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Old 10-09-2012, 05:30 AM   #1
c214dick
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2003 Dodge diesel winter maintenance

In preparation for putting my Dodge away for the winter I had the oil changed and the tires rotated, both were due any way. In the process of doing the work the service advisor advised me that the tech suggested I have the power steering fluid flushed as it was dirty. My brain went into defensive mode and I responded "no", just the oil change and tire rotation.

With two other guys in the waiting room, we all agreed that the service advisor would be back and guess what??? Now he tells me I have a fuel leak and would like to show it to me. The tech showed a dripping coming from near the water separator, a transmission line leak and a reversed wiring on one of my trailer connections.

The tranny leak I knew about from my last service and all agreed it was not life threatening, the reversed wiring is not a problem as I use the in bed connection when towing Monte but the fuel leak bothers me as I had no evidence of leak spots in my drive though there was obviously something leaking at the dealer.

As the Dodge will be parked for the winter I will concern myself with the problems when we get home. I forgot to mention that on the way home I remembered having the power steering flushed out two years ago. Is that someting that is normal? Is there anything else I should be concerned regarding my winterizing of the Dodge?

 
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Old 10-09-2012, 06:50 AM   #2
beancounter1
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Last fall, I was told a similar story about the power steering fluid on my 2003 Dodge last fall. An independent shop that I have used for years told me that it looked like the fluid was slightly dark colored and the outside of the cap looked like it had been foaming. So I had mine changed. I really do not know if it is normal, never happened to me before.
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Old 10-09-2012, 10:23 AM   #3
DQDick
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In my Manual for my 2011 Dodge it doesn't have changing the power steering fluid on the list until 105,000 miles. Everything else gets changed at 30,000 and 60,000 if your towing a load (about $800 if the dealer does it, but thats Tranny, front and rear dif fluid and all the filters). I would say if Dodge wanted the power steering fluid changed frequently it would have been on the list. Hard to believe they included everything else and then put power steering fluid out by it's self.
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Old 10-09-2012, 10:33 AM   #4
Tom S.
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If by winterizing it, you mean you won't be driving it, then make sure to treat the fuel so it doesn't go crappy on you.
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Old 10-09-2012, 11:23 AM   #5
c214dick
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I do have additive to put in the fuel. My son is suppose to take it out once a week and drive it. Last year he was suppose to do it with our VW as the Dodge was in Florida with us. He mad a trip to Indiana and that was that. KIDS!!!!!!!!!
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Old 10-09-2012, 03:49 PM   #6
scductman
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Dick your power steering fluid should not have to be changed unless something happens to the pump or steering gear box. I would watch for a sign of fuel on the under side of the truck sounds like the tech "accidently" pushed the water drain on the fuel filter don't know just sayin I have seen some strange things in a shop before!
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Old 10-09-2012, 04:56 PM   #7
c214dick
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I agree Bobby. As I mentioned earlier there have not been any spots in my drive and the truck is always parked in the same spot. When the tech shined his flashlight at the "leak", it was impossible to tell what it was or where it was coming from. As I am the only one who changes the fuel filter I'm convinced the "leak" is tech related.

I have had my fill with dealers who are more concerned about generating additional business rather than being honest and fixing the actual problems there by generating new business. When we get back I will find a real diesel mechanic to find and fix my "leaks".
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Old 10-10-2012, 02:35 AM   #8
Devildog
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On diesels, the power steering pump supplies the.power for the brake booster. I cleaned my 2001 gmc and the fluid had alot of sludge in it, but that was at 150,000 miles. Unless your fluid is really aged (i think you said two years) then you should be good to go.
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