I've been driving the truck now for a couple days trying to see how everything operates and making sure everything operates. I found a couple things other than the heated seat question, which if anyone still has any ideas on that I'd appreciate knowing. Here's what I'm wondering about:

When you turn the wheel while the truck is sitting still or when you are backing up and turning at the same time sometimes there's this slight sound in the steering column, kind of sounds like foil crinkling or something like that. Doesn't affect the steering or anything, but just wondering if any of you all have heard of this? The guy said that some of his buddies' Dodges do that too . . . any of you all?

Lastly, the windshield washer fluid jets on the hood don't spray very powerful, at least not like they're supposed to (only spurts out onto bottom half of windshield). They don't need to be adjusted, just need to spray harder. Could this possibly be a problem with the hose being pinched or something like that? That's got to be a relatively simple process, and I wouldn't think that the washer fluid pumps has gone out, but who knows. You all have any ideas?

I'm going to get some pictures pretty soon. I'll post them ASAP.

Thomas

 

I'll give the first question a shot. I think you're hearing what's referred to as the "clockspring" winding up and unwinding. It's the interface between the steering wheel wiring and the actual wiring harness.

 

Commatoze,

Is this a problem that I should worry about? If need be I can probably have it fixed, but if it's not a problem (the sound doesn't bother me) then I don't know that it's worth my time having it fixed.

Thomas

 

Probably not something to worry about unless your truck falls under the clockspring tsb from a few years back. You should be able to find it on http://www.dodgeram.info and check whether it applies to your truck or not, but I don't think so since I think I remember that you said your truck is a 2001.

 

Since the other guys tackled your clockspring question, I will chime in that your wiper fluid should be spraying higher than just halfway up your windshield. My truck is a 2001 also and I have no problems. I would have someone check the washer fluid hoses for leaks while you push the spray button and if there are no leaks, I would check for some type of obstruction in the lines. When you get a chance, you might want to fill out your truck's profile so we all know what you have. Different trucks/years have different issues, so the profile helps get your questions answered. Good luck!