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Chrysler sells a line of Ram pickup trucks under its Dodge brand. The 1998 models belonged to the second generation of Rams, which were in production from 1994 to 2001. The procedure for replacing the water pump in a 1998 Dodge truck depends primarily on its engine. The most common engine in this vehicle is an 8-cylinder 5.2-liter engine that runs on gasoline. The water pump is accessible from the engine compartment and is located in front of the engine block.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable on the batterys negative terminal with a socket wrench to prevent you from inadvertently starting the engine during the water pump replacement. Place a container under the drain hole for the radiator and remove the radiator drain plug. Wait for the coolant to drain into the container and replace the drain plug.

2

Disconnect the accessory drive belt with a socket wrench, and detach the lower radiator hose from the radiator. Remove the heater hose from the water pump if your vehicle is so equipped.

3

Detach the upper radiator hose from the radiator with a socket wrench. Disconnect the cooling fan assembly from the engine block, including the fan shroud. Remove the bolts for the water pump pulley and detach the pulley from the engine block.

4

Remove the mounting bolt for the heater hose pipe with a socket wrench. Release the clamp for the bypass hose on the water pump and detach the bypass hose. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the water pump, and remove the water pump.

5

Install the new water pump and tighten the mounting bolts to 30 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the bypass hose to the water pump and attach the clamp for the hose. Apply sealant to the threads on the heater hose pipe. Connect the heater hose pipe, and tighten the mounting bolt to 12 foot-pounds. Spin the water pump to ensure the impeller for the water pump does not contact the timing chain case.

6

Connect the pulley for the water pump and tighten the mounting bolts to 20 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Install the cooling fan assembly and connect the hoses to the radiator. Attach the accessory drive belt. Fill the radiator with coolant and check for leaks in the cooling system.

A diesel engine is an option for many Dodge vehicles, especially heavy trucks. An eight-cylinder 5.9-liter diesel engine is available for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 3/4 ton pickup. This engine uses fuel injection and requires an injection pump to keep the fuel under pressure. The procedure for replacing the diesel injection pump is the same for all full-size Dodge trucks made from 2001 to 2005.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cables from the negative battery terminals with a socket wrench. Remove the throttle linkage and its bracket. Disconnect the fuel drain manifold, and detach the fuel lines from the injection pump. Remove the fuel air control tube and the connector for the fuel shut-off valve from the injection pump. Disconnect the support bracket and oil fill tube from the injector pump.

2

Put a shop rag over the opening in the injector pumps gear cover. Remove the gear retaining nut and washer for the injector pump with a socket wrench. Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a socket wrench until the top dead center pin on the crankshaft drops into the gear timing hole. Pull the pin from the gear timing hole.

3

Remove the lock screw and its washer from the injection pump with a socket wrench. Tighten the lock screw to 22 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench, then push the drive gear for the injection pump from the drive shaft. Disconnect the mounting nuts for the injection pump with a socket wrench. Remove the injection pump from the crankcase.

4

Install the new injection pump and tighten the mounting nuts by hand, ensuring that the pump can move freely within its slots. Connect the drive gear to the drive shaft with its retaining nut and washer. Tighten the nut to between 11 and 15 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.

5

Rotate the injection pump counterclockwise to take up gear lash. Tighten its mounting nuts to 18 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Connect the support bracket for the injection pump. Tighten the nut for the pump drive gear to 48 ft. lbs.

6

Connect the oil filler tube and connector valve for the fuel shut-off valve to the injector pump. Attach the fuel lines to the injector pump. Install the fuel drain manifold and throttle linkage with a socket wrench. Connect the cables for the negative battery terminals.

7

Loosen the bleed bolt on the fuel rail with a socket wrench. Push the primer button on the fuel transfer pump until the fuel coming from the bleed screw no longer has air bubbles. Tighten the bleed screw to 72 in. lbs. with a torque wrench. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

The Dodge Shadow was a compact car that Chrysler produced from 1987 to 1994. It had a variety of engine options, including a four-cylinder 2.5-liter Premier engine. This engine uses a single cylinder head, and you must replace the gasket each time you remove the cylinder head. The procedure for changing the cylinder head gasket is generally the same for all versions of the Dodge Shadow with a 2.5-liter Premier engine.

