Problem Reports

On 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 engines, the intake manifold gasket may leak and cause increased oil consumption and a spark knock during acceleration; the gasket should be replaced.

Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following: Spark knock complaints when the vehicle is under load, various single cylinder misfire, and surge in 4th gear (around 45 mph). Our technicians tell us that rerouting the coil and spark plug wires to minimize induction effects will commonly correct this condition. If wires must cross during the reroute procedure, they must cross at a 90 degree angle.

On the 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8 and 5.9L V8 the Oil leaks commonly from the valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets (front and rear), timing cover gaskets, distributor O-ring, and the rear main seal area. Using fluorescent engine oil dye can be helpful in determining the source(s) of the oil leak.

The HVAC blower may operate on high speed only. This is commonly caused by a failed blower motor resistor. Chrysler has released a revised part to address this problem.

The blower motor may operate erratically and the blower switch operation has a sticky or mushy feeling, the detents almost non existent. Our technicians tell us that the blower switch should be removed and inspected for overheating. This is common if the blower motor is frequently operated on high speed as the current flow through the switch tends to melt internal the components. Also carefully inspect all of the switch connector terminals for discoloration due to overheating and replace as required. A poor electrical contact at the connector will also cause the switch to overheat.

The engine may not crank over when trying to start the vehicle. Our technicians recommend to inspect the starter cable at the solenoid before replacing the starter motor or battery cable.

Some vehicles may exhibit a "buzz", whining", or "moaning" like noise from the transmission when reverse gear is selected. The condition is caused by a resonance of the transmission regulator valve system. Our technicians tell us that the repair involves replacing the transmission regulator (aluminum) valve with a steel one.

A surging or bucking during acceleration can be caused if the distributor is moved or mis-indexed. This is a result of the cam and crank position sensors being out of synchronization. Wear of the oil pump drive gear can cause similar symptoms because it allows excessive free play in the distributor drive. The distributor drive gear and bushing should be replaced if the rotor tip moves back-and-forth more than 3/16th of an inch when checking drive gear free play.

Insufficient fuel pressure may be caused by particulate contaminates or other type of substances by-passing the primary fuel pick-up screen and resulting in fuel pump failure. Our technicians recommended to replace entire fuel pump module assembly as two (2) filters, primary and secondary are included with the assembly.

Some transmissions may slip in reverse or at mid throttle. The repair involves replacing the regulator valve line pressure sleeve and plug. The reverse drum, reverse band, and rear servo assembly must also be inspected and replaced as necessary.

The engine may exhibit excessively high oil pressure at cold start up. This may lead to distortion of the oil filter case. Inspect the oil filter case for any signs of distortion. If the case is distorted,  Connect an oil pressure gauge to the engine and start the engine while observing the readings. If the pressure reads above 80 psi, replace the oil pump.