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.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Dodge Ram Van 3500
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Models:
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Problems
Engine performance issues due to spark plug wire induction
Exhaust & Emissions --
Verified
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.
Increased Oil Consumption Due to Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
Engine --
Verified
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.
Engine oil leaks at distributor may be misdiagnosed
Engine --
Verified
On the 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 the engine oil leaks at the distributor can be misdiagnosed as leaks from the intake manifold seal, oil pan gasket, or rear crankshaft (rear main) seal. A revised distributor is available if oil is found inside the distributor.
LDP failure due to carbon from vapor canister
Exhaust & Emissions --
Verified
Leak detection pump failure can be caused by the internal diaphragm switch sticking, or in some cases, contamination from debris or carbon particles from vapor canister. If black carbon particles are present in the LDP, replace vapor canister in addition to LDP. The purge solenoid should also be checked for debris or carbon contamination and replaced as necessary. All evap system hoses are subject to cracking and splitting causing leaks, Inspe...
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Recalls (Recent)
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Recall 98V076000
Body, Interior & Misc., May 30, 1998
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH POWER SEAT OPTION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT ATTACHING RISER WELDS WERE NOT CORRECT.
Learn more »Chrysler Recalls 2001-2002 Dodge Models Because Park Shift Interlock System May Fail
Drive Train, December 24, 2007
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Chrysler is recalling certain 2001-2002 Dodge Dakota, Durango, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 models because the park shift interlock system may not function correctly. When this system fails, the shifter can be moved out of the "Park" position with the ignition in the "lock" position. The ignition key can also be removed when the shifter is not in the "Park" position. Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly, possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly.
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Questions and Answers
grandchilies, 1995 Dodge Ram Van 3500, Haughton, LA
after my truck has sat for a while it starts hard and then runs badly and then quits as if it is starving for fuel and then it is hard to start again. what do you think is the problem?
rudy8821, 1995 Dodge Ram Van 3500, Fairfield, CA
Can a 1500 rear end gear be installed in my van's rear end to improve gas mileage? Am getting 13 MPG on open highway
gretelabs, 1995 Dodge Ram Van 3500, Hohenwald, TN
Problem is the right read brake is pulsating when you step on the peddle with any pressure.Even changed/switched the axles to check for bent one. Put new wagner drums on incase the first new set wa...
Visitor, 1995 Dodge Ram Van 3500, Santa Monica, CA
took gas pump out of tank hook it directly to the battery and the pump is pumping
doggydog111, 1995 Dodge Ram Van 3500, Butler, PA
is thare a acses plate for the Fuel pump relay in dodge ram 1995
Write a Review About Your Car
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Reviews
I bought a 1997 dodge ram 3500 12 passenger van with 240,000 miles on it from a church, they said it ran fine. A craig's list special for 2,000 dollars. I drove it around the SF Bay area for a few days before loading it up and heading to burning man in the desert above reno nevada. As I was driving around testing it, unloaded I noted that it was hard to start and it heated up to 4/5 of the temp range on the gauge. I replaced the thermostat and changed the coolant, and changed the oil again (replaced the 10w-30 with straight SAE 40 due to the low engine oil pressure light coming on at idle when warm). I also added a bottle of chemical to the coolant to keep the temp down. Then I loaded it FULL to the top with camping gear (3,000 lbs) for the party. It made it the whole way and never overheated or went above the 4/5 gauge mark. GREAT VAN!! It is still hard to start, leaks steering fluid and A/C problems, but for 2K, what a machine. I'm keeping it for next year's burning man party as well. Thanks to the church for taking good care of it and servicing it regularly. Christian
I have the Dodge 3500 with a coach house conversion. I found that if I put more air in the air bags, it added more weight to the front and took away the sway.
I have the exact same Roadtrek. I had the exact same problem. Tried the T-bar, but the Bilstine shocks helped the most. It's not perfect, but tolerable. I have had it with the shocks for 13 years now.
This 97 Dodge Roadtrek is very stable insofar as "sway" is concerned. The problem is the steering gear cannot hold the vehicle from wandering or swerving when encounering a side wind. I think the problem is the gear and perhaps too much caster adjusted in the alignment.
I have a 1997 Coach House. I had a major swaying problem. I remember when we where in Fargo, ND when a huge gust almost threw us on the middle of the highway. I replaced the shocks with a Bilstein and it solved 90% of the swaying. I still had to drive with both hands to be sure that don't happen again
Dodge Ram Van 3500 Model Years
Recent Dodge Repair Estimates