The thing I like the most about this channel is when TK says he'll check out the comment section for idea's, he actually checks the comment section for idea's. I really like this kind of interaction from content creators. Good job.
Yes, TK most certainly does check out our comments and values our feedback! I really appreciate him for the time he invests in reviewing the communities’ thoughts! ❤
Those guys should know better than trying to rip You off TK, Maybe check the Reviews for more of this Nonsense behavior, Not everyone wants to be should be a Mechanic, In my opinion, Or at least get some years under Your belt before righting up some 💩 pile like the paper work shown it's Discusting, Yes were are petty when it comes to Calling things junk it better be junk.
290k on my 19 ram 1500 rebel. New starter and alternator is all I’ve replaced. Hands down best vehicle I have ever owned. During Covid I was hot shotting across the country. Drove the shit out of this and still going strong as I’m back in the oil industry in North Dakota.
That's pretty damn impressive, but just because that's all you've changed does that mean your neglecting parts like the front end has got to loose a hell with that many miles
@@dawsondetrana5496 trust me o have my local mechanic check over everything when it’s needed. I don’t tow anymore just drive 500 miles to ND for work for my hitch. Drive everyday right now about 100 miles a day then back home.
Wife worked at a Dodge dealership years ago prepping the new cars when they come off the truck. A guy brought in his new hemi Ram for its first oil change. I kid you not, the techs got to dicking around and forgot to put the oil in it. Then they proceeded to take it on a lengthy "test drive". Amazingly enough it was still running when they got back but sounded like a thrashing machine. They quickly put oil in it and when the guy came to pick up his truck, the service manager tried to act as though it was already like that and it was somehow the customer's fault.
@@ilevilminko4642 It got really messy. When their attempts to deny doing it didn't work, they tried to get the guy to settle for a reman engine in his brand new truck. As I recall they eventually were forced to put a new engine in but they fought it tooth and nail all the way.
My first dealer oil change on my 2002 brand new 1500 they gave it back with no oil. I started it and the light came on. I shut it down and went back in and told the service manager. He rolled his eyes and knew exactly what to look for like he'd seen it before. He walked out popped the hood and pulled the stick. Came back and gives me some mealy mouthed explaination about how hard it is to know how much to put in etc. So he gets the service boy ( the 16 yr old paid under the table with no mechanical knowledge whatsoever) who run out starts it up and drives it back into the service bay ( with no oil) I was pissed. I told the service manager I wanted a note in the service record. Had I been the one to do that, it would be cited every time I requested warranty work. About a week later they called me "How'd you like our service?" I went all Yosemite Sam on them. They closed up and went out of business during the 2008 crash. I have since learned about a dealer term known as the "Team concept" by which a totally unqualified min wage monkey who does low level stuff under the table so they don't have to pay benefits. All those master mechanic certificates on the wall don't mean anything because they aren't having the master mechanic do oil changes.
Took a 2010 jeep liberty to Jeep dealership with what seemed like a transmission stutter. They said yes, and was beyond rebuilding, new trans. Was 4k plus labor. Took it to local mechanic for second opinion, half hr later he said all I needed was new spark plugs and coils. Did it myself for about $225.
I knew right away that it was not engine oil since I worked on automotive cooling systems for 20 years. As I said in my other comment, flush the daylights out of it, fill it with fresh coolant and Happy Motoring TK!!!
You make some really good content. Just bought a 2500 Tradesman after owning nothing but Fords at 59 years old. Eases my mind to hear the stories of reliable trucks. I think the dealerships are hurting and some or most of them are turning to this sort of business model for income. We have a 23 Jeep that had 10K miles on it and I took it in to the dealer for the 'free' oil change. They told me the air filter needed replacing and showed me a pic said this is how dirty it is. I said cool I keep them in my shop and I will change it when I get home. I did say I usually don't change them until 30k as recommended so that level of dirt is surprising to me. Got home pulled air box off it was squeaky clean. Yeap Verify then Trust.
Yes - please do a full review, TK. I’d also reach out to Stellantis corporate and get one of their Customer Relations managers, not a flunkie, on the phone and then on the boat. This is why people hate car dealers and car buying. On another note, I was completely enthralled with you video from a few days ago about Stellantis doing the fire sale at 50% + off of unsold 2022-2025 RAM trucks. I’m a missionary whose 2001 Suburban 2500 has 362,000 on the clock on the original 6.0 and 4L80E. I’ve been looking at used trucks and the prices are insane! If I can pickup a new truck for $30k-ish, I’m gonna! Please keep us all updated on that news as well! Love your channel dude, I found you through OC Motivator. You’ve got a new subscriber!
Another good thing about the pre 2015 Ram’s is that you can tune them without spending a fortune on a new pcm or sending yours off to be cracked and a tune loaded. I just use basic handheld canned tunes and it made a world of difference in drive ability, throttle response and mid range power. I just wanted mine for the fuel saver tune and to change my tire size when I switched to 35’s and installed 3.92 gears instead of the 3.21’s that came stock. Glad you got the cooling system issue figured out. I own currently 4 mopars (ram 1500, scat pack challenger, 392 Daytona and a 300 srt8) and people don’t realize that many coolants are incompatible with each other.
