1998 Dodge B350 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 1998 Dodge B350 problems
The Dodge B350 1998 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues primarily affect the transmission and engine systems, causing various symptoms such as delayed gear engagement, erratic shifting, and starting problems.
- Engine Control Module (ECM) Failure: The ECM, or engine control module, is responsible for controlling various engine functions. In the Dodge B350 1998, the ECM can fail, causing starting problems and intermittent engine performance issues. This failure is often caused by faulty solenoids in the transmission or bare wires touching ground, which can lead to a voided warranty if not properly addressed before installation.
- Timing Chain Issues: The timing chain in the Dodge B350 1998 can become stretched or break, causing the engine to skip teeth on the compression stroke and fail to start. This issue can be diagnosed by checking the slack in the timing chain, but determining if the chain has slipped multiple teeth may require removing the timing cover.
- Throttle Input Required for Starting: After a smog inspection, some Dodge B350 1998 owners have reported that their vehicles require throttle input to start. This issue can be caused by a faulty throttle position sensor, a malfunctioning idle air control valve, or other engine control system components.
- Erratic Shifting and Shuddering: Another common problem reported by Dodge B350 1998 owners is harsh or erratic shifting and shuddering, which can be caused by various factors, including worn or damaged transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or software issues in the transmission control module (TCM).
To address these issues, it is essential to diagnose and repair the underlying causes promptly. Regular maintenance, including transmission fluid checks and timely service, can help prevent many of these problems. When experiencing issues, it is recommended to consult the vehicle's repair manual or seek professional assistance to ensure accurate diagnosis and repair.
1998 Dodge B350 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge B350 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge B350 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Dodge B350 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge B350.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2B7KB31Z8WK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE BELONGS TO VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. THE VAN HAD AN UNDER HOOD FIRE THAT ORIGINATED IN THE ABS MODULE AREA. THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VAN WHILE IT WAS PARKED. DAIMLERCHRYSLER ISSUED SAFETY RECALL D20 IN 2004 TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VERIZON HAS HAD 29 INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-08
- VIN: 2B5WB35Z5WK
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE TO GET THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL UNSTUCK. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-11
- VIN: 2B7LB31ZXWK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: VALVE STEM IS SEPARATING FROM RUBBER AND METAL, CAUSING TIRES TO DEFLATE FASTER. VALVE STEM IS MANUFACTURED BY SCHRADER PART # TR-600HP. YEAR VEHICLE IS 1998.*AK *YH
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-11
- VIN: 2B7B31Z1WK1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE VALVE STEM IS SEPARATING FROM RUBBER THE AND METAL, CAUSING TIRES TO DEFLATE FASTER, THE VALVE STEM IS MANUFACTURED BY SCHRADER PART # TR-600HP.*AK. *SLC
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Dodge B350 problems:
90s Dodge van reliability : r/vandwellers
Oct 9, 2016 ... ... b350 (193k) that has had some wiring issues. The 360 is amazing ... 98 1500 at work with 5.9 and both had trans problems (both were used hard, ...
1993 Dodge B350 Pleasure Way - Class B Forums
Jun 4, 2019 ... 1993 Dodge B350 Pleasure Way. Page ... No issues. Drove 75mph across the texas panhandle. No problems. ... 1998 Coach House Wide Body. When I bought ...
Average Life Expectancy of 5.9, 5.2 Liter V8 - DodgeForum.com
May 25, 2009 ... ... common. However, the ... The engine itself has not had any problems. ... I have a 1998 dodge durango never had no problems untill 200,000.
Have you had trouble with you van's ECU / PCM ? | DodgeTalk Forum
Aug 18, 2010 ... The 98-99 vans as they miled up would sometimes need a new PCM. ... I have a 1992 B350 TBI that I recently purchased. ... I started doing some ...
1989 Dodge RAM B350 stalls (318cui) - DodgeForum.com
Aug 9, 2012 ... Dodge Ram Van - 1989 Dodge RAM B350 stalls (318cui) - Hi guys, Before I describe my problem I would like to explain that I've done extensive ...
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