Instructions

1

Open the fuel filler cap to relieve the pressure in the fuel tank. Disconnect the wiring harness for the fuel injectors from the throttle body. Attach a jumper wire from the first terminal of the harness to a ground point on the engine.

2

Attach one end of another jumper wire to the second terminal of the harness. Touch the other end of the jumper wire to the positive terminal of the battery positive post for five seconds to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Disconnect the jumper wires, and disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

3

Remove the radiator cap, and start the engine. Turn the heater on, and allow the engine to idle until the upper radiator hose gets hot. Stop the engine, and place a container under the radiator drain cock on the bottom of the radiator. Open the drain cock with a socket wrench, and drain the coolant into the container. Fasten the drain cock.

4

Detach the accessory drive belt from its pulleys. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the air compressor with a socket wrench, and push the compressor aside to obtain access to the cylinder heads. Secure the compressor in place with cord.

5

Disconnect the upper radiator hose and heater hoses from the engine. Remove the cover for the rocker arms, and disconnect the mounting bolts for the rocker arm with a socket wrench. Pull the rocker arms and push rods from the engine block. Disconnect the intake manifold and exhaust manifold from the engine block.

6

Remove the mounting bolts for the cylinder head with a socket wrench. Lift the cylinder head from the engine block, and remove the cylinder head gasket. Remove any traces of the old gasket from the cylinder head and engine block with a gasket scraper.

7

Cut the heads off two of the cylinder head mounting bolts, and cut slots in one end of each bolt to serve as alignment dowels. Install the alignment dowels into the number 8 and number 10 mounting bolt holes. Place the new gasket for the cylinder head onto the alignment dowels with the numbers on the gasket facing up.

8

Place the cylinder head on the engine block and install the mounting bolts. Tighten the head bolts to 22 foot-pounds with a torque wrench on the first pass, then tighten them to 45 foot-pounds on the second pass. Tighten bolts 1 through 6 to 110 foot-pounds, tighten bolt 7 to 100 foot-pounds and tighten bolts 8 through 10 to 110 foot-pounds.

9

Install the rocker arms and push rods to their original position on the engine block. Install a new gasket for the rocker arm cover, and replace the cover. Attach the hoses to the engine, and fasten the mounting bolts for the air compressor. Tighten the mounting bolts to 20 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

10

Mount the accessory drive belt to its pulleys, and adjust the tension on the belt. Attach the cable for the negative terminal with a socket wrench, and fill the radiator with coolant. Start the engine and check for fluid leaks.

You can reset the computer on your Dodge Ram 3500 right from your home garage or driveway, saving yourself time and money. The Dodge is equipped with an on-board diagnostics computer that monitors all functions of the vehicle. Sensors positioned throughout the Dodge Ram 3500 send trouble codes to the computer when they sense a malfunction. The computer illuminates warning lights and service lights on the instrument panel to alert you to have the vehicle looked at and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Once the repairs have been made, you need to reset the computer to turn off the warning and service lights.

Instructions

1

Pop up the hood of your truck and hold it open with the rod. Locate the battery. On the batter is the negative battery cable clamp with a nut on it. Loosen the nut with an end wrench.

2

Remove the negative cable clamp from the battery, taking care not to touch the positive side of the battery with it.

3

Let the vehicle sit for 30 minutes. Put the negative cable clamp back onto the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut with the end wrench.

4

Put the key into the ignition and turn over the engine. Examine the instrument panel to make sure all service and warning lights have shut off. If so, the computer has been reset.

