Problem Reports

Vehicles equipped with a 4 cylinder engine may develop a no start or stalling condition, most commonly caused by a failed distributor pickup plate.

A noise from the rear suspension may be noted at slow speeds over uneven road surfaces. This can be caused by a cracked or broken rear torsion bar. A damaged torsion bar will require replacement.

A dirty throttle body can cause a low idle speed resulting in a stalling condition. Our technicians recommend cleaning the throttle body at 15k intervals to help minimize this condition.

4 cylinder engines may develop a cold engine knock that may last for 3-5 minutes and is often mis-diagnosed as a lifter noise. Our technicians tell us in most cases the noise is coming from the piston area and is not a reliability or durability concern.

An exhaust leak and/or chirp type noise may develop from the exhaust manifold to header pipe connection. Our technicians tell us that replacing the exhaust seal ring and flange springs, along with sizing the header pipe flange will generally correct this concern.

4 cylinder engines may develop one or more of the following concerns: Erratic idle, hesitation, and lack of power. Common causes include: Faulty throttle position sensor, brittle or broken wires & corroded or spread terminals in the engine wire harness, cracked or swollen vacuum hoses, and oil contaminated o2 sensors. Our technicians recommend a complete inspection including diagnoses of any stored fault codes if these driveability concerns occur.

4 Cylinder engines, with a hard starting condition when cold and illumination of the Check Engine Light may have corrosion build up on the engine coolant temperature sensor. Our technicians tell us that the coolant sensor and pigtail should be replaced to correct this issue.

4 Cylinder engines may exhibit an erratic idle with the Check Engine Light illuminated. These conditions are most commonly present during cold engine operation in rainy weather. Our technicians  tells us that there is an updated idle air control valve available to correct this concern.

A loud snapping noise may be heard from the exhaust after the engine has been shut off. Replacing the exhaust pipe may be necessary to correct this issue.

An intermittent loss of speed control can happen soon after the transaxle input or output speed sensor has been replaced. The problem is most likely caused by spread connector terminals. Our technicians tell us the connectors should be replaced if this is the case.

Various electrical issues can be caused by a damaged or loose frame rail ground. Damaged grounds should be repaired as necessary to correct these issues.

The AC/heater (HVAC) system may unexpectedly switch to the defrost mode when accelerating. This system is operated by engine vacuum and should be inspected for any vacuum leaks if this problem develops.  There is also a revised vacuum check valve available to address this concern.

Some vehicles may develop a musty odor coming from the HVAC system, Dodge has issued a cleaner/disinfectant and a coating for the evaporator designed to inhibit bacterial growth.

On vehicles equipped with manual transmissions a squeak noise may occur when shifting into or out of gear. Our technicians tell us that in most cases replacing the shifter assembly will correct this problem.

Incorrect, worn, or contaminated automatic transmission fluid can cause shifting issues, noted at speeds over 40mph. Our technicians tell us that repairs to correct this condition include changing the fluid and filter, driving the vehicle for 10miles and changing the fluid a second time.

Vehicles may develop a start and die out condition or a transmission that defaults to second gear. Our technicians tell us that the transmission control module (TCM) may be at fault and require replacement. If the TCM is replaced the pinion factor should be reset and the quick learn procedure performed.

The turbocharger may fail resulting in any of the following: Excessive smoke from the exhaust, lack of power, or grinding or scraping noise from the turbocharger. Our technicians tell us the most common causes of turbocharger failure are lack of oil changes, hard acceleration when the engine is cold, and lack of a cool down period are high speed driving or excessive loads.

4 cylinder engine timing belts can be affected by driving in very hot climates. Our technicians tell us that replacement should be considered before the recommended 60K interval. Replacement timing belts have been designed for greater durability. It is also recommended the belt tensioner be replaced whenever the timing belt is replaced.

Alternator pulley misalignment on 4 cylinder engines may result in belt noise and/or the belt "walking" partially off the pulley. Our technicians tell us that replacement of the AC and alternator mounting bracket, alternator belt, and if necessary, installation of washers to align the alternator pulley may be necessary to correct this issue.

A squeak noise may be noted from the strut mount area when turning. The repair involves replacing the strut mount assembly.

A slight creaking noise may be noted from the upper end of the steering column when turning left or right. Our technicians tell us that the repair is to remove some material from the upper steering column shroud.

A clicking noise may develop from the left front of the vehicle that varies with vehicle speed. Our technicians tell us that the cause may be the output gear bolt and stirrup contacting the rear cover of the transaxle. The repair involves replacing the transaxle rear cover, fluid filter, and any damaged output gear retention components.

Outside lights don't come on when the headlight switch is turned on. Brake light don't work either. Replaced burnt out brake light bulbs,and headlight switch. I have power to the switch, and the wires and grounds look good. The schematic shows a lamp-outage moduale, but can't find it or find out what it does.