You left out an important qualifier. It can be OK to run just water in the radiator in hot climates... in emergencies for brief periods. You may not need the anti-freeze, but you always need the corossion inhibitors.
exactly. now me i just run prestone all makes and models in my hemi its green in color but doesnt hurt a thing truck is sitting at 242k and internally looks like new. Just keep the fluids changed especially the oil in a hemi. But dont forget the rear end and trans fluid as well even if it looks good most dodges have two filters and you wouldnt run engine oil filter a 100k would you? ok i rest my case. It never hurts to do a pan drop
Sad this day an age, we turn to the "professionals" for proper diagnosis and so forth. Good to always get a second opinion and not take the 1st guy's opinion. Glad to hear that one dealership took the effort to make it right. I've always just added straight up coolant to my engine and overflow boxes. Never had any Radiator or Water Pump issues after such. Never saw any corrosion either in the radiator by running straight up coolant. When i was stationed out at Fort Irwin, them summers were hot, had an 87 Jeep Wrangler with the rare 4.2 six cylinder - did a complete coolant flush after an almost overheated event and went straight coolant, never ran that hot again. May your hemi live on!
Oh 100% on the full review! Petty needs to come out and say hello to Desert 215! At the very least that dealership should fully refund you for every penny you spent due to miss diagnoses and even pay you for wasting your time. Go to town with they Petty... go to town!
When you have a dealer that looked after you and honest. You go back again and other people will go their to knowing they will be treated fairly. Kudos on the dealer here. You always say stay Petty.
You are right. ALWAYS inspect the truck before towing. My parents towed a 4,000 pound travel trailer with that 75 Catalina 400 V-8. Carburetor vacuum hoses were damaged from overheat, starter had to be replaced frequently on those mid-70s 400s. The radiator wore out early. We had to get a transmission cooler put in in Oklahoma (we lived in Cincinnati). I'm surprised, with 6-8 MPG, that our fuel filter did not clog and leave us stranded like that JC Penney "Lifetime" car battery did !
Awesome news that all is good with your RAM. I have had a lot Dodge/ RAM pickups 1990, 97, 04, 12, 15, 19, current one is a 21 I keep up with the maintenance have only had one major issue other than wear parts and recalls
Suggestions: use full synthetic oil, Valvoline restore and protect, 5w-30, along with top grade oil filter. also, top tier gas only. meanwhile, you can throw a dose of fuel system cleaner in the gas tank. hope this helps ...👍
glad to hear the good news from an honest shop. i think a FULL REVIEW of the dealership that tried to rip YOU off is in order.maybe even a interview with the (service manager) & owner if possible. i bet they won't do it and as always consult your lawyer first. p.s. i would contact the dealership's ZONE OFFICE & REPORT THEM.
I'm glad this worked out TK. Fwiw, I feel pretty lucky to have, what I believe, is a top shelf CJDR dealer, and a sales guy, that my family has been dealing with for many, many, tears. My parents, my wife and I, and our kids, as well as friends that we've sent their way. We lease because it fits our situation, and I always stress myself out during the process, but it always works out. One of the coolest experiences was showing up on a Saturday morning for an oil change and tire rotation, sitting in the "Fast Lane" with a number of others waiting for them to open, cars also parked waiting for regular service in the other line. Right on time, the doors open and the service team walks out to start getting people checked in and moved in for service. Very impressive to watch, Delta Force level activity, I even got an apology later on because it took ten minutes longer than the service writer quoted.
Most of the Dodge/Ram dealers are out of control, whether it be on sales or service. One vote for “direct to consumers” from me, I am tired of the games and nonsense.
Your %100 correct they are out of control, I purchased a key fob for my 07 charger rt and the oem local dealer service advisor told me that my car was too old to program my keys 🔑.
Looks like you're truck will be ready to tow the car no problem!! Enjoy your new truck as i enjoy my new to me 2016 ram 1500 Laramie! Literally sits all week and only sees miles on the weekends 😂 everytime i hop in it, i feel spoiled 😂
TK I just watched this follow up video and I must apologize for my comment or suggestion in your previous video. Build up from water only depositing minerals such as calcium makes sense. It is difficult to take all necessary information into account without being there in person. I am glad that you found what appears to be a solid solution. I enjoy your videos and as your outro goes Stay Petty!
Problem with running no Tstat is that you will run too rich for too long on cold start and wash down your cylinder walls over time. I don’t think you have oil in your coolant. I think someone added Dexcool to match the red coolant color. This is exactly what old dexcool looks like under the cap, which is the highest point in the system and is going to collect all the contaminants. I bet it’s in the bottom of the expansion tank too, which you can’t see because it’s solid black.
So glad you found a good service dealer and had the truck correctly diagnosed. Especially the pressure test I suggested. I hope you take that trip with the truck now and report back with the results. Stay Petty TK
Hell yeah TK bro. Go full petty Roosevelt on these clowns. They clearly are ripping off others if they jumped straight to a new engine conclusion. All about ripping people off. Love what you do man keep up the awesome content 👌
Go for Desert 215. Dealerships need to change and stop defining their customers as the enemy! Deleting the thermostat will cause thermo run away. The coolant isn't held in the radiator to allow cooling to take place. To each his own tho. I guess I'm just being "petty".😂 Love you videos!
I can't believe the dealership was that stupid. That's one for the list of never shop at for me. I've seen one dealership so far on another channel in Lake Charles, LA that seems to offer outstanding pricing and service. I look forward to hopefully seeing more in the future.
