1978 Dodge B200 problems
The Dodge Ram Van (also known as the Dodge B-series) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100, the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis.
The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history. Much of the exterior and chassis underpinnings saw only gradual changes during their entire production, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range saw rebranding during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate).
For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly (Fenton, Missouri). In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009. Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato.
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Common 1978 Dodge B200 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems reported by owners of the 1978 Dodge B200:
- Choke Malfunction:
- Some owners have reported issues with the choke not opening and closing properly, affecting the engine's performance. This can lead to difficulties in starting the vehicle and affect its overall operation.
- Fuel Gauge Failure:
- Another common problem is the fuel gauge showing incorrect readings or completely stopping to work. This issue can mislead drivers about the fuel level in the tank, potentially causing inconvenience or unexpected stops.
- Engine Performance:
- Owners have noted issues with engine performance, such as the vehicle feeling like it wants to bog down during acceleration but running fine once on the highway. This could be indicative of various engine-related problems affecting the vehicle's drivability.
- Starting Issues:
- Some owners have faced challenges with the vehicle cranking but not starting. This could be due to issues like lack of spark, which may require checking the coil, plugs, plug wires, distributor, and ECM for faults.
These common problems with the 1978 Dodge B200 highlight various issues related to gauges, engine performance, starting, and fuel systems that owners have encountered. Addressing these issues promptly and accurately is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's reliability and performance.
What is the wheelbase of the Dodge B200?
127-inch
Shown below: B200 Tradesman on a 127-inch wheelbase, with optional full-width rear door.
How long is Dodge Ram bed?
RAM 1500 Bed Sizes
The RAM truck bed options for the 1500 include a 5-foot 7-inch bed and a 6-foot 4-inch bed. Review the different dimensions of each available truck bed below.
How long is a Dodge 2500 bed?
Ram 2500 Bed Options
If you want more passenger volume than cargo volume, you can opt for the optional 6.4-foot box. This available box is 20.2 inches deep, 76.3 inches long, and 66.4 inches wide from bed wall to bed wall. These dimensions add up to provide you with 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space inside the bed.
Does Ram make a short bed?
The Ram 2500 has two-bed configurations and options to meet even the most diverse needs. Whether you need a short, 6-foot truck bed for maneuverability in urban environments or a standard 8-foot-long truck bed made from high-strength steel for maximum load capacity, the 2023 Ram 2500 has you covered.
1978 Dodge B200 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge B200 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Dodge B200 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Dodge B200 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Dodge B200.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-18
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ALL 4 TIRES HAD THE BELT SEPARATE 1 BLEW OUT THE SIDE 2 HAD A 1 INCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF TREAD ONE TIRE SOUNDED LIKE YOU WERE DRIVING DOWN THE RUMBLE STRIPS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEY ALL SHOOK AND I HAD A HEAT GUN AND WHEN THEY WENT THEY WERE RUNNING AT 190 DEG AND ONE TIRE HAD A HOT SPOT OF 310 DEG ALL 4 TIRES HAD THE SAME DOT NUMBER. *JB
1978 Dodge B200 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1978 Dodge B200.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: THE FRONT RAIL EXTENSION MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING NEAR THE AREA WHERE THE POWER STEERING GEAR ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. IF THE CRACK PROGRESSES THROUGH MOST OR ALL OF THE RAIL SECTION, STEERING SYSTEM FREE PLAY ACCOMPANIED BY METALLIC RATTLE NOISE WILL BE EXPERIENCED.
- Remedy: AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE WELD REPAIRED AND A REINFORCEMENT ROD WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE CRACKED AREA.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ROUTING MAY ALLOW INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOSES AND THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES DURING EXTREME TURNING ANGLES.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND INSTALL A NEW BRAKE HOSE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ELIMINATE CONTACT WITH TIRE/WHEEL.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES", IN THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF FITTING CERTAIN ADULT PASSENGERS WHEN THE SEAT IS IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER UNIBELT ASSEMBLY WITH AN ASSEMBLY HAVING A LONGER BELT WEBBING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Dodge B200 problems:
1978 dodge B200 fuel & temp. Guages - Vannin' Community and ...
Mar 26, 2013 ... All other elements on the cluster work perfectly. It seems like the problem is common to both the tmp and fuel gauges Stll looking for more ...
Continuing brake problems .. | DodgeTalk Forum
Aug 17, 2012 ... Considering the age of Cubey's van (1978), I'm not sure if the front brakes are disc or shoes. Either way, it will have a proportion valve ...
1978 Dodge Van Reviews - Carsurvey.org
When purchased: New motor mounts had just been installed. Very bad rust problem around the drip edge, especially above the rear door. Oil pressure gauge did not ...
Q&A: Ignition Problems in Old Dodge - Coil Pack, Ignition Module ...
Aug 8, 2012 ... I am having ignition problems also with an old Dodge Tioga motorhome. I have read a lot of the forums with what you - Answered by a verified ...
1977 Dodge Van B200 Comments (r72500)
Feb 20, 2006 ... If you ever had a problem with vibrations from the engine, but could never find it... look at where the transmission meets the bolt up U-part.
Other years of Dodge B200
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