The tensioner pulley on a 1994 Dodge Caravan serpentine belt tensioner assembly allows the transference of tension from the tensioner to the belt. The pulley itself has an internal bearing ring so it can rotate freely at the end of the serpentine belt tensioner arm. If the bearing ring gives out, the pulley will either wobble or seize, neither of which is conducive to continued serpentine drive system operation. Unfortunately, the pulley itself is not serviceable. However, Dodge does offer the entire tensioner assembly. Anyone with good mechanical aptitude can change a Caravan tensioner in about an hour.

Instructions

1

Lift the Caravans hood and support it with the prop rod. Examine the belt routing diagram sticker, placed on the fan shroud or underside of the hood, to verify the location of the belt tensioner on your specific Caravan.

2

Rotate the Caravans serpentine belt tensioner assembly clockwise to relieve the tension on the belt. Slip the belt off the tensioner with your free hand before rotating the tensioner back to its home position. Remove the tool.

3

Extract the two mounting bolts that hold the serpentine belt tensioner assembly to the Caravans front engine cover using your socket set. Depending on your physical size and dexterity, you may find this easier to accomplish through the top of the engine well or through the passenger-side wheel well.

4

Pull the old serpentine belt tensioner assembly out of the Caravans engine bay by hand. Place the new serpentine belt tensioner assembly on the Caravans front engine cover and bolt it in using your socket set.

5

Rotate the new serpentine belt tensioner assembly clockwise with the serpentine belt tool and then place the belt on the pulley by hand. Rotate the new serpentine belt tensioner assembly back into place. Remove the tool and close the hood.

A 2002 Dodge generates trouble codes and warning lights on the instrument panel. When these lights are illuminated, your vehicle may require servicing. Most mechanics or dealerships will reset the computer for you after the servicing or repair, but not all. If you have warning or service lights still turned on your dash, then you need to reset the computer yourself. It only takes a few moments of your time and requires no special tools.

Instructions

1

Locate the fuse panel cover under the steering column. Pull down on it from the top using your fingers.

2

Look for the Electronic Control Unit fuse (ECU) on the fuse diagram, which can be found on the fuse panel cover. Also find the fuse pullers inside the panel.

3

Use the fuse pullers to remove the Electronic Control Unit fuse.

4

Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle on, but dont start the engine.

5

Wait five minutes and then put the ECU fuse back in place. The warning and service lights will flash several times on the instrument panel and then turn off. The computer is now reset.

6

Put the fuse pullers back in place, close up the fuse panel cover and turn off the vehicle.

Removing the mechanical fan from the front of the engine in your Dodge Dakota requires a specific wrench. The spanner wrench is available from tool dealers and through the Dodge dealerships parts department, though it can be expensive. Many auto parts stores rent these wrenches as well as stocking a new fan assembly for your Dakota. The fan assembly threads onto the water pump hub, and does not require removal of the drive belt to remove.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the negative battery cable. Follow it to the battery and remove the retaining bolt securing the cable end to the battery terminal with a wrench. Lift the cable off the battery and set it aside.

2

Locate the bolts on the top section of the radiator shroud that secure the upper and lower halves. Remove the bolts with a socket and ratchet, then lift the top section of the shroud off the bottom section and remove it from the engine compartment.

3

Place a spanner wrench with a pin adapter on it between the fan and water pump hub. There are four holes in the face of the water pump hub. Slide the two pins on the spanner into two of these holes.

4

Grasp the fan blade with the opposite hand and spin the blades clockwise while holding the water pump hub with the spanner. The threads are right-handed, so turning it clockwise will loosen the blades.

5

Caully lift the fan assembly out of the engine compartment and store it in an upright position so the silicone gel inside does not leak out. Remove the spanner from the engine compartment.

Removal of the overhead console in your Dodge Ram will allow access to the electronics and light assemblies mounted in it. The console comes out without much effort and its removal does not require any special tools. There are several wiring connections under the console to disconnect before removal of the console, but they are readily accessible once the mounting hardware is removed. If your vehicles console is damaged, replacements are available from the dealerships parts department.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery by removing the retaining bolt on the cable end with a wrench, then isolate the cable end from the battery. Move inside the truck and open the sunglasses storage bin.