I hope you The Canon to remember me now LOL I'm a regular on your channel and I like what you do because stuff nowadayated scams or over priced. I'm glad that you don't have a really a problem with your truck. That's a nice looking truck. It's worth it. Trucks these days are high anyway. You should do a video about garages. They scam just as well as car lots does.
If you DO decide to replace the engine, I can do it for less than anyone else in Vegas. I have a shop with 4 bays here. I was looking for a used car for my mother and went to 215 because she wanted a Jeep. One of the sales guys told me flat out, "add $5k to every used car advertised price for mandatory accessories and fees". We just left.
Sorry this happened to you. This is why I retired after 35 yrs of working st MB service centers. This confirms my prior comments on your channel. The manufacturers have issues, but the dealers are out of control! With all my MB repair and technical experience, I'm scared to take my truck to a dealership for repairs. The public would freak out if they knew what went on behind the senses at dealerships.
All dealerships tend to have the worst techs but for some reason think they must be experts on the brands they sell. Generally what you find there are new techs fresh out of school or dregs who jump from shop to shop. Good techs make way more money at an independent shop. I always recommend people find a good reliable independent shop and stay far away from dealerships. I bought a new Toyota some years ago and they were telling me I could bring it in for a free first oil change. I told them that unless I had a warranty issue they'd never see the car again LOL
It is harder and harder to find places that aren't crooked. Especially in areas that regular people are not familiar with themselves like auto mechanics, heating/AC, plumbing etc. It did not used to be as rampant as it is today.
I brought my 19’ Laramie to desert 215 once, and got great service on exhaust manifold bolts. Tried to go back again for a warranty repair and got nothing but bullshit from those clowns. Never been back since, and never will go back again. I drive by their lot twice everyday on my way to & from work. They suck and they don’t move inventory. Their trucks sit for months and months. Prestige and Towbin are where it’s at for Vegas CDJR deals and warranty service.
I had a 97 Jaguar that had a radiator leak putting coolant in the transmission and transmission fluid in the cooling system! Best day was when I sold it!
I have bought a couple of new cars here in Vegas one from Towbin and a new Ram in 2020 from Chapman....They have both been good with me...Remember when Chapman's was Las Vegas Dodge....Use to buy a lot of Direct Connection stuff back then...
Awesome that you called out the scumbags good for you love the videos keep the coming hope you get a million miles out of your truck have a great day and safe trip 😊😊😊
I did not think it was the only things I have seen happen to those trucks from our work fleet are Radiator clogging, TPIM failures, Fuel Pump Failures, and the occasional Cam/Lifter failures. Other than those these trucks are very reliable and awesome engines. I am glad it was not oil I think you got a nice truck man. The above items I listed were not all on one vehicle they were failures on different trucks in our fleet.
This is just from my experience. I had run across sludge in the coolant system. What had happen the owner had put green coolant into their Japanese car(Mitsubishi) which still had the purple coolant. It turned everything in the system into brown sludge. I had to flush the system. Paying extra attention to the heater core as the heater wouldn’t work. I replaced the water pump to be safe, but seemed to be working at the time. Funny how just them mixing antifreeze jacked up the whole system.
If u do a video about the dealership it would be a good reminder for other people who are on your channel if they haven't seen this video and others might see it and think oh I better not take my vehicle there speak your mind about if people are rude and mean I wouldn't worry about it block them if it gets out of hand I've done it many times dosen't bother me I'm glad the truck isn't messed up
Well it's great that the seller is doing right by going over it and making it right. I have had experience with shady places like that Chrysler dealer u delt with dealer like a trans shop trying to say my transmission needed a rebuild when it in fact did not and attempting to buy a used SUV which was being demoed by a employee and it was leaking (dripping) oil and how in the heck could they not know that so of course did not buy it as they had a so called mechanic in his (mid 20's) like no thanks as more digging and that place had a a bad reputation which I quickly found out after research.
If the trans cooler fails it will put the strawberry milkshake all throughout the cooling system to include the overflow and it will also contaminate the transmission. I'm not familiar with this truck but most of the newer trucks and cars no longer have a transmission dipstick so you will only see it with the coolant. Thanks for the update and it seems like it may not be as bad as originally thought. These newer coolants sometimes do not play well with others and you can't mix them so glad it turned out the way it did.
That's crazy man I just went through something similar. On both my 23 scatpack and my wife's car. My scatpack was making noise from the front brakes they replaced my exhaust actuators and now the ones they out one is defective and they wnt replace them since I did a mid muffler delete
Im over 240k on my 09 RT Challenger and the water pump was replaced 3 times. My PCM went bad but I sent it in for repairs so other than that and regular oil changes and maintenance, it's been a great car. Those Hemis run all day.
Glad the truck is good to go now. I had a Dakota truck I loved it had 240000, miles on it before I sold it. I think you should delve into the dealership that tried to sell you a new motor or a rebuild.
Maybe you should do a video showing the work the selling dealer is doing to 'make it right.' I'm right there with you on reporting the truth about Lithia, but I think you'd do a lot of good to put a solid positive video out for the selling dealership. Plus, they are likely a small business and will benefit more.
Sorry to hear TK, I always say if I owned a business make it right for the customer or at least give them a better option. I seen at Rev Euro they have 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV V might be what you just need TK!
