So Fix it

Several models of Dodge cars, from near compact to full-size models, were available in 1977. The company used three engines to power them: a slant six-cylinder engine and two V8 engines.

Engine Types

The inline six-cylinder engine had a displacement of 225 cubic inches and could produce 90 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, or pulling power. One of the V8 engines was a 318-cubic-inch motor that produced 135 horsepower and 235 pound-feet torque. The 359-cubic-inch, V8 engine was the performance engine, with 155 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

Features

The larger V8 and the six-cylinder engine had the same 8.4:1 compression ratio, which measures how much a cylinder compresses the air and fuel before igniting. Compression ratio has an impact on power. The smaller V8 had a compression ratio of 8.5:1. Bore and stroke were different in all three engines, going from 4.0 inches by 3.8 inches in the performance V8 to 3.4 inches by 4.125 inches in the six-cylinder engine. Bore is the width of the cylinder head, and stroke is the distance the piston travels.

Options

One-barrel or two-barrel carburetors were available as standard equipment on Dodge engines. Usually the one-barrel carburetor was paired with the six-cylinder, but all combinations were available. Carter carburetors were standard, but Holley carburetors, which are performance equipment, could be added. A four-barrel also was an option. A three-speed automatic transmission came standard in some Dodge cars, and three-speed or four-speed manual transmissions were available in all cars.

The Dodge Neon is a compact car manufactured by Chrysler and sold under its Dodge brand. The 1998 model typically had a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine with a single overhead camshaft. This type of engine has a timing belt that synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft, so that the cylinders fire at the correct point in their combustion cycle. You should replace the timing belt on a 1998 Dodge Neon after 102,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable on the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench so that you dont accidentally start the engine. Remove the cover for the timing belt cover. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft with the mark on the housing of the oil pump.

2

Place the long end of a 3mm Allen wrench into the pin hole of the timing belt tensioner. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise with an 8mm Allen wrench until the handle of the 3mm Allen wrench slides into the hole.

3

Detach the timing belt from the crankshaft and camshaft. Hold the camshaft sprocket in place with a spanner wrench. Remove the mounting bolt for the camshaft sprocket and disconnect the sprocket from the camshaft.

4

Connect the camshaft sprocket to the camshaft and tighten the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Turn the crankshaft sprocket clockwise to align its timing marks, then turn the crankshaft sprocket three notches counterclockwise. Turn the camshaft sprocket clockwise to align its timing marks.

5

Install the timing belt onto the crankshaft and continue in the counterclockwise direction. Place the timing belt on the water pump sprocket, idler pulley, camshaft sprocket and belt tensioner pulley in that order. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to take up the slack in the timing belt and align the timing marks on the crankshaft.

6

Remove the long handle of the 3mm Allen wrench from the pin hole in the belt tensioner to apply tension to the timing belt. Turn the crankshaft two full turns clockwise and align the timing marks. Replace the timing belt cover with a socket wrench, and connect the negative battery cable.

The type of replacement fuel pump that a 2000 Dodge Caravan needs depends primarily on its engine. This vehicle usually has a six-cylinder, 3.0-liter or 6-cylinder 3.3-liter engine with a two-wheel drive transmission. A 2000 Dodge Caravan uses a high-pressure electric fuel pump that is part of a single module. The fuel pump module on this vehicle also includes other components such as the fuel pump reservoir, fuel gauge sending unit and fuel pressure regulator.

Instructions

1

Remove the cap for the fuel filler tube to relieve the pressure in the fuel tank. Remove the cap on the fuel pressure port located on the fuel rail. Place one end of hose C-3799-1 into a gasoline container and connect the other end to the fuel pressure port to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Remove the hose from the fuel pressure port and replace the cap for the fuel pressure port. Drain the fuel tank.

2

Disconnect the cable to the negative terminal on the battery with a socket wrench. Support the fuel tank and loosen the bolts for the fuel tank strap. Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel tank and unplug the wiring harness for the fuel pump module.

3

Lower the fuel tank and turn the locking ring counter-clockwise with a wrench. Remove the locking ring and disconnect the fuel pump from the fuel tank.

4

Connect the new fuel pump module to the fuel tank, and replace the locking ring. Tighten the locking ring to 40 foot-lbs. with a torque wrench. Raise the fuel tank back into position. Connect the wiring harness and fuel lines for the fuel pump module. Tighten the bolts on the fuel tank strap to 250 inches-lbs. with a torque wrench.

