect their vehicles to go further, last longer, and cost less to operate. There are cars on the market that don't need their first tune-up until the odometer turns 100,000 miles. On the whole, I think that the automotive industry has kept pace with consumer requirements and expectations.

My truck has been babied all its life, but also driven hard. It's got almost 70,000 miles on it since mid-June of '97. I've been meticulous about following maintenance on this truck, but have also anticipated the fact that lots of stuff would wear out -- WAY SOONER than the Cummins engine moving the show down the road.

I just replaced my two front axle-tube seals and did a service on the two differentials at the same time. This took me almost 7 hours. I've also had to replace two transmission valve body solenoid valves, the serpentine belt, the transmission output seal and transfer case input seal, the "check engine light" sensor, and miscellaneous other piddly crap. I've had the rear brakes serviced regularly, and the front pads replaced (rotors turned) twice. I've also replaced both OEM batteries and worn out a couple of sets of tires.

In return for the above "fussing," (plus numerous filters and 60-something gallons of Shell Rotella 15W-40) this truck has faithfully transported me from Florida to Washington and from Georgia to Maine without mishap. It's never let me down, never left me or my wife stranded alongside the road.

All in all, it's been the best truck I've ever owned and the most fun to drive, too. I fully intend to keep it going, until the engine needs an overhaul (300,000), and maybe longer (God willing and the creek don't rise... ).

My fuel tank sending unit hasn't cratered yet, but could, any day now, I guess. Is 85,000 miles a "reasonable" life for one of these float mechanisms to last? I don't know for sure, but my suspicion is that, in many people's mind, it is...

When I get ready to buy my next truck, if the salesman were to say, "Sir, I have to tell you that your fuel sending unit may have to be replaced after seven years or 85,000 miles," that, in itself, would not be a deal-buster for me.

And, as I said above, my steering wheel looks brand new! #ad


[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-15-2000). ]

 

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Good point Sasquuatch. Some things just won't last forever. And is replacing an steering wheel or fuel sending unit after 85,000 miles an un reasonable expence?
And Phil if you think fords don't have there own problems just ride to a dealer and look in their service department on any given day. And as far as your problems go it sounds like a dealer problem not a prolem with chrysler problem. You didnt state if it was a chrysler service contact you bought or some of the wall serice contact. But with your problems your best bet is to find another dealer.

 

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In fact, I did pay a fortune for the Chrysler Premium care zero deduct waranty. I live in a small town and the next Dodge dealer is another 50 plus miles away. As it is the closest one is 15 miles from my ranch. I owned 2 Fords in the past 8 years and their service history was far better than Dodge could ever dream of. I just wish I could use this truck for what I bought it for, but Im sick and tired of leaving the city limits and returning on a tow truck! With diesel now hitting the $2. 20 per gallon, I think my next truck will be a Ford with a V-10. Regular fuel here is in the $1. 70 range and my miles per gallon and the . 50 cent diff in fuel, plus the power I will gain not to mention the $4000. less price tag of between a V12 and a diesel, I will be $$$$ ahead Dumping this Dodge lemmon and getting a REAL truck at my Ford dealer and living a less stressful life. For the record, Im now on fuel sender #10 and #6 set of front brakes. My truck still has a HARD pull to the right and left with no warning which way its going to go until its too late. So far Ive been lucky and havent hit anyone, but my day will come sooner or later. Life is too short to have to put up with a company like Chrysler who couldnt care less about its customer after the sale. I just cant waite until they hit the bottom, where they were a few years back. Maybe then, they will listen to the customer and try to address all the saftey concerns that apply to these trucks. I know for a fact that my truck will kill someone, most likely myself due to the crappy brakes and Chrysler couldnt care less. One last thing, Ive tried to talk to the all mighty Zone Rep for 6 months and he refuses. What kind of car company is Chrysler who wont let the customer talk to someone and get some answers to why their truck can't be fixed. My dealer has so much as told me to , and I quote... PARK IT AND GET A LAWYER, WE CANT FIX THIS TRUCK! God help all you fellow Dodge truck owners. My prayers are with you! #ad
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98 Quad Cab 4X4 Cummins Automatic Totally loaded Minus fuel sender plus right brake pull, no extra charge!