My 09 charger had the trans cooler and power steering built into the radiator because it was the cop edition. The civilian one has a separate trans cooler. It leaked trans fluid into the power steering in the radiator like a mofo. So its possible for it to leak inside the radiator
I live in Las Vegas and will never be going to Desert 215. I have a Jeep Gladiator and will definitely avoid that Dealership!!! I will advise my friends to avoid Desert 215 as well.😉
They don’t know that we are mechanics and technicians they just think everyone is dumb. I glad they found no problems and you can still have a safe trip.
What was the result of the coolant sample analysis? As noted below, once you get this corrected, don't start out on a long cross-country. Drive around several days or a week or more to ensure that the problem really is fixed.
TK, Thanks For Sharing. Many Times When The Strangest Crap On The Planet Happens, Friends And Colleagues Ask All Those same Stupid questions, And I Would Think, "You Think I am That Stupid" I Have To Say They Do Catch Up After 5 Questions! But Really People Get It Together!
If an engine is questionable don’t just do a compression check because that doesn’t tell the whole story. Do a leak down test, compression tests can come back false from temperature or fluid in the cylinder. If they didn’t bother do that and tried selling you an engine then it’s a scam. Went round and round with ford on a cobra I had, kept saying it wasn’t mechanical and cost me $2k in tests and when I tore the engine down I found the napier ring to be missing the hook on 4 cylinders and it was just pumping oil to the top end of the engine and fouling the plugs every time.
Man im glad you got it sorted out that is horrible to sit there and tell a guy that. Head gasket is one of the worst things in the world well when it comes to cars. I know scares too lol i just done timing cover gasket and water pump on my hemi. and truck got a little over half on temp gauge then threw a code for temp sensor trying to burp it. well ok long story short i done this right before cold weather hit along with new heater core and then i saw moisture on oil cap. Clear condensation and you talk about freaking out but apparently pretty common on dodges to that.
No thermostat is a bad idea it can cause the truck to overheat I learned that the hard way because flow will be constant and it will not have time to sit in the radiator and be cooled
Yeah, since the previous owners of Desert 215 sold to Lithia their service department has turned to crap!! They don't like people who have full warranties on their cars. The previous owners put a new engine in my car, but I know I can't trust them anymore........ @Tk's Garage, which dealership are you at now, because I need a Dodge Service Dealer I can trust.
TK SINCE YOU ARE A YOU TUBER. YOU HAVE THE POSITION OF TAKING A COMPANY AND PUTTING THEM IN THE SPOT LIGHT.. THEN THEY WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE TRYING THAT SCUM BAG STUFF AGAIN!!
It sounds like that (scam) dealer jumped to the diagnosis without any proof! Did they show you ANY test results?? Pressure test, bore scope video., coolant or oil analysis by a independent lab .... etc.
But running the engine cooler for longer period will cause premature wear to the engine parts..Thermostat ensures the engine gets heated up to working temp sooner. Maybe if you live in a hot climate thats not such a big deal but still not sure if thats smart.
Fascinating adventure, but I'd wait at least 30 days to confirm the truck's real condition, before deciding who gave you the correct advice. You may learn a lot more about it, and have other problems, before 30 days are up.
The thing I like the most about this channel is when TK says he'll check out the comment section for idea's, he actually checks the comment section for idea's. I really like this kind of interaction from content creators. Good job.
Facts
Yes, TK most certainly does check out our comments and values our feedback! I really appreciate him for the time he invests in reviewing the communities’ thoughts! ❤
I agree. He does read them. So glad I found this channel.
Those guys should know better than trying to rip You off TK, Maybe check the Reviews for more of this Nonsense behavior, Not everyone wants to be should be a Mechanic, In my opinion, Or at least get some years under Your belt before righting up some 💩 pile like the paper work shown it's Discusting, Yes were are petty when it comes to Calling things junk it better be junk.
290k on my 19 ram 1500 rebel. New starter and alternator is all I’ve replaced. Hands down best vehicle I have ever owned. During Covid I was hot shotting across the country. Drove the shit out of this and still going strong as I’m back in the oil industry in North Dakota.
Pre covid cars are the best to get
That's pretty damn impressive, but just because that's all you've changed does that mean your neglecting parts like the front end has got to loose a hell with that many miles
I got a 2012 Limited with 160k … love it.
I didn’t know they were a Lithia dealer. That says it all.
@@dawsondetrana5496 trust me o have my local mechanic check over everything when it’s needed. I don’t tow anymore just drive 500 miles to ND for work for my hitch. Drive everyday right now about 100 miles a day then back home.
Wife worked at a Dodge dealership years ago prepping the new cars when they come off the truck. A guy brought in his new hemi Ram for its first oil change. I kid you not, the techs got to dicking around and forgot to put the oil in it. Then they proceeded to take it on a lengthy "test drive". Amazingly enough it was still running when they got back but sounded like a thrashing machine. They quickly put oil in it and when the guy came to pick up his truck, the service manager tried to act as though it was already like that and it was somehow the customer's fault.
So they had to install new engine on the truck?
As if we need any more reasons NOT to go to dealer for service.
@@ilevilminko4642 It got really messy. When their attempts to deny doing it didn't work, they tried to get the guy to settle for a reman engine in his brand new truck. As I recall they eventually were forced to put a new engine in but they fought it tooth and nail all the way.
@@gpd456 no surprise there, break and deny.
