What I like least about my 03

[RBender]

I like everything about my 03 except refueling! Well, not refueling, just topping off. The first 29 gallons goes in just fine, the next 4 gallons is a pain. Today, it took 7 minutes to put in the last 4 gallons. Unfortunately, this is normal amount of time. I doubt that it's the vent tube, I think that it's the nature of the tank.

 

[lschultz]

I don't like the noisy rattling transmission or whatever it is and sometimes when I shift I hear a light clunk between 1-2-3. I guess these engines or just to quite for the type of drive-train they have. And they already replaced the clutch disk. It's better but not good enough for me.

 

[Boonieman]

I agree about the refueling. I don't mind the transmission -or -whatever -is rattle, and it seems like that has quieted down recently. But I overlook some of these minor things because I have gotten more compliments on this truck than all the others I've owned combined... . and it is a sheer pleasure to drive and I look forward to driving it each time. The towing power is fantastic, and sitting at stoplights watching people look at my truck is pretty cool! So far I'm glad I spent the bucks.

 

[ImagesThatSing]

My Fuel Indicator reads empty with 9 gallons left

This is so annoying, because with 9 gallons left there is no real need to immediately fuel, but you have to keep calculating instead of looking at the Analog dial. Also since several others have indicated as you have that you fill 4 or more gallons after initial shutoff, I have had to try to pack in more gallons to no avail and smelly fuelly results.



Oh yeah, the fact that the air conditioning fan works mostly when it wants to is also annoying, especially since it works fine when taken to the dealership.



Small things compared to the good stuff however.

 

[MCummings]

Originally posted by RBender

first 29 gallons goes in just fine, the next 4 gallons is a pain.

Why top it off? I fill mine till it clicks, then slowly until it clicks again. Hang the handle back up, screw the cap on, turn around, pick up the reciept, and drive away.



If you are set on topping it off, Have you tried filling it slower when you get towards the top of the tank?





I really have no suggestions, just curious why the need to top it off.



(no Flames, just curious, I don't drive many highway miles)



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[BPINE]

Re: Re: What I like least about my 03

Well because 4 more gallons is about 70 miles and you bought a truck with a x gallon fuel tank why not use most of it. No flames intended here either JMO.

Originally posted by MCummings

Why top it off? I fill mine till it clicks, then slowly until it clicks again. Hang the handle back up, screw the cap on, turn around, pick up the reciept, and drive away.



If you are set on topping it off, Have you tried filling it slower when you get towards the top of the tank?





I really have no suggestions, just curious why the need to top it off.



(no Flames, just curious, I don't drive many highway miles)



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[MCummings]

Re: Re: Re: What I like least about my 03

Originally posted by BPINE

Well because 4 more gallons is about 70 miles and you bought a truck with a x gallon fuel tank why not use most of it. No flames intended here either JMO.

Makes sense. Like I said, I don't do many highway miles, and another reason is, everytime I stop at the Fuel Station, I consider it an opportunity to get somebody hooked on the BOMBing Bug.



My $0. 02

Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[davidclark]

Originally posted by lschultz

I don't like the noisy rattling transmission or whatever it is and sometimes when I shift I hear a light clunk between 1-2-3. I guess these engines or just to quite for the type of drive-train they have. And they already replaced the clutch disk. It's better but not good enough for me.

I think the clunk you are hearing is the wastegate on the turbo.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Originally posted by RBender

I like everything about my 03 except refueling! Well, not refueling, just topping off. The first 29 gallons goes in just fine, the next 4 gallons is a pain. Today, it took 7 minutes to put in the last 4 gallons. Unfortunately, this is normal amount of time. I doubt that it's the vent tube, I think that it's the nature of the tank.

Ford's have the same problem. The vent tube sticks down into the tank about 6". The level in the tank covers the tube before the tank is full and it takes forever for the last 5-6 gallons. I don't know if the same problem exists on the new Dodge, but it would be worth checking into. It is a simple fix, just cut the tube off closer to the top of the tank.

