Hey Guys,
My lease is ending this December, and I would like your advice on a couple of things I am still unsure about.
Like many HEMI-powered cars, this one has ticking and cracking noises that bother me and make me doubt whether to keep it (I would like to).
I would like to take it to the dealer for a full inspection (it will cost who knows how much) and I would like to know if somebody has done this before and if it is worth paying for it.
I know there are some tests like:
-Vacuum test: A vacuum gauge can indicate an engine's condition by measuring manifold vacuum at idle, low cruise, and high cruise. At sea level with a stock cam, normal readings are between 17 and 22 inches of mercury. Low, fluctuating, or vibrating readings may indicate problems.
-Diagnostic test: A diagnostic test can detect serious engine issues that may not be noticeable through other means. A diagnostic test can be performed when the "check engine" light comes on, or as part of regular maintenance.
-Visual inspection: A visual inspection of the engine bay can reveal issues such as leaks, damaged or loose hoses, damaged or oxidized wiring, or worn or damaged belts.
-Smell the engine: A smell of gas, oil, exhaust, or other chemical in the cabin of the car could be a sign of serious engine trouble.
-Listen for strange noises: Listen for any unusual noises coming from the engine.
-Check the service history: Ask for the vehicle's service history, including oil changes and repairs. (I have my report since I have done every oil change and blackstone lab test result)
-Check the color of the exhaust fumes: Check the color of the exhaust fumes.
But also I would like something like:
-Compression test: to show if cylinder pressure is within the normal range
-Or a deep Scan looking for a faulty camshaft position sensor that could cause engine failure.
Concerns:
-It does a transmission clunk at a certain speed and when you hit the gas it reduces like 2 gears causing a bang/clunk or so, probably it is not the transmission and could be the driveshaft.
-At low speed when you get a speed bump I can feel like a "bang" or so. It feels like the front suspension not absorbing the bump (this could be fine, but I have no other Durango with SRT suspension to compare). I checked underneath and everything looks brand new and no leaks were found.
-When topped and I accelerate hard, I feel when it shifts to 2nd gear like it lost some torque, then at 3rd gear you barely can feel this shift. If I do it with the paddle shift I won't notice that feeling.
-Worried about any issue related to faulty rod bearings. (Copper always comes high for average but slowly comes down between oil test results)
I know... I'm creating a storm without any reason other than some underneath tick noises (it never goes away when the engine is warm or sometimes you notice it more, less, or nothing at all).
Should I take it to a different shop (like a performance shop) for those tests and if they find something, then go to the dealer and let them know what to fix, or can i trust in Dodge dealership tests?
I want all this done under warranty (I know I have to pay for the Tests, but if something needs to be repaired, warranty)
I know I will have a powertrain warranty until 5y/60K, but anything covered only under the basic warranty (like the caliper issue).
***Also, should I purchase an extended warranty after my lease ends?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
My lease is ending this December, and I would like your advice on a couple of things I am still unsure about.
Like many HEMI-powered cars, this one has ticking and cracking noises that bother me and make me doubt whether to keep it (I would like to).
I would like to take it to the dealer for a full inspection (it will cost who knows how much) and I would like to know if somebody has done this before and if it is worth paying for it.
I know there are some tests like:
-Vacuum test: A vacuum gauge can indicate an engine's condition by measuring manifold vacuum at idle, low cruise, and high cruise. At sea level with a stock cam, normal readings are between 17 and 22 inches of mercury. Low, fluctuating, or vibrating readings may indicate problems.
-Diagnostic test: A diagnostic test can detect serious engine issues that may not be noticeable through other means. A diagnostic test can be performed when the "check engine" light comes on, or as part of regular maintenance.
-Visual inspection: A visual inspection of the engine bay can reveal issues such as leaks, damaged or loose hoses, damaged or oxidized wiring, or worn or damaged belts.
-Smell the engine: A smell of gas, oil, exhaust, or other chemical in the cabin of the car could be a sign of serious engine trouble.
-Listen for strange noises: Listen for any unusual noises coming from the engine.
-Check the service history: Ask for the vehicle's service history, including oil changes and repairs. (I have my report since I have done every oil change and blackstone lab test result)
-Check the color of the exhaust fumes: Check the color of the exhaust fumes.
But also I would like something like:
-Compression test: to show if cylinder pressure is within the normal range
-Or a deep Scan looking for a faulty camshaft position sensor that could cause engine failure.
Concerns:
-It does a transmission clunk at a certain speed and when you hit the gas it reduces like 2 gears causing a bang/clunk or so, probably it is not the transmission and could be the driveshaft.
-At low speed when you get a speed bump I can feel like a "bang" or so. It feels like the front suspension not absorbing the bump (this could be fine, but I have no other Durango with SRT suspension to compare). I checked underneath and everything looks brand new and no leaks were found.
-When topped and I accelerate hard, I feel when it shifts to 2nd gear like it lost some torque, then at 3rd gear you barely can feel this shift. If I do it with the paddle shift I won't notice that feeling.
-Worried about any issue related to faulty rod bearings. (Copper always comes high for average but slowly comes down between oil test results)
I know... I'm creating a storm without any reason other than some underneath tick noises (it never goes away when the engine is warm or sometimes you notice it more, less, or nothing at all).
Should I take it to a different shop (like a performance shop) for those tests and if they find something, then go to the dealer and let them know what to fix, or can i trust in Dodge dealership tests?
I want all this done under warranty (I know I have to pay for the Tests, but if something needs to be repaired, warranty)
I know I will have a powertrain warranty until 5y/60K, but anything covered only under the basic warranty (like the caliper issue).
***Also, should I purchase an extended warranty after my lease ends?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