My first dealer oil change on my 2002 brand new 1500 they gave it back with no oil. I started it and the light came on. I shut it down and went back in and told the service manager. He rolled his eyes and knew exactly what to look for like he'd seen it before. He walked out popped the hood and pulled the stick. Came back and gives me some mealy mouthed explaination about how hard it is to know how much to put in etc. So he gets the service boy ( the 16 yr old paid under the table with no mechanical knowledge whatsoever) who run out starts it up and drives it back into the service bay ( with no oil) I was pissed. I told the service manager I wanted a note in the service record. Had I been the one to do that, it would be cited every time I requested warranty work.
About a week later they called me "How'd you like our service?" I went all Yosemite Sam on them. They closed up and went out of business during the 2008 crash.
I have since learned about a dealer term known as the "Team concept" by which a totally unqualified min wage monkey who does low level stuff under the table so they don't have to pay benefits. All those master mechanic certificates on the wall don't mean anything because they aren't having the master mechanic do oil changes.
Took a 2010 jeep liberty to Jeep dealership with what seemed like a transmission stutter. They said yes, and was beyond rebuilding, new trans. Was 4k plus labor. Took it to local mechanic for second opinion, half hr later he said all I needed was new spark plugs and coils. Did it myself for about $225.
I knew right away that it was not engine oil since I worked on automotive cooling systems for 20 years. As I said in my other comment, flush the daylights out of it, fill it with fresh coolant and Happy Motoring TK!!!
You make some really good content. Just bought a 2500 Tradesman after owning nothing but Fords at 59 years old. Eases my mind to hear the stories of reliable trucks. I think the dealerships are hurting and some or most of them are turning to this sort of business model for income. We have a 23 Jeep that had 10K miles on it and I took it in to the dealer for the 'free' oil change. They told me the air filter needed replacing and showed me a pic said this is how dirty it is. I said cool I keep them in my shop and I will change it when I get home. I did say I usually don't change them until 30k as recommended so that level of dirt is surprising to me. Got home pulled air box off it was squeaky clean. Yeap Verify then Trust.
Yes - please do a full review, TK. I’d also reach out to Stellantis corporate and get one of their Customer Relations managers, not a flunkie, on the phone and then on the boat. This is why people hate car dealers and car buying.
On another note, I was completely enthralled with you video from a few days ago about Stellantis doing the fire sale at 50% + off of unsold 2022-2025 RAM trucks. I’m a missionary whose 2001 Suburban 2500 has 362,000 on the clock on the original 6.0 and 4L80E. I’ve been looking at used trucks and the prices are insane! If I can pickup a new truck for $30k-ish, I’m gonna! Please keep us all updated on that news as well!
Love your channel dude, I found you through OC Motivator. You’ve got a new subscriber!
Yes...please give us a review of this dealership!
Another good thing about the pre 2015 Ram’s is that you can tune them without spending a fortune on a new pcm or sending yours off to be cracked and a tune loaded. I just use basic handheld canned tunes and it made a world of difference in drive ability, throttle response and mid range power. I just wanted mine for the fuel saver tune and to change my tire size when I switched to 35’s and installed 3.92 gears instead of the 3.21’s that came stock. Glad you got the cooling system issue figured out. I own currently 4 mopars (ram 1500, scat pack challenger, 392 Daytona and a 300 srt8) and people don’t realize that many coolants are incompatible with each other.
Happy to hear your truck is fine and down for a full review. Let the petty begin.
Glad it’s going to work out. Dealers are horrible. Nothing ever changes.
I do agree you should do a full review of 215
Yep, do a full review on that dealership.
My 2004 ram, had 409k before I blew the rings. Loved that truck.
2005 5.7 Ram 4x4 220k , water pump,Alt,starter. Doing very well. Love the truck!
You left out an important qualifier. It can be OK to run just water in the radiator in hot climates... in emergencies for brief periods. You may not need the anti-freeze, but you always need the corossion inhibitors.
Please do a review of Desert 215. I suspect the scamming does not end with the repair shop.
Mix red coolant with green coolant and it turns to sludge TK.
exactly. now me i just run prestone all makes and models in my hemi its green in color but doesnt hurt a thing truck is sitting at 242k and internally looks like new. Just keep the fluids changed especially the oil in a hemi. But dont forget the rear end and trans fluid as well even if it looks good most dodges have two filters and you wouldnt run engine oil filter a 100k would you? ok i rest my case. It never hurts to do a pan drop
Sad this day an age, we turn to the "professionals" for proper diagnosis and so forth. Good to always get a second opinion and not take the 1st guy's opinion. Glad to hear that one dealership took the effort to make it right. I've always just added straight up coolant to my engine and overflow boxes. Never had any Radiator or Water Pump issues after such. Never saw any corrosion either in the radiator by running straight up coolant. When i was stationed out at Fort Irwin, them summers were hot, had an 87 Jeep Wrangler with the rare 4.2 six cylinder - did a complete coolant flush after an almost overheated event and went straight coolant, never ran that hot again. May your hemi live on!
Oh 100% on the full review! Petty needs to come out and say hello to Desert 215! At the very least that dealership should fully refund you for every penny you spent due to miss diagnoses and even pay you for wasting your time. Go to town with they Petty... go to town!
When you have a dealer that looked after you and honest. You go back again and other people will go their to knowing they will be treated fairly. Kudos on the dealer here. You always say stay Petty.