 

[Briman]

I don't like the built in vibration from 72 MPH and up. I don't like the floppy center bearing in the rear drive shaft. I don't like the shudder when starting from a stop. I don't like the tinny sound the doors make when shutting. I don't like the quality of the FM reception on the radio. I don't like the fact the heated seats get almost as hot on high as my Y2k did on low. I don't like the front seat comfort. I don't like the missing air bag turn off for the front seat passenger. I don't like the rear suspension that squats so easily and does not have a sway bar. I don't like how much snow packs into the front lower corner of the front doors. There are other things but you folks would think I was off center.



I do like some things about this truck but not enough to wax poetic about the whole truck. I don't think the engineering staff at DC did near as good a job on this new release as they did on the '94.



I feel bad about the reply, why did you have to ask that question.



I'd still rather drive a Cummins than anything else.



As the gen three gets older, I hope it gets better. Long live the light group.

 

[amsoilman]

Gosh Brian, you must not like your truck!

Originally posted by Briman

I don't like the built in vibration from 72 MPH and up. I don't like the floppy center bearing in the rear drive shaft. I' don't like the tinny sound the doors make when shutting. I don't like the quality of the FM reception on the radio. I don't like the fact the heated seats get almost as hot on high as my Y2k did on low. I don't like the front seat comfort. I don't like the missing air bag turn off for the front seat passenger. I don't like the rear suspension that squats so easily and does not have a sway bar. I don't like how much snow packs into the front lower corner of the front doors.







Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Briman]

Wayne,



It has been a little disappointing. It's just not what it could or should be for the money Dodge charges. Like I eluded to, as the generation gets older it should improve.

 

[Wiredawg]

There isn't anything I don't like...

Guys:



I hope this isn't like holding up a lightning rod in a thunderstorm, but I like the whole package on my wife's rig. It has better fit and finish than my 2002, I like it fine stock (my 2002 was a little sluggish stock) and it pulls real good. Steering is great. And boy is it fun driving a SB QC around town: Feels like a sports car compared to my dually.



Hope the kinks work out for y'all.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm satisfied with my truck. Topping off, shutter, vibration, noises, etc. I don't have the more serious problems and I just don't care about the little ones.

One thing that wasn't mentioned here is that you can fill your tank with the big rig size nozzles in about a minute!



Scotty

 

[FullSack]

Re: Re: What I like least about my 03

Originally posted by Jeff Clark

just cut the tube off closer to the top of the tank.

I had to to the exact same thing to a Wrangler. The Sahara edition had a larger fuel tank. Come to find out the tank in the Sahara and the base models were exactly the same except the Sahara has a shorter breather hose. All you had to do was pull out the hose, cut off a few inches and you tank went from 16 to 21 gallons.

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by davidclark

I think the clunk you are hearing is the wastegate on the turbo.

I think it is the clutch disc releasing while under engine torque. It's caused by the syncronization of your clutch and throttle, releasing the clutch before the throttle is backed off enough, or perhaps after the throttle is backed off too much.

 

[Blakers]

I really like my 03 and have few complaints.



I guess to list them, they would be:



Too much plastic in the dash and nowhere to mount brake controller, CB, and other accessories.



No paint on driveshafts, transmission, and front axle ends.



17" rims, making all previously owned rims and tires completely unusable on the new truck.



Somewhat inadequate headlights on dark roads.



No rear fender liners or underhood light.



Loss of 3" in bed length on shortbed. (But bed is deeper than previous).



Thin, single ply front on bed that will dent and bend easily.



Puny glove box.



Less power than my 95 (this will be corrected).



====================================



Problems I don't have:



Tinny sound when shutting the doors - they shut very nicely.



Bad FM reception - mine works great.



My front seat comfort is very good and much better than my 95.



Blake

 

[DPKetchum]

That DAMN DRone and tingle vibration at 2100 plus! No underthood or ashtry light. Poor shift of the six speed.

 

[lschultz]

Originally posted by Blakers

I think it is the clutch disc releasing while under engine torque. It's caused by the syncronization of your clutch and throttle, releasing the clutch before the throttle is backed off enough, or perhaps after the throttle is backed off too much.

I think you hit the nail on the head. Thats make sense to me. I guess its something you have to live with. Most of the time you can get ever thing in sync and you don't hear it. But then it will do it and it makes me

 

[Swayse]

I don't like the high beam indicator, way too bright. I don't like the high beam lights, can't see. The squeaky springs are driving me crazy.



I really like this truck so far. I could go on about what I like about it, but I don't have the time right now.