2

Locate the screws inside the storage bin and remove them with a Phillips head screwdriver. Set the screws aside for later use.

3

Grasp the sides of the console with your hands, then pull straight down on it until the two clips under the console release. The console may come off suddenly, so beware that you are not directly under it.

4

Slide your hand in under the console and disconnect the EVIC, CMTC and lamp connections from the back of the console. Lower the console and remove it from the truck.

A Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck that Chrysler has manufactured under its Dodge brand since 1981. The 2003 model belongs to the third generation of this series, which was in production from 2002 to 2008. The anti-lock braking system in a 2003 Dodge Ram has a brake controller known as a hydraulic control unit, or HCU. The HCU prevents the wheels from locking during an emergency stop by reducing the braking power to a wheel when it rotates more slowly than the other wheels.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the housing for the left front turn signal with a socket wrench and remove the extension panel under the housing. Detach the electrical connector for the horn and disconnect the horns access cover.

2

Disconnect the mounting screws for the windshield washer reservoir and pull the reservoir up. Detach the electrical connector and hose from the windshield washer pump. Disconnect the reservoir and remove it from the engine compartment.

3

Remove the cables from the battery with a socket wrench and disconnect the power distribution center in the engine compartment. Push the connectors for the electrical wiring harness together to detach it from the controller anti-lock brakes. Disconnect the brake lines from the HCU.

4

Disconnect the front mounting bolt for the HCU bracket through the access opening with a socket wrench. Disconnect the rear mounting bolt for the HCU bracket from the engine compartment. Pull the HCU assembly up slightly and detach it from its bracket.

5

Place the new HCU in its mounting bracket, and install the HCU assembly. Tighten the mounting bolts for the HCU bracket to 11 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the brake lines to the HCU and tighten its retaining nuts 115 inch-pounds. Attach the wiring harness for the controller anti-lock brakes and lock the connectors into place.

6

Install the reservoir for the windshield washer. Connect the motor and hose for the windshield washer pump. Fasten the mounting screws for the reservoir with a socket wrench.

7

Attach the battery cables and the power distribution center. Connect the electrical connector for the horn, and replace the horns access cover. Fasten the extension panel and housing for the left front turn signal.

Replacing the headlight on a 2001 Dodge Dakota requires the same procedure used on 1997 to 2004 models. The Dakota uses a single bulb for the drivers side and passenger side with two elements---one for low beam and one for high beam. If one of the elements in a single bulb burn out, the bulb still needs to be replaced. While getting to the drivers side bulb does not require the removal of the headlight assembly, the passenger side does. The air box assembly also can be removed in order to access the headlight.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Dodge Dakota after making sure the interior headlight switch is in the off position.

2

Approach the headlight assembly that contains the faulty headlight.

3

Remove the rubber gasket seal from the inside edge of the headlight assembly by unsnapping its retainers.

4

Locate the retaining screw at the lower junction of the corner marker lens and headlight assembly and remove it with the T-10 Torx head screwdriver.

5

Use the screwdriver or pry tool to gently unseat the guide pin holding the corner marker lens and running-lights lens assembly from the truck. The guide pin is located at the top behind the corner marker lens. Disconnect the driving lights and corner marker lights from the assembly by turning them a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull them out of the assembly.

6

Remove the three headlight-assembly retaining screws with the ratchet, extension and 10-mm socket. One is located on the upper inner corner; the next is located at the lower inner corner, and the last one is located at the bottom center.

7

Pull the headlight assembly forward enough to reach behind it and disconnect the wire harness plug from the back of the headlight socket.

8

Turn the retaining ring of the headlight a quarter turn counterclockwise to align the retaining tabs of the ring to the release grooves of the assembly and remove the headlight from the assembly and ring.