You are right. ALWAYS inspect the truck before towing. My parents towed a 4,000 pound travel trailer with that 75 Catalina 400 V-8. Carburetor vacuum hoses were damaged from overheat, starter had to be replaced frequently on those mid-70s 400s. The radiator wore out early. We had to get a transmission cooler put in in Oklahoma (we lived in Cincinnati). I'm surprised, with 6-8 MPG, that our fuel filter did not clog and leave us stranded like that JC Penney "Lifetime" car battery did !
My dad had a catalina.The 400 cu in was also a police "interceptor" engine.Never any problems except for water pump
I have a DODGE 1500 2020 and I 💘 love it. 😊 Great truck , My First Car in High School. Was. A 1970 DODGE CHALLENGE . 😊
Awesome news that all is good with your RAM.
I have had a lot Dodge/ RAM pickups 1990, 97, 04, 12, 15, 19, current one is a 21 I keep up with the maintenance have only had one major issue other than wear parts and recalls
Suggestions: use full synthetic oil, Valvoline restore and protect, 5w-30, along with top grade oil filter.
also, top tier gas only.
meanwhile, you can throw a dose of fuel system cleaner in the gas tank.
hope this helps ...👍
Do a full review on Desert 215!!!
Hey TK, glad the nuts and bolts worked out. Never give a sucker an even break. Let that dealer feel it where it counts $$$. Thanks ANB
glad to hear the good news from an honest shop. i think a FULL REVIEW of the dealership that tried to rip YOU off is in order.maybe even a interview with the (service manager) & owner if possible. i bet they won't do it and as always consult your lawyer first. p.s. i would contact the dealership's ZONE OFFICE & REPORT THEM.
The sad part is your average person who doesn't know anything about cars and didn't get a second opinion, would have been scammed for an engine.
Yep
bingo.....$$$$$$..... fishing expedition.
Would it be possible they put the fluid in there to make it look like that
Of course, no dealer should ever do that , no question if you are the real deal
Killer, I am glad you had them do a compression test. Thats good. I am glad it is okay. Hemi is a good motor. Whew. Good truck, best regards , chuck
I'm glad this worked out TK. Fwiw, I feel pretty lucky to have, what I believe, is a top shelf CJDR dealer, and a sales guy, that my family has been dealing with for many, many, tears. My parents, my wife and I, and our kids, as well as friends that we've sent their way. We lease because it fits our situation, and I always stress myself out during the process, but it always works out. One of the coolest experiences was showing up on a Saturday morning for an oil change and tire rotation, sitting in the "Fast Lane" with a number of others waiting for them to open, cars also parked waiting for regular service in the other line. Right on time, the doors open and the service team walks out to start getting people checked in and moved in for service. Very impressive to watch, Delta Force level activity, I even got an apology later on because it took ten minutes longer than the service writer quoted.
Most of the Dodge/Ram dealers are out of control, whether it be on sales or service. One vote for “direct to consumers” from me, I am tired of the games and nonsense.
Your %100 correct they are out of control, I purchased a key fob for my 07 charger rt and the oem local dealer service advisor told me that my car was too old to program my keys 🔑.
Looks like you're truck will be ready to tow the car no problem!! Enjoy your new truck as i enjoy my new to me 2016 ram 1500 Laramie! Literally sits all week and only sees miles on the weekends 😂 everytime i hop in it, i feel spoiled 😂
TK I just watched this follow up video and I must apologize for my comment or suggestion in your previous video. Build up from water only depositing minerals such as calcium makes sense. It is difficult to take all necessary information into account without being there in person. I am glad that you found what appears to be a solid solution. I enjoy your videos and as your outro goes Stay Petty!
Problem with running no Tstat is that you will run too rich for too long on cold start and wash down your cylinder walls over time. I don’t think you have oil in your coolant. I think someone added Dexcool to match the red coolant color. This is exactly what old dexcool looks like under the cap, which is the highest point in the system and is going to collect all the contaminants. I bet it’s in the bottom of the expansion tank too, which you can’t see because it’s solid black.
So glad you found a good service dealer and had the truck correctly diagnosed. Especially the pressure test I suggested.
I hope you take that trip with the truck now and report back with the results.
Stay Petty TK
Hell yeah TK bro. Go full petty Roosevelt on these clowns. They clearly are ripping off others if they jumped straight to a new engine conclusion. All about ripping people off. Love what you do man keep up the awesome content 👌
Go for Desert 215. Dealerships need to change and stop defining their customers as the enemy!
Deleting the thermostat will cause thermo run away. The coolant isn't held in the radiator to allow cooling to take place. To each his own tho. I guess I'm just being "petty".😂
Love you videos!
I can't believe the dealership was that stupid. That's one for the list of never shop at for me. I've seen one dealership so far on another channel in Lake Charles, LA that seems to offer outstanding pricing and service. I look forward to hopefully seeing more in the future.
I hope you The Canon to remember me now LOL I'm a regular on your channel and I like what you do because stuff nowadayated scams or over priced. I'm glad that you don't have a really a problem with your truck. That's a nice looking truck. It's worth it. Trucks these days are high anyway. You should do a video about garages. They scam just as well as car lots does.