 

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Phil,

Just a couple of thoughts.

1) If you've put 10 sending units in that truck, something's being done wrong at the installation site. Either the mechanic is damaging the unit during the install, or there is a short in the system someplace that is causing the unit to fail prematurely.

2) The pull you are experiencing, again, is very likely a function of faulty service -- not an inherent design problem. Either they (the dealership) are not turning the rotors on the truck (in place) according to proper procedure, or you have an undiagnosed problem (contaminant in the lines, bad caliper... ?) which your inept dealership can't/won't fix. Have you considered taping a 5 lb. block of C-4 (plastic explosive) to their front door?

I understand that diesel fuel is very high right now, particularly in Cali-fruit-opia, but that's partly a function of your state's politics and partly a function of supply and demand. Certainly it isn't the fault of that hunk of misunderstood, abused, scrap iron languishing out in your driveway.

I don't understand, since you're so miserable, why you haven't contacted an adoption agency and placed your Cummins with a more appreciative family (laughing out loud, here). God knows, there's a Ford salesman with plaid golf pants, white patent leather shoes (and belt) and a "Trojan" ball cap just drooling to be of service.

As far as "power" is concerned, however, gimme a call when you've got your Ford ready for a field test against a Cummins that's been stabled properly...

Oh, yeah... Have some cash handy and your betting hat on. #ad
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(Above written tongue-in-cheek. Best of luck, whatever you do!)

 

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The dealer here in my town can't keep personel very long. I think everyone there came from Yugo or Hundai. These guys couldnt fix a bicycle!. For the record, My truck went to the Chrysler Arbatration Board last tues. Im waiting for their lame excuse why my truck is the way it is. As Ive read in this website, Im not the only one with these problems. My only hope is that they buy this joke back and let me buy a real truck. When Dodge gets their $hi! together, I may buy another one. Right now Im too gun shy. Ive had great luck with Ford. Im going back asap!.
If Im stuck with this wonderful truck, Im open to all offers since everyone here thinks I own a great truck! I will even deliver, if you live close. My AAA will only tow me 100 miles back home #ad
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98 Quad Cab 4X4 Cummins Automatic Totally loaded Minus fuel sender plus right brake pull, no extra charge!

 

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Phil, see the number of posts I have. I just got rid of a 99 Powerstroke for the same reasons that you speak of, CUSTOMER NO-SERVICE. Ford Motor Co. and Daimler-Chrysler are identical. Your dealer is what makes the difference. My Ford and your Dodge are just mechanical devices and can be fixed, assuming you find someone who cares. My Ford had numerous problems and having been a mechanic for many years, I knew it was fixable. But I heard so many excuses and BS that after two years, I had enough.
I don't think that my Ford was a seriously flawed vehicle, but their dealers and warranty service policys are very flawed. Unlike you, there were plenty of dealers around me and they all(I tried five) read me the same song and dance. The usual "they all do that" or "couldn't duplicate your problem" or my favorite "the transmission is supposed to slip when shifting into overdrive. " After that comment from the service advisor, I went straight to the Dodge dealer and one hour later I had a new truck. I had previously owned a 92 Cummins and this dealer always took care of any problems I had with that truck. My new truck has been back to them to adjust the parking brake. They fixed it, washed it and even shuttled me to work when I dropped it off. The service manager called me last night to see if I was happy with the truck and if it was fixed right. We ended up shooting the bull for ten minutes.
Spend a few days reading the Ford-Diesel site and you will see owners like yourself with a different problems, dealing with the same customer no-service attitude from the dealers. Good luck Sam




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2001. 5 2500 QC HO 6sp LB 3. 54LS everything except leather, white/agate