9

Install the replacement 9007 combination headlight into the ring and then into the headlight assembly. Be careful not to touch the glass bulb of the replacement headlight. Contact with the bulb with skin will create a weakened "hot spot" on the bulb and cause it to expire prematurely.

10

Reconnect the wire harness plug to the headlight socket and reverse the headlight assembly, corner marker or running-light assembly and rubber gasket sealer procedures to restore and finish the job.

The EGR or exhaust gas recirculation valve is part of the 2003 Dodge Intrepid emissions system. The EGR valve helps to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the vehicles exhaust. As your 2003 Dodge Intrepid ages, carbon deposits will eventually begin to build up on the valve and in the passages inside the intake manifold that lead to it. These carbon deposits will eventually decrease the efficiency of the engine, and could lead to the check-engine light illuminating.

Instructions

1

Locate the air-filter housing and duct. It will be on the right side of the engine bay.

2

Locate the throttle body. It will be positioned between the air duct and the engine.

3

Locate the bracket directly underneath the throttle body.

4

Locate the EGR valve. It will be bolted to the engine just to the right of the bracket and beneath the throttle body.

The 1995 Dodge Avenger is a mid sized four-door sedan. If your Avenger is stalling and then wont start, there are some things that you should look at before you spend money on an auto mechanic. The battery and the fuel levels are the most common causes of a car not starting. If these two issues are not what is wrong with your car, you will likely need to consult an auto repair shop to diagnose the problem.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood to your Dodge Avenger and look over the battery.

2

Use a socket wrench to tighten the connections from the battery terminals and the connector cables going to your engine.

3

Loosen the connections and then use soda and a wire brush to clean any corrosion off of the connector cables.

4

Jump start the car and leave it running for five minutes. Turn the car off and then try to restart it. If the car does not restart, you will need to replace the battery.

5

Check the fuel levels on the Avenger. Fill the car up with one gallon of gas and then try to restart the car. If the car restarts, have a mechanic repair your gas gauge.

Introduced in 1995, the Stratus is a four-door mid-sized sedan manufactured by Dodge. All Stratus models require periodic adjustment, often referred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2001 Stratus models. These specifications apply to a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber represents the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Accord camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be +0.1 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.6 degrees on the front wheels and -0.1 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.4 degrees on the rear wheels.

Caster

Caster represents both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Stratus caster angle should be the same on both rear and front wheels. The angle must be +3.1 degrees, with the maximum allowable difference of 1.0 degree.

Toe

Toe represents the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Total toe acceptable angle is +0.1 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 0.2 degrees.

The engine accessories on the Dodge Grand Caravan are controlled by a single wide accessory belt that travels around each accessory pulley at the same time. The belt is designed in a manner that makes it possible for the single belt to control all of the accessories at the same exact time. As the belt turns around each accessory pulley, each accessory performs its designated operation. The excessive turning of the belt around the pulleys can cause fraying and cracking. Replace the belt as soon as any damage to the belt is visible.

Instructions

1

Inspect the top center portion of the plastic radiator guard for the diagram that explains the routing instructions for the single accessory belt, also known as a serpentine belt.

2

Inspect the front of the motor and find the belt tensioner device that is keeping the belt tight inside of the accessory pulleys. Use the bolt that connects the pulley to the end of the tensioner arm to release the tension from the accessory belt.

3

Pivot the belt tensioner device counterclockwise with a breaker bar and a socket. Pull the belt out from under the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the tension from the breaker bar until the tensioner device stops moving.

4

Unwrap the belt from each accessory pulley. Slide the belt around the fan blades, and out of the engine well. Match the new and old belt together to ensure the correct size of the new belt.

5

Maneuver the belt around each of the fan blades and around each accessory pulley by following the routing directions exactly as described from the belt routing diagram.

6

Pivot the tensioner device counterclockwise with the breaker bar and socket. Pull the belt around the tensioner pulley, and release the tension from the breaker bar. As the tensioner pulley is springing back against the belt, the tensioner device will tighten the belt to the proper tension. Take the breaker bar off of the tensioner, and remove it from the engine well.