5

Connect the cable to the negative terminal of the battery with a socket wrench, and fill the fuel tank with fuel. Start the engine and check the fuel system for leaks.

For the 2010 model year, Dodge continued to market its Dakota, Ram 1500, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 lines of pickup trucks. The Dakota is considered a mid-size pickup truck, while the Doge Rams are heavy-duty pickup trucks. Each of the Dodge pickup trucks came in several two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive trims in 2010. Likewise, each truck was available with multiple types of cabs. Some trims came with different-sized wheels. All of these factors influence the alignment specs of the truck, and it is important to be certain to use the appropriate alignment specs for a given vehicle. Before attempting to adjust the alignment of a 2010 Dodge truck, consult your owners manual or a certified mechanic. The specs provided below apply only to the designated trims of the vehicles and should not be applied to any other Dodge truck of 2010 or any other year. The rear end is not adjustable on any of the vehicles erenced below.

2010 Ram 1500 4X2 with 17-inch Tires

The caster angle should be set at +3.5 degrees on the left front wheel and +3.75 degrees on the right front wheel, with a variance of 0.5 degrees on either wheel and a cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The camber angle should be set at +0.1 degrees on the left wheel and -0.1 degrees on the front right wheel, with a variance of 0.5 degrees for either wheel and a cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The ideal setting for the toe-in on the front end is +0.1 degrees but it can range from -0.26 to +0.46 degrees.

2010 Ramp 3500 4X4, All Trims Except Box Off

The caster angle on the front end can range from +4.0 degrees to +5.0 degrees, with the ideal setting being +4.5 degrees with a cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The camber angle can range from -0.25 degrees to +0.75 degrees, with the ideal setting being +0.25 degrees with cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The toe-in should be set at +0.2 degrees but can range from +0.1 degrees to +0.3 degrees.

The 2010 Dakota 4X4

The ideal setting for the caster angle is +3.5 degrees on the front left wheel and +3.8 degrees on the front right wheel, with a variance of 0.5 degrees on either wheel and a cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The ideal setting for the camber angle is +0.1 degrees on the front left wheel and -0.1 degrees for the front right wheel, with a variance of 0.5 degrees on either wheel and a cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The ideal setting for the toe-in is +0.2 degrees but it can range from +0.1 degrees to +0.3 degrees.

If you have gotten into an accident or you are repairing a 2004 Dodge Stratus that simply needs a new grille and bumper, you can visit any official Dodge retailer to order replacement parts. However, if you want to try to save some money on these parts, you can order them online instead. Dodges official website does not sell these items online, however there are a number of third parties that sell grilles, bumpers and other parts for a minimal cost.

Instructions

1

Visit a website that sells Dodge parts.

2

Click "Stratus."

3

Select "2004" next to year.

4

Select "Stratus Coupe" or "Stratus Sedan" depending on the model you own.

5

Type "Bumper" in the search box and click "Search." A list of bumper options will appear.

6

Type "Grille" into the "Search" box to see grille results.

Sometimes being a trend-setter can be a curse. When they debuted, LH-chassis cars like the Intrepid and Chrysler 300M were visually cutting-edge automobiles that looked more like road-going Le Mans prototypes than commuter sedans. Time and trends may march on, but these cars remain just as good at everything they were good at when new.

Part Costs

Head gaskets themselves arent particularly expensive -- perhaps $100 for the pair at 2013 prices. Getting to them though, means tearing half the engine apart, and thats where youre spending your money in parts and labor. A full upper-end gasket set that includes the head gaskets, intake gaskets and everything else youll need to replace them will run you about $250; add another $75 at least for oil, fluids and sealants. So, call it $325 to $350 in parts.

Labor and Total Costs

Shops determine labor costs according to "book time," which is how much time a job should take for the average mechanic. Multiply that by the shops hourly rate, and youve got the labor cost for the procedure. The book time for replacing one head gasket is 7.4 to 7.9 hours, and you can expect to pay 9.4 of book time for both. Most shops currently charge $65 to $100 an hour, so labor will run you about $480 to $740 for one head gasket, and $610 to $940 for both. So, adding together parts and labor, expect to spend between $935 and $1,300 to have both head gaskets replaced.

