Tecnical Service Bulletins

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My 97 2500 2X4 with 5sp manual has the same jerking symptom (only while towing)described by several others in the discussion forums. I approached the local Dodge dealer about the TSB #18-29-97. (This TSB is available on the TDR website)At first, the service manager said my truck wasn't covered because it was out of warranty (Only 33K miles, but 4 years old). When I pressed him on the issue that the symptom has been prevalent since new and is published on the net by many owners and should not be subject to limitations of the warranty, he said that he TSB's are only "pointers" and are not always accurate. He further indicated that he would consider "sharing" the cost of the remedy specified per the TSB if his "evaluation" determined that the throttle linkage was indeed the cause of the jerking. I declined his invitation to make an appointment for an evaluation because I do not believe I should share in anyexpense to remedy the problem. I have two questions for anyone who reads this and who is prepared to answer: 1) Isn't the warranty period, if applicable to this TSB, 100,000 miles since this problem relates to an engine item?, and 2) since the TSB clearly states, "If this situation is described by the owner, perform the Repair Procedure," shouldn't my description of the problem be sufficient to have the work performed? I am anxious to hear your opinions.

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It is an engine related problem covered for 100k,take it to another dealer or do it yourself.

 

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Funny you post this I was going to do the same thing yesterday myself. Well I went and bought the kit yesterday that is mentioned in the above TSB and started the install last night untill I found out the kit is missing some parts. The install is not going to smooth at this point the instructions say one thing but it doesn't jive with the parts I have. The dealer ordered the parts that were missing so tomorrow I will see if I can figure out the rest. I think it might be covered under the engine warranty but they ussually have to duplicate the problem and there not setting foot in my truck unless it is on fire then it would be ok I guess. I will let you know if it fixes the problem if I figure out how it all goes together. I will have to hook up the trailer to see if it is really fixed.

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1996 4x4 3500 4. 10 5spd, Diesel Dynamics stage 2 injectors, #5 TST plate, Govoner spring kit, 16cm2 housing with 4" exhaust, Cummins exhaust brake, US Gear overdrive, Grover air horns, Mag-Hytec cover, and more.

[This message has been edited by BPINE (edited 11-07-2000). ]

 

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Well I put the kit in and can't get things adjusted so I can get full throttle #ad
. Has anyone done this tsb before, I think I need some help before I modify this thing and it doesn't work as it was designed or was it designed?

 

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You mean no one has done this TSB and can help me out. #ad

 

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I have not done one from start to finish, but I have fixed several that the dealers have messed up. I always have to loosen up the two bolts that hold down that "block" and move it around a lot while keeping the linkage at the same distance as the stock one was. It always takes a bit of time, and cursing does help.

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Chris Timochko
1997 5sp 4X4, HX40, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, Custom Tuned Injection Pump, 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, Water Injection, NOS Diesel Kit, 6" Chrome Exhaust System, No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. Test mule for Auto Wurks Diesel race program

 

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Thanks Chris I could not get full throttle no matter what I did. I ordered another linkage piece for a later model for the rear that I am hopeing will fix the problem. I simulated the same levrage point and it seems to work. The rear block doesn't seem to have enough adjustment. You would think for 200 bucks it would bolt on and work.

 

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You would think that DC would want a 'throttle cable ' to operate without problems for liability reasons. I have a 96 5spd that frayed the stock cable at 18K. Replaced under warranty. At 60K and 2. 5 years, the replaced cable frayed. DC would not warranty. Bought the redesigned cable (with plastic cover) for 50$ and installed. Then towed my race trailer and the 'bucking truck syndrome at freeway speeds in 4th or 5th gear. DC refused to perform TSB under warranty. Aftere 4 days of wrangling with DC Warranty, got them to install it for 1. 5 hours of labor. Kicker, they refused to sell the TSB kit to me saying they had to install it due to liability issues.

Go figure!!!

Truck has run fine since (115K) although I took it to a Cummins Dealer (Southern Plains in Houston) and the mechanic readjusted the WOT and the truck runs significantly better. Dealer probably had it 20% off from WOT.

I wish I could help with your install. I wish DC would have a recall on the cable and the fuel sending unit. How many have to fail before they offer a unit that works? I guess they really don't care.

David

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I had a confrontation with DC trying to get them to replace my fuel sender. As we all know, the fuel sender in the Dodge Trucks is a sub standard piece of garbage and I'm quite sure DC is aware of it too by now. They politely told me to go pound salt. They really don't care about customer satisfaction anymore, now they're out of danger of going bankrupt and have forgotten where they were a few years ago. When I worked for GM, we performed TSB's just as we did reacalls, FREE... . The only difference was, GM didn't send out a letter of recall. If you brought your vehicle in, and the recall applied, it was performed for FREE ! Do you think DC will start taking care of their customers a little better when they get close to bankrupcy again ? They humbled up a little when Iacocca saved the day for them... . I think they're getting a little arrogant now that they're doing well. Do they really think we won't remember when it comes time to buy a new truck ??

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1996 2500 4X4 Auto 3. 54 gears...

 

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B-pine, I installed the same kit on my truck a while back and was able to achieve full throttle. I, too, was told by the dealer and Dodge warranty center no go on the coverage of the repair, even with the 7/100 extended warranty. I finally gave up and installed it myself. The cost was 196. 00 plus or minus a few bucks.

 

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Hey DBR I took the new linkage off, it not only didn't fix the problem but I didn't like the way the throttle felt. I am going to make some adjustments to the govoner to see if I can fix it. Only problem no time to work on my own truck.

 

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REDRAM
I had tha same problem with the crappy fuel sender in my truck also . it took me 3 tries at the dealer to finally get the service manager to belive that it was not working correctly. after driving 100 miles the gauge would read a half a tank , i actually had to prove it to them that it was junk . they also wanted to keep my truck for evaluation (not a chance)after it was over i told them that my truck will never be back there for service again ! I AM MY OWN WARRENTY STATION! The name for the Dealer is COlonial Dodge in Eastpointe,Mi


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1997(black)3500 2wd club cab all stock
except for Amsoiled Drivetrain w/bypass filter. matching Bed Cap and 9. 5 ft Camper
also tow my Race Car and The Dirt Bikes .

The only way to TOW ANYTHING!
IF YOU CAN'T DODGE IT RAM IT
MOPAR OR NO CAR/TRUCK

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Scott Burton