Warranty Ends - Problems To Look For?

[zippinbye]

My 04. 5 is coming close to the 70,000 mile mark, and thus the end of the 7/70 extended warranty coverage. I'm well familiar with the arguments for and against extended coverage, and I only sprang for this one when I negotiated it down from $3500 to $1000 and rolled it into my zero percent financing. I was also swayed by some research on DC claims history, discovering that electronic function and control claims were common and averaged about $800 per dealer visit after normal warranty coverage expired. It was an extra $20 per month for four of the six years I've owned the truck. So with zero claims, I could say it wasn't worth it. But there was some piece of mind. And now I have the added benefit of knowing that a vehicle that was solid for six years and 70K is likely free of weird gremlins. Sure, something will go wrong eventually, but I certainly have nothing to complain about. So, finally to my question: What should I scrutinize on the truck to see if there is something that needs attention before the coverage lapses? I do have a radio gripe. It sometimes jumps off the tuned station even with a strong signal. Also, I have had a "lamp out" indicator that's intermittent. Neither seemed worth a trip to the dealer, especially due to no assurance that I could reproduce the problem in their company. But I'm going to use those two squawks to get in the door, and want to make sure I have thought of everything. The front end, especially ball joints come to mind. But I have no obvious problems. I'm thinking of taking it to an alignment shop first (need to check that anyhow since putting on aftermarket tires). If they find a problem, I'll bring it up to Dodge. Also, I never had the reverse lock alarm recall done, because I hate buzzers. Would that be a mandatory item if I leave the truck with the dealer? I'd appreciate some thoughts on a bumper-to-bumper search for possible warranty claim items. Thanks!

 

[rbattelle]

I'm not certain, but I suspect if you take it to the dealer they will be required to install the reverse alarm. Someone with more knowledge might know better.

Your lamp out indicator is probably a simple intermittent connection problem in one of your running lights. Sometimes it can be fixed by going around to every bulb on the truck, removing it, cleaning the socket, inspecting the pigtail, and re-installing the bulb. In other cases a new bulb is necessary. Either way, no big deal.

The radio jumping stations is a little odd, but I swear I've heard of it before. You might be able to get a new radio, although proving that it's jumping stations would be difficult.

Besides that, if there's nothing apparently wrong, there's little to be done. I'd go around and check that all the windows and door locks and their switches work. Crawl underneath and check for leaks and what-not. Lower and raise the spare tire if you've never done so before.

Ryan

 

[BPowers]

I can attest to Rbattle about the intermittent lamp light. I had one for a while, it would come on and go out. So one day it stayed on and I found that the left brake/running bulb had some rust on it and it wasn't making a great connection all the time. Cleaned the socket and threw a new bulb in there and it's been gone ever since.



I guess I also have a question for anyone that wants to answer. My 04. 5 just rolled

100K the other week. Since I've had the truck I've been following the maintenance manual on when to do things. Since it stops at 100K miles. What are some recomendations to follow for life afer 100K miles?

 

[InfernoB]

"Crawl underneath and check for leaks and what-not. Lower and raise the spare tire if you've never done so before. "



My '07 front pinion seal leaks. Way passed the base, and was not interested in 60K warranty. Ofcourse it leaks at 75K(Not only a Dodge problem with me, Ford's too). Check your pinion seal's, and have them fixed if covered under warranty, and as quoted above from rbattelle.

 

[tempforce]

if your truck has the blue tooth phone link, check the mirror being a bit loose. i fixed my radio jumping stations by fixing the loose screw.

 

[JCockerill]

check your steering box, mine has a small seal leak, i'm waiting until the warranty is allmost up then taking it in. i had bled door and blower motor problems in the dash hvac system. and the ecm needed a reflash all on my 06

 

[p-Bar]

I have taken my truck in for the fuel pump to the tank and told the writer no back up alarm be sure he types in the service write up . Are running the stock fuel pump? they won't replace it till it goes out on you kinda sucks

 

[rbattelle]

Since it stops at 100K miles. What are some recomendations to follow for life afer 100K miles?

You could simply start over again at 0.



Ryan

 

[AH64ID]

Only real possible issue would be the canister mounted lift pump.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

On my 04. 5 I had the fuel lift pump replaced under warranty at 60k. It had an engine mounted one but now it has the in tank model.

At 69k I had a u-jt. replaced on the rear drive shaft.

Last month at 78k the u-joints on the front axles seized up down here in Az. Had them replaced under warranty. $2300 job.

That is all of the problems i have had with my 04. 5. I have an extended warranty to 85k miles so I am eyeballing the truck for anything that looks bad.

I have a great service mgr. in the local Anchorage Chry. - Dodge dealership. He takes care of me.

I hope that helps you out.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

Warranty

I purchased another extended warranty from Chrysler on my 2004. 5 at 84k miles. Mine ends at 85k.



The new warranty is the same as I had and for another 24 months, unlimited mileage, $200 deductible for $2080.



Considering the cost of an engine, transmission and computers etc. I think it is a good bet. I hated doing it but... ... ..... !!!!