Timeing Belt went out HELP!

I have a Dodge, Strat. 02
That just recently got distroyed because of an old timeing belt. Heres my problem.
3Weeks ago, I took it into a Dodge Machnic to have them look at it. I specifically asked them to Check the Timeing Belt. Did it need replacement?
They told me and my husband. No, it looks fine.
that was three weeks ago. Yesturday the timeing belt (surprise surpris) broke. When I went back in and told them I refused to pay 2,000 dollars in damages because they told me it was fine. They then told me there was no way for them to tell if a timeing belt was getting old because there was no fraying.
They never once told me that because of the milage on the car (105,507) that we Should replace the belt. Nor did they tell me that they could not tell if the belt was old or not.
So in other words..they told me they checked a belt and said was fine that they couldnt check and say if fine or not to begin with.
I feel they they are dicking me and my husband around hard core.
So ive come to you for some help!
Can ANYONE tell me if it is possible to check a timeing belt to see if it needs replacing? And if so, how is it done? and if not..then can we some how hold the dealership responcible for telling us it was fine when they really had no way of telling it was fine or not?
Thank you so much for you help!

wrong section. try posting in the dodge section. you'll get more help.

Normally if you will use a flashlight and look close cracks will be observed between the grooves sometimes parts of the belt come off. Also you should ask for mileage on the belt.
You can file a claim in small claims court and see what happens or have your attorney talk to them.
I would ask him to give you a break on doing a valve job. They very seldom break the pistons.The heads have to be taken to a machine shop and any bent valves replaced. A new timing belt also has to be installed.
Find a good local shop with a labor rate around $50.00 per hour.

This thread/post has been moved to the proper forum, Dodge Stratus.

Timing belts are an interesting thing. They usually last less then 90K. Recommended changed at 60K. The only real way to check them is to have them removed. Along with cracks and fraying, stretching is also a concern. The best way to check for that is to take it out. Because of their location, that's difficult and time consuming. They can't be help responsible for "saying" it's ok. Now if it's documented that they looked at it and gave the inspection a passing grade, maybe something can come of that.

Many times, threats of lawsuits and/or talking to a state licensing agency can scare them into making the repairs.

Just like everybody here says, YES you can check a timing belt. I have done it without removing the belt, but it is difficult to do, and I did it while changing the water pump (which is turned by the timing belt!) Most people will tell you to replace the timing belt every 60K miles, and that is a very good idea. As far as Dodge is concerned, (at least with my '97), recommended replacement is every 105K miles. I am betting they did not even look at the belt, but that aside, with your mileage, they should have at least recommended replacement.

which is turned by the timing belt! :eek:
Oh that's messed up!
I am betting they did not even look at the belt, but that aside, with your mileage, they should have at least recommended replacement.

Agreed. you'd think that a prime time to pitch a job :wink: Talk to them and make threats about talking to a state agency. Small claims court could help too like rhandwor mentioned

Don't get up right away. Many times they will say things with the sole intent to get you to give up, but many times (but not every time) persistence is it's own reward