Your Dodge Rams headlights provide the light you need to drive safely at night. Regularly inspect the trucks headlights to ensure they function properly. If they dont function properly or are burned out, promptly replace them with new, better-performing headlights. Replacing a burned out bulb is simple, requiring only basic tools and a little time.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Dodge Ram and set its parking break. Ensure the headlight switch is in the "Off" position.

2

Open the hood.

3

Unscrew the expanding fastener located in the headlight welt. Use a socket wrench to remove the three bolts holding the headlight assembly to the vehicle body.

4

Pull the headlight assembly away from the vehicle body in order to access the electrical connections.

5

Unlock and remove the headlight connector by depressing the plastic tab and pulling straight back from the headlamp.

6

Twist the headlight collar 1/4-turn to remove it from the headlight assembly.

7

Insert the new bulb into the headlight assembly and lock it in place. Reconnect all electrical connections. Reverse the above steps to replace headlight assembly. Ensure that all electrical connections are secure and that all bolts and screws are tight.

8

Check the functionality of the headlights by turning the headlight selector switch to the "On" position. The headlights should illuminate. If not, double check all electrical connections.

A Dodge 2500 is a pickup truck with a carrying capacity of at least 3/4-ton. The 2005 model may have several different engines, most often an eight-cylinder 5.7-liter engine with sequential fuel injection. This requires a fuel pump to maintain the fuel under high pressure. The fuel pump in a 2005 Dodge 2500 is inside the fuel tank, requiring you to remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. This prevents the accidental discharge of fuel during the fuel pump replacement. Detach the electrical wiring harness and fuel lines from the fuel pump.

2

Siphon the fuel from the fuel tank into a container approved for gasoline. Place a floor jack under the vehicle and support the fuel tank with a floor jack. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the fuel tank with a socket wrench and release the retaining straps for the fuel tank. Lower the floor jack to remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.

3

Attach special tool 6856 to the lock nut on the fuel pump and connect a socket wrench to the special tool. Turn the lock nut for the fuel pump counterclockwise with the socket wrench and remove the lock nut from the fuel pump. Lift the fuel pump out of the fuel tank.

4

Install the new fuel pump into the fuel tank and attach its lock nut. Fasten the lock nut by turning it clockwise with a socket wrench and special tool 6856.

5

Raise the fuel tank in position with the floor jack. Attach the retaining straps to the fuel tank and connect the mounting bolts to the fuel tank with a socket wrench. Lower the floor jack.

6

Attach the fuel line and wiring harness to the fuel pump. Connect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Fill the fuel tank with fuel, start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

Repairing a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with the 5.9 liter Cummins diesel motor may be simple or difficult, depending on the required repairs. The 5.9 liter, 24-valve Cummins diesel was available in model years 1998 through 2002 before being replaced with a common rail injection system. Many repairs may be completed by a do-it-yourself owner, while others should be performed by a professional mechanic. The first step in repairing your Dodge 2500 is to identify the problem and all affected parts.

Instructions

1

Diagnose the issue with the Ram by evaluating the pickups performance and referring to the manufacturers auto repair guide. Stalling, slow throttle response or lack of power may indicate an issue with the fuel systems or turbo charger. Trouble shifting could mean a transmission problem. The 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 is also equipped with a data port located underneath of the dash board on the drivers side. Plug a code reader, available at most auto parts stores or through a professional mechanic, into the port and read any codes that may indicate issues with one or more of the trucks operating systems.

2

Identify the components and parts that operate the affected systems and test their performance. Note any under-performing, or broken, parts for replacement. Check to make sure that routine vehicle maintenance, such as oil change and transmission service intervals, are also up to date.

3

Remove broken, or malfunctioning parts, and take them to a local auto parts store to match for replacement. Use only parts that are application-specific to the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, or intended for universal use. Install new parts according to the manufacturers specifications and perform any neglected routine maintenance.

4

Test drive the vehicle under variable driving conditions and evaluate whether or not the issue has been solved by the replaced or repaired parts. If not, refer back to the manufacturers auto repair guide and re-evaluate the source of the Ram 2500s problem.

Over time, the mechanical spring inside of the thermostat weakens. The giggle valve clogs up and restricts the passage of steam though the thermostat, and eventually, your 1994 Dodge Caravan stops producing heat inside of the vehicle. The thermostat is designed to fail in the open or "safe" position, thus preventing the Caravan from overheating. This protects the engine from damage, but thermostat replacement is important because the vehicle will not reach the correct operating temperature.