7

Crank the engine, and let it to run for about 20 seconds or so. This will finish seating the ribs of the belt to the inside of the accessory pulley grooves. Shut the engine off.

The oxygen sensors on a 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7-liter engine regulate the amount of oxygen burned in the engine, and they improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution. Over time, the Rams sensors can become ineffective, causing the Dodge to have poor fuel economy and produce excess pollution. The 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7-liter engine has two oxygen sensors, and replacing them when necessary can make your truck more fuel-efficient.

Instructions

1

Locate the Rams oxygen sensors. They are located on either side of the catalytic converter on the exhaust system, and they look similar to a spark plug with an electrical wire at the end.

2

Remove the Rams wiring harness. Pull off the wire at the end of the pickups oxygen sensors. Do not damage the end of the wire harness.

3

Remove the Rams oxygen sensors from the exhaust system, using an oxygen sensor wrench.

4

Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the oxygen sensors and the threads into which they connect.

5

Insert the new oxygen sensors, using a wrench to tighten them onto the Rams exhaust system. Reconnect the wiring harness to the oxygen sensors by pressing firmly until they click into place.

A common problem in the Dodge Ram is deterioration and failure of the bushings at each end of the track bar. The track bar keeps the front axle from moving side to side. It is held onto the truck in two locations. One end mounts to the axle, and the other end mounts to the frame. Replacement track bars can be purchased at your local auto parts store. A mechanic can install the track bar for you, but you can do it yourself and save on the labor.

Instructions

1

Spray each bolt that secures the track bar to the vehicle with penetrating fluid. Allow the fluid to seep into the track bar for 15 minutes.

2

Remove the cotter pins on the bolts with a pair of pliers.

3

Unscrew the bolts that secure the track bar in place with a ratchet and socket.

4

Detach the track bar from the brackets on the vehicle.

5

Install the new track bar into its brackets and install the bolts into the mounting holes.

6

Tighten the nuts with the ratchet and socket.

7

Place the end of a grease gun onto the fitting and fill the bushing with grease.

8

Slide the cotter pins that came with the new track bar through the holes in the mounting bolts. Bend the end of the cotter pin with pliers to prevent the nuts from vibrating loose.

The Dodge Caravan is a family minivan that Chrysler Group has sold under its Dodge brand since 1984. One of the engines available for the 1990 model is a four-cylinder 2.5-liter motor with a single overhead camshaft. This type of engine uses a timing belt to connect the crankshaft and camshaft, allowing the cylinder valves to open and close at the correct time. The timing belt requires replacement at regular intervals, and typically lasts at least 60,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the compressor bracket for the right engine mount with a socket wrench and detach the engine mount. Remove the accessory drive belts and the cover for the timing belt. Place a floor jack under the engine and raise the engine slightly. Remove the tensioner screw on the timing belt and disconnect the timing belt.

2

Rotate the crankshaft and intermediate shaft to align the timing marks on the their respective sprockets. Turn the camshaft to align the timing mark on the camshaft hub with the line on the cylinder head.

3

Place the new timing belt over the sprockets of the crankshaft and intermediate drive shaft. Turn the hex nut on the timing belt tensioner with a hex wrench to adjust the tension on the timing belt. The timing belt is at the correct tension when you can twist the timing belt to a right angle with your thumb and forefinger.

4

Turn the crankshaft two full turns clockwise and align its timing marks. Tighten the locking nut on the timing belt tensioner to 45 foot-pounds. with a torque wrench.

5

Lower the engine with the floor jack and replace the timing belt cover with a socket wrench. Connect the accessory drive belts and adjust their tension. Attach the engine mount and fasten the compressor bracket to the engine mount.

According to the Dodge Problems website, the 2006 Caravan had the fourth-worst model year in its tenure. It had 57 recalls that year, for issues as minor as exterior accessories and as serious as brakes. There were a number of other problems serious enough for recall.

