Repair And Fix it

The Dodge Ram pickup truck was introduced in 1981 and quickly became the most successful pickup truck in the Dodge lineup. Dodge manufactures the Ram on either a van platform or a truck platform. Both versions utilize the same side view mirrors, so the replacement process is the same.

Instructions

1

Press the left side of the passenger mirror into the mirror shell of the Dodge Ram. By pushing the left side of the mirror into the shell, the right side of the mirror is forced out of the shell. This allows you to grasp the mirror with your hand.

2

Place your fingers on the backside of the Rams mirror and press your thumb against the front side of the mirror. Pull out on the mirror to separate the mounting brackets from the ball-joint located inside the mirror shell.

3

Place the new mirror into the shell and press on the center of the mirror with your fist to push the mounting brackets around the ball-joint.

4

Adjust your new mirror to meet your driving needs.

The 2000 model year Dodge Neon uses a hydraulic pump to create pressure that assists the driver in steering the vehicle. The hydraulically assisted steering, commonly known as power steering, is especially helpful at lower speeds when the driver must use more effort to steer. Maintenance and removal of power steering components may require removing the hydraulic hoses that flow to and from the power steering pump.

Instructions

Removal

1

Locate the power steering gear near the front left wheel and determine if you can access the hose attachments well enough to remove them.

2

Remove the negative battery cable to ensure all steering components will be disabled.

3




Jack the front of the car and place it on jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Do this step only if you cannot access the hose connections at the power steering gear from the engine compartment or without raising the car.

4

Siphon as much fluid from the power steering pump reservoir as possible to reduce spillage.

5

Remove all hose clamps from the hose you will replace.

6

Loosen the hose nut at the power steering pump if you are removing the pressure hose. The return hose is only secured with a clamp.

7

Position a small bucket or other container underneath the hose as you remove it. Drain as much fluid into the container as possible to minimize hazardous fluid spills from reaching the ground. If you were able to siphon the reservoir, this step may not be necessary.

8

Disconnect the lower end of the hose. Try to contain spillage in a container.

Installation

9

Install the lower end of the new hose. Tighten the hose nut if it is a pressure or the hose clamp for the return hose. Tighten the hose nut to 25 foot-pounds of torque.

10

Route the hose upward along the same path it ran before it was removed. Install the upper part of the hose and tighten the clamp or hose nut. Tighten the hose nut to 25 foot-pounds of torque.

11

Reinstall the front wheels and lower the car if it was raised for access.

12

Reinstall all the hose clamps that were removed.

13

Refill the power steering reservoir with new fluid.

14

Reconnect the negative battery cable.

The Dodge Neon uses the common 9007 headlight bulb. Eventually, after normal wear and over time, the 9007 headlight bulb will burn out. Replacing burnt out headlight bulbs on any vehicle is very important and may seem like a daunting task to those unfamiliar with auto repair. Replacing the bulb on the Dodge Neon is easy.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Dodge Neon and open the hood of the vehicle. Put on the clean gloves.

2

Locate the three upper fascia screws located right above the headlight. Use the screwdriver to remove all three of the screws.

3

Remove the headlight assembly unit from the vehicle by pulling it away from the Dodge Neon.

4

Disconnect the electrical connector by unplugging it from the back of the headlight assembly unit.

5

Remove the retaining ring by twisting it counterclockwise. This will allow access to the bulb. Pull out the old bulb and push the replacement bulb into the headlight assembly.

6

Reattach the retaining ring and reconnect the electrical connector by plugging it into the back of the headlight unit. Place the headlight assembly unit back into the vehicle and reattach the three screws to lock it into place. Close the hood.

You can remove the SRS airbags from your 2002 Dodge without taking the car to a mechanic. Airbags are considered to be an essential safety element, but there are some people who are worried about rare injuries that can occur from the airbag deploying. Removing the airbags is a fairly easy procedure and only requires a couple of simple tools. Just make sure to always keep your face and body away from the front of the airbag as you remove it to prevent injury to yourself.

Instructions

1

Raise the front hood of your Dodge and loosen the retaining nuts on the battery cable clamps. Slide the clamps off of the battery terminals one at a time. Wait 30 minutes for the battery charge to drain out.

