Well, it was over a 4 month battle with Chrysler who kept pointing the finger at the Dodge Dealer, and the Dodge Dealer pointing the finger at Chrysler. It took a 2.5 hour drive for a face to face meeting with the General Manager of the Dodge Dealer along with a conference call to Chrysler at the same time. After about 2 hours I finaly got my point accross that my truck was purchased without a catalytic converter even though it is a CA. Emissions truck. I bought it brand new, and told them that either Chrysler, the Dealer, or both working together needed to make it right without me paying a dime to make it happen. 2 days later I was told Chrysler was going to cover it 100% (This was 2 days before Christmas). 2 days after Christmas I was told that it was rejected by my Chrysler Case Managers Superior and that she was sorry. I left her a nice v/m that asked that I would like to try and resolve this issue with her Supervisor prior to contacting the Better Business Bureau, The Bureau of Automotive Repair, and two other agencies I thought may be able to help me. After new years, I got a call at 0730 from my Case Manager who stated she was sorry for all the confusion, and that Chrysler was going to cover it 100%. I spoke with the dealer, and the part had been ordered. I made an Appt. on Jan. 10'th and now have a brand new Cat on my truck at no cost to me, other that two 5 hour round trips and a tank of fuel. I was previously told that I or my muffler shop took out the cat, and the dealer quoted me $2,700 and change to have one installed. I had a few choice words to say about that! I am guessing it was a glitch that my 2003 truck was supposed to come with the Cat on it, but did not. Not sure if there are any others out there like this, but although stressfull it was obviously worth the fight to get it done. The part along at the dealers cost is $1,700. I hope there is not anyone else that has my same problem. The Dodge GM was surprised that Chrysler did anything for me. Although I dont have time to hire an Attorney and do a lawsuit, that is the direction I was being forced to go.

 

My bet is if you would have complained to the EPA they would have got hopping.
It's very illegal for them to sell a vehicle that doesn't meet smog laws.
No doubt along with fixing your problem they would have gotten a hefty fine.

 

$2,700 for a cat! Holy felines, batman. I've heard of yondas and yotas getting their cats jacked; bet its only a matter of time till the miscreants get round to the trucks. I wonder how may trucks have their cats lounging in a litterbox at home waiting for the biennial pretty-kitty review.

I had my '05 smogged last year. They read the computer, looked under the hood and at the exhaust system. After a couple of gentle taps on the throttle they declared me smoke-free and sent me on my way -- with a $65 lighter wallet. I was glad they didn't feel the need to do a few redline romps looking for smoke.

 

Even dealers up here in Canada are removing the dpf/cat etc because of the sawzall gangs cutting them in the lots and cashing in. It adds up fast if several of your vehicles have had their parts removed.