Headlights

In the summer of 2008, Eagle Eyes, the manufacturers of headlamps for the 2006 Dodge Caravan, recalled the 11,534 Dodge Caravans that bore the lights. The light emanating from the lamps was not bright enough to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. According to Automall USA, such dimly lit headlamps could result in a crash.

Windshield: Visibility Issues

On March 8, 2006, Daimler-Chrysler recalled 268,800 Dodge Caravans because of a weak windshield wiper motor armature shaft, according to Automall USA. The concern was that breakage could occur, resulting in the loss of wiper function, which can be dangerous during rainy or snowy conditions.

Air Bags

According to Automall USA, on January 11, 2010, the Chrysler Corporation deemed the airbag sensors on 308,950 of its cars---including Dodge Caravans---to be weak. The automakers concern was that the sensors could break as a result of inclement weather, allowing water to enter the sensors. This, in turn, would cause the airbags not to deploy properly, resulting in serious injury or loss of life.

Rear and Side Windows

On December 11, 2007, Chrysler recalled 1,657 of its 2006 Dodge Caravans because the glass that made up their rear and side windows failed a tempered glass breakage test. Breakage of the glass could result in serious injury to the driver and occupants, according to the Automall website.

Engine

Another complaint that did not lead to a recall, but was an inconvenience for 2006 Dodge Caravan owners, was the tendency of the 3.3-liter water pump to fail on the van. As the MSN Autos website points out, this led to many financial problems for owners. According to MSN Autos, the costs the Dodge Caravan owner incurred included a $72 charge for parts, $112.50 for labor, as well as a $65 flat rate. However, these quotes excluded the time the mechanic spent diagnosing the problems of the vehicle, as well as sales tax.

Shock absorbers should be replaced every 75,000 miles. Your 2003 Dodge ram has four shocks, one at each corner. The shocks that came with your truck from the factory are known to have problems. Your local mechanic may be able to do the installation for you, but you can do it yourself to save money.

Instructions

Front Shock Replacement

1

Open the hood by pulling the release lever inside the cab.

2

Spray each bolt that secures the shocks in place with penetrating fluid

3

Remove the nuts that hold the shock tower in place from inside the engine compartment using a ratchet and a 12mm socket.

4

Remove the bolt that secures the top of the shock to the shock tower using a ratchet and socket.

5

Remove the 3/4-inch nut that secures the shock to the axle using a ratchet and socket. Remove the shock from the brackets.

6

Install the replacement shock and tighten the lower bolt with a ratchet and socket.

7

Place the shock tower onto the top of shock and tighten the nut with a ratchet and socket.

8

Reinstall the shock tower and tighten the 12mm nuts with a ratchet and socket.

9

Repeat on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Rear Shock Replacement

10

Remove the 3/4-inch bolts that secure the rear shocks to the axle and the frame with a ratchet and socket.

11

Remove the shock from the brackets.

12

Install the new shock into the brackets and thread the stock bolts through the mounting holes. Install the nuts and tighten them using a ratchet and socket.

13

Repeat to the opposite side of the vehicle.

The 1999 Dodge has a dashboard with status lights that indicate a problem. If you cant start your car and your dashboard isnt lighting up, the problem is probably the battery. The car battery sends electricity to your dashboard and to the engine to start. You can test your battery to see if you need a new one.

Instructions

1

Remove the key from the ignition and pop the hood to gain access to the battery.

2

Tighten the connections to the battery terminals with a pair of pliers or a pair of channel locks. Try to start the vehicle.

3

Look over the battery terminal cables. If you find any corrosion on the terminals, use a can of soda and a stiff wire brush to clean the terminals.

4

Use a voltmeter to test the batterys charge. Place the red and black testing leads from the voltmeter to the red and black terminals on the battery.

5

Look at the reading. If its less than 11 to 12 volts, the battery needs to be replaced.

6

Replace the battery with a new one. If the car still wont start, have the car towed to a service shop for a diagnostics test.