2

Consult your owners manual to find the location of the airbag fuses. Then open the fuse panel cover that can be found on the drivers-side dashboard. Remove the fuse puller and use it to remove the airbag fuses.

3

Remove the screws on the back of the steering column with a screwdriver and caully remove the airbag from the middle of the steering wheel. Cut the wires attached to it using wire cutters. Set the airbag in a safe location away from people and pets.

4

Open up the glove box and unhook the straps that hold it open. Unscrew the screws holding the glove box in place and pull the entire glove box out of the dashboard. Unbolt the airbag very caully using the socket wrench. Unhook the power cable at the rear of the airbag. Remember to keep your body and face away from the airbag. Slide the airbag out of the compartment.

5

Put the glove box back in the compartment, screw in the screws and reattach the straps. Close the glove box cover.

6

Put the airbag fuses back into their proper places within the fuse panel and close up the fuse panel cover. Reconnect the battery cables and tighten the retaining nuts.

The Dodge Ram is a pick-up truck that started manufacturing in 1981. If you are having problems getting your Dodge Ram to start, there are several things that you can do before you take it to a repair shop. Common issues include fuel, dead batteries, or a bad alternator. You can diagnose the problem yourself without much hassle. You dont have to be a mechanic to accomplish this task. You can do it yourself.

Instructions

1

Insert the key in the ignition and turn it over. If you hear a "clicking" noise, you may have a bad alternator. Have the truck towed to a service shop to get the alternator replaced.

2

Check the gauge on the dashboard for any indications of low fuel or a dead battery. If the dashboard does not light up at all, you need to check your battery.

3

Open the hood to your Dodge ram and use a friends car to jumpstart the engine. Connect the red and black wires from your jumper cables to the red and black terminals on your Ram.

4

Connect the other end of the wires to the red and black terminals on your friends battery. Start your friends car and then start your Ram. Allow the Ram to sit for about 10 minutes while running. This will charge the battery.

5

Add 1 gallon of fuel to your Dodge Ram if the truck will not jumpstart. Try to start the car again.

The headlight switch assembly on the dash of your 2008 Dodge Dakota does more then just turn the lights on and off; do not put off replacing a faulty switch. The switch controls the interior lights, the dash lights, parking or running lights and the headlights. A faulty switch will often cause other functions to fail; if the switch fails altogether, youll find yourself with no headlights at all and unable to drive your truck. Look for replacement switches at any auto parts retailer or your local Dodge dealer.

Instructions

1

Locate the retaining screws on the instrument panel of your Dakota, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside. Pop the bezel off the instrument panel using a flat-blade screwdriver. Set the bezel aside for safekeeping.

2

Locate the three retaining bolts on the face of the headlight switch assembly---two on the outboard edge and one on the inboard side---then remove them using a socket and ratchet. Set the bolts aside for reuse during installation.

3

Slide the headlight switch assembly forward until you can reach the electrical connector on the rear of the assembly. Press the locking tab in on the connector, and separate the connector from the rear of the headlight switch. Pull the headlight switch out of the dash, and discard it.

4

Slide the new headlight switch assembly into the dash far enough to allow the electrical connector to reach it. Push the connector onto the back of the switch, ensuring that the locking tab engages completely.

5

Push the switch in place, and install the three retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet until they are just snug enough to hold the switch securely but wont crack its plastic casing.

6

Position the instrument panel bezel in place, snapping it into the retaining clips. Install the retaining screws and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver only until they are just snug enough not hold the bezel in place without damaging it.

7

Turn on the headlight switch, and cycle the headlights through the high- and low-beam positions several times to ensure a successful repair.

The Dodge Spirit is a mid-size sedan manufactured from 1989 to 1995. Most 1993 models have a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine that uses throttle-body injection, or TBI. TBI is an early form of fuel injection developed in the 1980s that used low fuel pressure, typically in the range of 10 to 15 pounds per square inch. The fuel pump on the 1993 Dodge Spirit is integrated with the fuel sender into a single unit. The replacement of the fuel pump on this vehicle requires you to disconnect the fuel tank.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable to the batterys negative terminal with a socket wrench to prevent an accidental spark from the battery. Drain the fuel in the fuel tank by siphoning the fuel into a gasoline container. Raise the vehicle with a jack, and support it on jack stands. Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle. Squeeze the retainer tabs on the fuel supply line and fuel return lines. Disconnect these fuel lines from the fuel pump module.