If you DO decide to replace the engine, I can do it for less than anyone else in Vegas. I have a shop with 4 bays here. I was looking for a used car for my mother and went to 215 because she wanted a Jeep. One of the sales guys told me flat out, "add $5k to every used car advertised price for mandatory accessories and fees". We just left.
Glad to hear that it’s getting resolved correctly!
Sorry this happened to you. This is why I retired after 35 yrs of working st MB service centers. This confirms my prior comments on your channel. The manufacturers have issues, but the dealers are out of control! With all my MB repair and technical experience, I'm scared to take my truck to a dealership for repairs. The public would freak out if they knew what went on behind the senses at dealerships.
If Desert 215 wasn't screwing you, then they have the dumbest techs on the planet.
Facts
All dealerships tend to have the worst techs but for some reason think they must be experts on the brands they sell. Generally what you find there are new techs fresh out of school or dregs who jump from shop to shop. Good techs make way more money at an independent shop. I always recommend people find a good reliable independent shop and stay far away from dealerships. I bought a new Toyota some years ago and they were telling me I could bring it in for a free first oil change. I told them that unless I had a warranty issue they'd never see the car again LOL
Yes do a review on Desert 215💪🏽😎
It is harder and harder to find places that aren't crooked. Especially in areas that regular people are not familiar with themselves like auto mechanics, heating/AC, plumbing etc. It did not used to be as rampant as it is today.
TK'S Garage Friend that's good that the Original place you bought this, pre own Ram truck from !! That they are going to make it right !!🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪🥊🥊🥊
I brought my 19’ Laramie to desert 215 once, and got great service on exhaust manifold bolts. Tried to go back again for a warranty repair and got nothing but bullshit from those clowns. Never been back since, and never will go back again. I drive by their lot twice everyday on my way to & from work. They suck and they don’t move inventory. Their trucks sit for months and months. Prestige and Towbin are where it’s at for Vegas CDJR deals and warranty service.
I had a 97 Jaguar that had a radiator leak putting coolant in the transmission and transmission fluid in the cooling system! Best day was when I sold it!
I have bought a couple of new cars here in Vegas one from Towbin and a new Ram in 2020 from Chapman....They have both been good with me...Remember when Chapman's was Las Vegas Dodge....Use to buy a lot of Direct Connection stuff back then...
Report this to corporate, and theyll take care of them
Awesome that you called out the scumbags good for you love the videos keep the coming hope you get a million miles out of your truck have a great day and safe trip 😊😊😊
I'm glad the dealership took care of you. That's nice to see. It's a shame scumbags still try this. Thank you for sharing.
I did not think it was the only things I have seen happen to those trucks from our work fleet are Radiator clogging, TPIM failures, Fuel Pump Failures, and the occasional Cam/Lifter failures. Other than those these trucks are very reliable and awesome engines. I am glad it was not oil I think you got a nice truck man. The above items I listed were not all on one vehicle they were failures on different trucks in our fleet.
This is just from my experience. I had run across sludge in the coolant system. What had happen the owner had put green coolant into their Japanese car(Mitsubishi) which still had the purple coolant. It turned everything in the system into brown sludge. I had to flush the system. Paying extra attention to the heater core as the heater wouldn’t work. I replaced the water pump to be safe, but seemed to be working at the time. Funny how just them mixing antifreeze jacked up the whole system.
If u do a video about the dealership it would be a good reminder for other people who are on your channel if they haven't seen this video and others might see it and think oh I better not take my vehicle there speak your mind about if people are rude and mean I wouldn't worry about it block them if it gets out of hand I've done it many times dosen't bother me I'm glad the truck isn't messed up
Someone most likely used the wrong mopar coolant in the past and it mixes with the old coolant, then looks like crap.
GLAD IT ALL WORKED OUT FOR YOU. Honesty is hard to find these days.
Same stealership was trying to sell a jeep with a 392 for $115,000! I saw that mark up and immediately got my ass out of there
Well it's great that the seller is doing right by going over it and making it right. I have had experience with shady places like that Chrysler dealer u delt with dealer like a trans shop trying to say my transmission needed a rebuild when it in fact did not and attempting to buy a used SUV which was being demoed by a employee and it was leaking (dripping) oil and how in the heck could they not know that so of course did not buy it as they had a so called mechanic in his (mid 20's) like no thanks as more digging and that place had a a bad reputation which I quickly found out after research.
Thumbs up 👍 good outcome. Bad dealer reveals themselves.
Sorry that happened to you brotha,glad everything worked out in the end for you. Watching from Long Island!!
My dad has a 06 ram 5.7. We call it trusty rusty Runs and drives like a champ original trans 190,000 tons of life left in her
If the trans cooler fails it will put the strawberry milkshake all throughout the cooling system to include the overflow and it will also contaminate the transmission. I'm not familiar with this truck but most of the newer trucks and cars no longer have a transmission dipstick so you will only see it with the coolant. Thanks for the update and it seems like it may not be as bad as originally thought. These newer coolants sometimes do not play well with others and you can't mix them so glad it turned out the way it did.
I’m at 69k miles on my 22 6.4 charger and it runs great, 25k miles worth of road trips last year fl to cali
That's crazy man I just went through something similar. On both my 23 scatpack and my wife's car. My scatpack was making noise from the front brakes they replaced my exhaust actuators and now the ones they out one is defective and they wnt replace them since I did a mid muffler delete
I’m not shopping at that place!!!! Tk seems honest
Im over 240k on my 09 RT Challenger and the water pump was replaced 3 times. My PCM went bad but I sent it in for repairs so other than that and regular oil changes and maintenance, it's been a great car. Those Hemis run all day.