Instructions

1

Remove the radiator cap from the radiator. The cap is on the left side, on the top of the radiator. This releases pressure in the coolant system. Do not remove the cap while the engine is hot.

2

Remove the band clamp that secures the lower radiator hose to the radiator outlet. Use a screwdriver to remove the clamp. Pull the hose off the radiator and drain the fluid into a drainage pan. Slide the hose back onto the radiator outlet and secure it in place with the band clamp.

3

Follow the upper radiator hose to the point where the hose connects to the top of the engine. Remove the band clamp from the hose with the screwdriver and pull the hose off the thermostat housing. Push the hose off to the side to gain access to the housing.

4

Remove the two bolts that secure the thermostat housing to the manifold of the Dodge Caravan with a 9/16-inch socket and ratchet. Lift the housing off the Caravan to expose the thermostat.

5

Pull the old thermostat out of the intake and discard it.

6

Shove a rag into the hole the thermostat sat in to prevent old gasket material from falling into the cooling system.

7

Scrape the old thermostat gasket off the intake manifold and the bottom of the thermostat housing and wipe everything down with a rag.

8

Remove the rag and place the new thermostat into the Caravans intake. The end with the spring on it sits inside of the intake.

9

Place a bead of RTV silicone around the base of the thermostat housing and place the housing back onto the intake. Secure it with the bolts.

10

Reconnect the upper radiator hose and secure it with the band clamp.

11

Drain the radiator fluid back into the radiator, using the filler cap. Replace the radiator cap once finished.

Removing the battery tray from your 1997 Dodge Caravan may be necessary if the tray has cracks or damage that may compromise the integrity of the tray. The tray is made of plastic, and has to not only support the battery but also retain it to the engine compartment of the van. The battery hold down is an integral part of the tray and if it fails, the battery may come out of the tray, causing damage to the battery, the cables or part of the engine.

Instructions

1

Locate the negative battery cable on the top of the battery. Loosen the clamp bolt with a wrench, then remove the cable from the battery.

2

Loosen the clamp bolt on the positive battery cable with a wrench and remove it as well. Isolate the battery cables so that they are out of the way and cannot fall back against the battery.

3

Locate the retaining clamp and bolt near the bottom of the battery on the inboard side of the tray. Remove the nut from the retaining clamp with a socket, extension bar and ratchet. Remove the retaining clamp and lift the battery out of the van.

4

Locate the three retaining bolts that hold the battery tray into the van. There are two in the base of the tray and a third just to the front of the retaining clamp location. Remove the two in the tray with a socket and ratchet then set them aside.

5

Remove the third retaining bolt with a wrench, set the bolt aside, and lift the tray out of the engine compartment.

The 1999 Dodge Ram is a pick-up truck made by Dodge under the Chrysler company. This truck is considered "heavy duty" because its primarily for towing or hauling. If you are having problems with your 1999 Dodge Ram, there are several things that you can do before you take it to a shop. Non-invasive troubleshooting can also help get your Dodge Ram back on the road. You dont have to be a Dodge mechanic.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it halfway to engage the instrument panel. Look over the gas and battery gauge on the right side of the dashboard. Make sure that you have enough fuel to start the truck. Dodge Rams use regular gasoline. Fill the gas tank as needed.

2

Go to the front of the truck and release the hood latch on the left side of the grill. Raise the hood to reveal the engine and the battery. The battery is on the right side of the engine inside the truck. Make sure that the connections are tight from the battery cables to the battery terminals.

3

Tighten the connections to the battery with pair of insulated channel locks. Try to restart the truck. If the truck will not restart, test the battery with a voltmeter. Place the testing leads from the voltmeter to the battery terminals. Look at the display on the voltmeter for a reading. Replace the battery if you arent getting 11-12 volts on your battery.

4

Look over the cooling system if you are having problems with Ram overheating. The cooling system is on the left side of the engine. Pour 50/50 coolant into the coolant tank until it reaches the fill line on the side of the tank. You dont have any 50/50 coolant, use distilled water.

5

Look around the Dodge Ram for leaks around the truck. If you find any leaks, you should have a professional mechanic take a look at the truck in order to make repairs. Driving your Ram while there is a leak could further damage the unit.

6

Have your Dodge Ram towed to a repair shop if you have your check engine light on. Repair shops have onboard diagnostic machines to diagnose the problems.