2

Remove the mounting bolts from the fuel pump module with a socket wrench. Disconnect the wiring on top of the fuel pump module, and remove the nut for the fuel pumps lower bracket with a socket wrench. Remove the hose clamp from the fuel pump, and disconnect the outlet hose from the fuel pump. Remove the clamp for the inlet hose on the fuel pump, and disconnect the inlet hose.

3

Tilt the fuel pump to avoid damage to the float arm and fuel filter. Remove the lower gasket. Remove the fuel pump from the faceplate of the fuel tank. Remove the lower bracket and upper gasket from the fuel pump.

4

Place the new upper gasket onto the new fuel pump. Connect the fuel pump to the upper bracket and outlet hose. Attach the hose clamp to the outlet hose. Place the new lower gasket into the lower bracket, and fasten the bolt for the lower bracket with a socket wrench. Connect the inlet hose to the fuel pump, and attach its hose clamp. Connect the electrical wiring for the fuel pump.

5

Install the fuel pump module so the filter on the fuel pump module fits into the tray on the fuel tank. Align the bottom gasket so its holes align with the corresponding holes on the fuel tank. Attach the fuel pump module to the fuel tank by tilting it as necessary to clear the float arm and fuel filter. Use a socket wrench to fasten the fuel pump module to the fuel tank with the mounting bolts.

6

Connect the fuel supply line and fuel return line to the fuel pump module. Install the fuel tank, and lower the vehicle. Fill the fuel tank with fuel, and connect the cable for the batterys negative terminal with a socket wrench. Start the engine, and check for fuel leaks.

The 1992 Dodge Colt is a two-door hatchback. If you are having problems with your 92 Dodge Colt, there are a few things you can do before you have a mechanic take a look at it. The spark plug on the engine is what sparks it to life. If you have a bad spark plug, you will need to replace it in order for the engine to fire.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Dodge Colt and pop the hood.

2

Locate the spark plug housing on the back of the engine. The spark plug housing is labeled for easy access.

3

Pull the spark plug from the housing with your fingers.

4

Touch the spark plug to your Dodge Colt to look for a spark. If the spark is blue, you need to replace the spark plug.

5

Pull the spark plug from the housing and replace it with a new one. Put the spark plug housing back into the engine and then start the car.

1995 Dodge trucks use a system called an On-Board Diagnostics computer to monitor the vital functions of the vehicles. When any of a trucks systems fail, it causes a warning light to illuminate on the instrument panel. The computer also keeps track of the trucks regular servicing needs. After the Dodge has been serviced or repaired, you or your mechanic will need to clear the trouble codes from the computer using a diagnostic code scanner. This can be purchased from any auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Open the drivers door and find the diagnostic scanner port. You can find it on the underside of the drivers dash.

2

Push the diagnostic code scanners connector cable into the diagnostic port on the Dodge.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "run" position, taking care not to start the engine.

4

Search the trouble codes using the instructions in the manual that came with the scanner. When it is finished, press the command "Clear Trouble Codes."

5

Disconnect the scanner and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off.

Charging a Dodge Caravans air conditioning unit, called commonly "A/C" or "AC," with new freon is not a hard task to do, and the reward of having your A/C working properly again is plenty of motivation. If your air conditioning unit is not working, a recharge of the A/C systems chemical cooling agent, called rigerant or often freon, may be just what you need. If your Caravan was made before 1995, a professional will have to make other adjustments before you can recharge with rigerant on your own.

Instructions

1

Check your Caravans air conditioning line for air conditioning leaks before attempting to add rigerant. Auto parts stores sell leak-detection kits that you can use to detect leaks while also sealing small ones. Follow manufacturers directions on how to use the leak detection kit you choose. If there is a large leak, do not add rigerant; instead, take your Caravan to a professional.