I apologize. I'm one of the A holes who said you should have checked the fluids!
Glad the truck is good to go now. I had a Dakota truck I loved it had 240000, miles on it before I sold it. I think you should delve into the dealership that tried to sell you a new motor or a rebuild.
4.7 litter?
Great to hear that everything seems OK.
Maybe you should do a video showing the work the selling dealer is doing to 'make it right.' I'm right there with you on reporting the truth about Lithia, but I think you'd do a lot of good to put a solid positive video out for the selling dealership. Plus, they are likely a small business and will benefit more.
Sorry to hear TK, I always say if I owned a business make it right for the customer or at least give them a better option. I seen at Rev Euro they have 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV V might be what you just need TK!
I generally try to avoid Gen 3 hemis but my dad has a 2005 5.7 with 160k and it runs great, they arent bad if theyre taken care of.
My 09 charger had the trans cooler and power steering built into the radiator because it was the cop edition. The civilian one has a separate trans cooler. It leaked trans fluid into the power steering in the radiator like a mofo. So its possible for it to leak inside the radiator
You gotter stay petty and do the full exposure of 215! Congrats on your successful repair mitigation efforts :)
I am happy for you that it's a easy fix
I live in Las Vegas and will never be going to Desert 215. I have a Jeep Gladiator and will definitely avoid that Dealership!!! I will advise my friends to avoid Desert 215 as well.😉
Hey Unk love your content I think you should expose the dealer that’s what is holding things back
They don’t know that we are mechanics and technicians they just think everyone is dumb. I glad they found no problems and you can still have a safe trip.
Be a good time to change at least the lower radiator hose too
All the dealer wanted to do was scare you cause they you to trade in and get a new one.
Please do a review on Desert 215💪🏽😎
What was the result of the coolant sample analysis? As noted below, once you get this corrected, don't start out on a long cross-country. Drive around several days or a week or more to ensure that the problem really is fixed.
Came back as mineral water
Putting crappy dealers on BLAST is helping all consumers
Well done TK
TK, Thanks For Sharing. Many Times When The Strangest Crap On The Planet Happens, Friends And Colleagues Ask All Those same Stupid questions, And I Would Think, "You Think I am That Stupid" I Have To Say They Do Catch Up After 5 Questions! But Really People Get It Together!
I always change out all fluids on a used vehicle buy even if the dealer “says” its been serviced.
Yes, full review now.
If an engine is questionable don’t just do a compression check because that doesn’t tell the whole story. Do a leak down test, compression tests can come back false from temperature or fluid in the cylinder. If they didn’t bother do that and tried selling you an engine then it’s a scam. Went round and round with ford on a cobra I had, kept saying it wasn’t mechanical and cost me $2k in tests and when I tore the engine down I found the napier ring to be missing the hook on 4 cylinders and it was just pumping oil to the top end of the engine and fouling the plugs every time.
Man im glad you got it sorted out that is horrible to sit there and tell a guy that. Head gasket is one of the worst things in the world well when it comes to cars. I know scares too lol i just done timing cover gasket and water pump on my hemi. and truck got a little over half on temp gauge then threw a code for temp sensor trying to burp it. well ok long story short i done this right before cold weather hit along with new heater core and then i saw moisture on oil cap. Clear condensation and you talk about freaking out but apparently pretty common on dodges to that.
And tk your right that bad even if they need to make money taking advantage of someone just hits me hard. Always get second opinions maybe even third.
Truth! I am amazed by the amount of people who not knowing about cars, fall for this scam!
No thermostat is a bad idea it can cause the truck to overheat I learned that the hard way because flow will be constant and it will not have time to sit in the radiator and be cooled
Yeah, since the previous owners of Desert 215 sold to Lithia their service department has turned to crap!!
They don't like people who have full warranties on their cars.
The previous owners put a new engine in my car, but I know I can't trust them anymore........
@Tk's Garage, which dealership are you at now, because I need a Dodge Service Dealer I can trust.
Id say towbin or reveuro also does service
Prestige in centennial hills has always been good to me for warranty work.
TK SINCE YOU ARE A YOU TUBER. YOU HAVE THE POSITION OF TAKING A COMPANY AND PUTTING THEM IN THE SPOT LIGHT.. THEN THEY WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE TRYING THAT SCUM BAG STUFF AGAIN!!
Yep, full review and no holding back..
It sounds like that (scam) dealer jumped to the diagnosis without any proof! Did they show you ANY test results?? Pressure test, bore scope video., coolant or oil analysis by a independent lab .... etc.
I though the Aspen was an amazing vehicle. I would love to buy one new again.
Hell yes do the review it will help other people and then they will learn the old saying F-around and find out!
But running the engine cooler for longer period will cause premature wear to the engine parts..Thermostat ensures the engine gets heated up to working temp sooner. Maybe if you live in a hot climate thats not such a big deal but still not sure if thats smart.
Fascinating adventure, but I'd wait at least 30 days to confirm the truck's real condition, before deciding who gave you the correct advice. You may learn a lot more about it, and have other problems, before 30 days are up.
Send them your care package...or get the suction cup ones going...