2

Find the Low Pressure Side service port. It is marked Low and is black in color. Remove it.

3

Turn on the A/C to the coldest, highest settings possible. Use a pressure gauge to make sure there is pressure. If the pressure gauge is not measuring any pressure, then there may be a bigger problem that needs the attention of a professional.

4

Attach the hose to recharge the rigerant on the Low Pressure Side. Open the valve so the rigerant can flow into the system. Keep the can upright. When it is emptied, remove the ill hose and close the cap.

5

Turn on your air for 30 minutes to allow the rigerant to make its way completely through the system. Check the pressure again; it should have increased. If it has not, add more rigerant.

Dodge is a brand within the Chrysler auto manufacturing family. Their vehicles range from medium sized front-wheel drive sedans to commercial grade four-wheel drive trucks. The vehicles that send their power to the front wheels rely on continuous velocity joints, also know as U joints, to transfer torque while flexing. Without U joints, the front wheels could not bend and flex with the suspensions struts. However these joints are put under a lot of stress and need to be replaced if they break.

Instructions

1

Park the 2005 Dodge out of traffic and engage the parking brake. Turn the Dodge off and jack up the front of the vehicle with the car jack. Slide in the jack stands to keep the front of the car or truck elevated. Take off the front wheels with your tire iron and place them to the side.

2

Locate the front differential that connects the front half axles together. The half axles have U joints on each end so that they can flex independently. The U joints are a physical part of the half axles, so each half axle has to be removed and replaced. Unbolt the half axle from the shaft on the front differential and wrench the single bolt out of the U joint. Then wrench the bolt out of the shaft on the steering knuckle that connects to the other end of the half axle. Repeat this process on the other half axle.

3

Lift the new half axle into place and thread the bolts through the U joints by hand. First thread in the differential shaft U joint, then the steering knuckle U joint. Once both bolts are in, wrench the nuts down tight. Then repeat the process on the other half axle. Use the car jack to lift the steering knuckle up if it is too heavy for you.

4

Lower the Dodge off the jack stands. Then inspect the bolts in the U joints to make sure they are still tight. Turn the Dodge on. If you are in a four-wheel drive vehicle, shift into "4H." Listen for any banging or screeching that would indicate a loose half axle. Stop the car immediately and tighten the bolts if that happens.

Like other years for the first generation of the Dodge Stratus, the 1998 Stratus is standard-equipped with a 2.0 L SOHC engine. If you have experienced persistent electrical problems and you have singled out the car battery as the cause, it is likely that an alternator replacement is in order. The replacement procedure for the alternator on this model is a fairly straightforward task that can be done quickly and easily at home.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from its terminal post and slip the cables rubber grommet over the electrical post to prevent an accidental discharge.

2

Disconnect the electrical field circuit from the alternator, which is located toward the front of the vehicle and is turned by the drive belt. Disconnect the B+ terminal wire by prying off its terminal cover with a flat screwdriver and removing the wires retaining bolt.

3

Loosen the pivot bolts on the alternator until you can maneuver the alternator back and create slack in the belt. Remove the belt, then finish removing the alternator mounting bolts, making sure not to lose the spacer on the pivot bolt on the top. Slide the alternator forward and remove it from the vehicle.

4

Place the new alternator in position and mount it with the bolts, but leave the bolts loose. Reconnect the B+ terminal wire and tighten it in place with its retaining bolt, then reconnect the field circuit terminal. Install the drive belt and properly tension it, then lock it into position by tightening the alternator mounting bolts.

5

Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the car and inspect for proper functioning of the electrical system.

The exhaust manifold on a Dodge Caravan is responsible for getting the exhaust gasses created by the engine out of the cylinder head and into the exhaust tubing. The manifold is made of cast iron, which can crack under certain atmospheric conditions, or when cold water is applied to a hot manifold. When that happens, the exhaust will come out of the manifold and not out of the exhaust pipe itself, which will make an annoying noise and potentially cause a loss in horsepower.

Instructions

1

Raise the front end of the Caravan with the jack and place a pair of jack stands underneath the front of the chassis. Unbolt the exhaust from the exhaust manifold using the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets.

2

Unbolt the EGR tube and crossover pipe from the exhaust using an open-end wrench. Unplug the oxygen sensor connection by hand, then remove the oxygen sensor with the oxygen sensor wrench.

3

Unbolt the heat shield from the exhaust manifold using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then unbolt the manifold from the engine with the ratchet. Pull the manifold off of the engine and out of the engine compartment. Remove the exhaust manifold gasket as well.

4

Scrape the mounting surface on the cylinder head using the gasket scraper. Slide the replacement gasket and manifold onto the engine and bolt it in place from the center of the manifold outward using the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. Apply a thin coat of the anti-seize compound to the threads of the oxygen sensor, then install the sensor into the manifold.

5

Reconnect the crossover pipe, EGR tube and exhaust to the manifold with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then reinstall the heat shield with the ratchet. Lower the van off of the jack and jack stands.

The Dodge RAM series of full-size pickups includes several specific models. The procedure for replacing the fuel pump in a Dodge pickup truck is generally the same for all model years from 1997 to 2000. These vehicles use an electric fuel pump module that consists of the pump, fuel gauge sending unit and the fuel float. The fuel pump module is located on top of the fuel tank, so you must remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump module.

Instructions

1

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system, and remove the fuel from the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel tank from the vehicle, and disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump.

2

Clean the surface of the fuel tank around the fuel pump module to prevent debris from falling into the tank when you remove the fuel pump module. Locate the alignment mark on the fuel pump module, and note its position for future reference. Two door models generally have the alignment mark on the fuel pump module at the 7 oclock position, and four door models generally have the alignment mark at 4 oclock position.

3

Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the fingers and finger locks of the fuel pump module if it is so equipped. Pry back the lock tab of the fuel pump module with a screwdriver if it is so equipped. Remove the locknut of the fuel pump module with a socket wrench. Remove and discard the old fuel pump module and gasket.

4

Clean the fuel filter, and install the new gasket. Install the new fuel pump so the alignment mark is in the position that you noted in step 2. Tighten the locknut until it locks into place if it has fingers and finger locks. Otherwise, tighten the locknut to 40 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.

5

Connect the fuel lines to the fuel pump, and install the fuel tank. Fill the tank with fuel and pressurize the fuel system by turning the ignition on and off several times.

Dodge produced several trims of the 4x2 and 4x4 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 in 2000, as well as 4x2 and 4x4 trims of the Dakota pickup truck. Each model came with its own alignment specifications. Some trims of a given model shared certain alignment specs, but several trims came with distinct alignment guidelines. Before making any adjustments to the alignment of a vehicle, it is important to clarify that the specs apply to the exact make, model and year of the vehicle being worked on.

Ram 1500 4x2

The alignment specs for all trims of the 2000 Ram 1500 4x2 are the same, except for the caster angle specs for the Club Cab and Quad Cab trims. The alignment is not adjustable on the rear end of the vehicle. For the front end, the caster angle limits are +1.0 to +3.65 degrees on all trims except for the Club Cab and Quad Cab trims, for which the limits are +1.0 degrees to +4.0 degrees. The caster angle cross tolerance is +0.5 degrees for all trims. The camber angle should be set at +0.5 degrees on all trims. The ideal toe-in is +0.1 degrees.

Ram 2500 4x4

As with the 2000 Ram 1500 4x2, the alignment specs were the same for all trims of the 2000 Ram 2500 4x4 (except for the caster angle on the Club Cab and Quad Cab trims). The alignment is not adjustable on the rear end. The caster angle limits for the front end are +1.0 degree to +2.68 degrees for all trims other than the Club Cab and Quad Cab, for which the limits are +1.0 degrees to +2.8 degrees. The toe-in should be set at +0.1 degrees. According to the "Wheel Alignment Specifications" manual by the Naas Publishing Company, Dodge did not specify a camber angle for the 4x4 trims of Ram pickup trucks in 2000.

Dakot 4x4

The caster angle limits for the front end of the 2000 Dodge Dakota 4x4 are +0.5 degrees to +3.16 degrees for all trims except for the Club Cab, for which the limits are +0.4 degrees to +3.16 degrees. The cross tolerance is +0.5 degrees for all trims. The camber angle limits are -0.25 degrees to +0.5 degrees, with a cross tolerance of +0.5 degrees. The front toe-in can range from +0.06 degrees to +0.1 degrees. The ideal thrust angle is +0.4 degrees.

HEMI engines are some of the most powerful automobiles engines in production. According to some Dodge owners, occasionally, HEMI engines make a "ticking" noise. For the most part, the noise level increases as more miles are driven

Possible Causes

Some mechanics have reported the "ticking" noise is normal with the Dodge Ram, and several owners have stated they have had no significant problems with their HEMI engines. However, other owners have replaced the injectors, spark plugs and fuel emission system to try to lower the noise level.

Considerations

The HEMI engine is meant for a heavy duty workload. Dodge Rams with HEMI engines are meant to be work trucks and not luxury vehicles. Engine horsepower and durability should be the major concerns for Ram owners rather than noise level.

Theories/Speculation

Dodge Rams come with Check Engine lights that turn on if there is a major problem with the engine. If the Check Engine light is not on, but the noise level is still getting louder, then the noise is not interfering with the engines functionality. The noise might be more of an annoyance than a mechanical problem.

The check engine light illuminates on the control panel on the dashboard of your Dodge when the on-board diagnostic computer reads a trouble code from the engine. You should take your Dodge to a qualified mechanic to have the problem looked at and, if necessary, repaired before you reset the light. You can reset the light in a few minutes manually from home using a simple tool purchased from your local auto parts store. Or most auto parts stores will reset it for you for free.

Instructions

1

Locate and open the fuse panel cover on your Dodge. This is inside the vehicle on the bottom of the dashboard on the drivers side. Pull down on the cover from the top of the panel with your fingers.

2

Locate an open port within the fuse panel that is the same size and shape as the connector end on your OBD scan tool. Plug the connector into the port.

3

Put the key in the ignition and turn it on to the "II" position, which is right before the engine starts. Wait for the light that is flashing on the OBD scan tool to turn off. Look on the dashboard above the steering column to see that the check engine light has turned off as well.

Car mirrors can suffer a lot of damage throughout the life of an automobile. When a mirror is beyond repair, the entire mirror must be replaced. Knowing how to install a mirror on a 2007 Dodge Caravan can spare Caravan owners time and expense.

Instructions

1

Pry off the panel where the mirror attaches to the vehicle with a small standard screwdriver. This will expose the screws attaching the mirror to the vehicle.

2

Remove the two exposed screws attaching the mirror to the vehicle with a T27 Torx driver.

3

Open the door next to the mirror you are replacing. This will expose the third and final screw attaching the mirror to the vehicle.

4

Unscrew the final screw with a T27 Torx driver. Some mirrors designed for a 2007 Dodge Caravan have an internal heating element with a cable attaching it to the vehicles electrical system. With this type of mirror, press the release tab on the cable connector and pull the cables apart before removing the mirror.

5

Lift the mirror to be replaced away from the vehicle.

6

Hold the replacement mirror in place against the vehicle so the screw holes in the mirror base and vehicle align. If the vehicles mirror has an internal heating element, first attach the replacement mirrors cable to the vehicles mirror cable before holding the replacement mirror in place.

7

Screw the screws into the three holes of the mirror base with a T27 Torx driver.

8

Replace the panel where the mirror attaches to the vehicle by sliding it into place and pressing firmly.

A vehicle identification number, or VIN, provides key information about a vehicle. It can identify features, such as the model year, country of origin or assembly plant location. For 1977 Dodge vehicles, the VIN consists of 13 letters and numbers, one of which highlights engine size specifications.

Instructions

1

Find the VIN number by looking on the left front door lock pillar, or check your registration or title paperwork.

2

Verify that the sixth character is a "7" for 1977.

3

Note the fifth VIN character to identify the engine size, such as "C" for 225 cubic inch displacement, "G" for 318 cubic inch displacement or "J" for 360 cubic inch displacement.