1985 Dodge Diplomat problems
The Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car that was produced by Dodge from 1977 to 1989. At launch, it shared a common design with the Chrysler LeBaron and for much of its later production run was the counterpart of the more upscale Chrysler Fifth Avenue and lower priced Plymouth Gran Fury. It was also sold in Mexico between 1981 and 1982 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet. The Diplomat was initially offered in a coupe and a sedan; in 1978, station wagons were added as replacements for the discontinued full-sized C-body wagons.
The Diplomat was offered with a 225 cu in (3.7 L) straight-6 engine a well as optional 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8s. The Diplomat, along with its Plymouth Gran Fury/Caravelle twin, were popular police cars both in North America. The three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission was most popular, but a manual transmission was available until 1981 only on six cylinder and 318 V8 models.
Background
The Diplomat name was originally used by Dodge on 2-door hardtop models from 1950 to 1954. It was also used on the export version of the DeSoto from 1946 through 1962. From 1975 through 1977, the Diplomat name was also used on a trim package available on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop. Starting with the 1977 model year, the Diplomat became a full model line, rather than as the name of a particular body style.
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Common 1985 Dodge Diplomat problems
The Dodge Diplomat, produced in 1985, was a car that possessed mechanical ruggedness and durability, but it also had several common problems that owners often reported.
One of the significant issues was the failure of the suspension towers, which was exacerbated by K-member issues. The cure for this problem was expensive, involving the replacement of the K-member. This issue was particularly prevalent in police versions of the car, which were subjected to heavy use and often experienced suspension problems.
Another common problem was the use of the Lean Burn system, which was prone to causing issues. For instance, the paint on the 1980 model flaked off after just two years, and the wiring in the column often shorted out. Additionally, the 7 1/4 rear end and the ball joints were known to cause problems.
The 1985 Dodge Diplomat also had issues with its gear ratio. The "economy" rear gear ratio of later squads (2.24:1) reduced acceleration and top-end speeds, making the car less suitable for high-performance driving.
The Dodge Diplomat's suspension was another area where problems were frequently reported. The NYC police, operating on the bombed-out streets of the Bronx and Manhattan, experienced suspension problems. However, a Nevada Highway Patrol might never have exhibited any problem at all.
The K-frame was another component that often caused issues in the Dodge Diplomat. The K-frame had to be replaced to solve the suspension problems, which were directly proportional to the type of driving the car had received.
The Dodge Diplomat's engine was another area where problems were frequently reported. The 360 engine was not available on the 80's M-body police cars, and the shock towers on these cars often under police use, leading to cracks in the K-frames. The problem was usually noticeable from when the front wheels had insufficient positive camber adjustment.
The Dodge Diplomat's interior was another area where problems were reported. The aftermarket stereo appeared to have added CD player sound to this very cushy cabin, but it was unlikely that the original owner had installed it.
In summary, the Dodge Diplomat, while known for its durability and mechanical ruggedness, had several common problems that owners often reported. These issues included suspension tower failure, problems with the Lean Burn system, issues with the gear ratio, K-frame problems, and engine and interior problems. Despite these issues, the Dodge Diplomat remained a popular car, particularly in the police market, due to its durability and reliability.
When did Dodge stop making the diplomat?
to 1989
The Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car that was produced by Dodge from 1977 to 1989.
What body style is a Dodge Diplomat?
The Diplomat was initially offered in a coupe and a sedan; in 1978, station wagons were added as replacements for the discontinued full-sized C-body wagons.
Who made the diplomat car?
The Dodge Diplomat was a mid-size sedan that was produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1977 to 1989. Designed as a more luxurious variant of Dodge's compact and mid-size lineup, the Diplomat was aimed at buyers looking for affordable comfort and a touch of elegance.
How fast is a Dodge Diplomat?
The two-barrel car had a 106 mph top speed; the four-barrel, 121 mph.
When did Dodge stop making the diplomat?
to 1989
The Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car that was produced by Dodge from 1977 to 1989.
What body style is a Dodge Diplomat?
The Diplomat was initially offered in a coupe and a sedan; in 1978, station wagons were added as replacements for the discontinued full-sized C-body wagons.
Who makes the diplomat car?
The Dodge Diplomat was a mid-size sedan that was produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1977 to 1989. Designed as a more luxurious variant of Dodge's compact and mid-size lineup, the Diplomat was aimed at buyers looking for affordable comfort and a touch of elegance.
Why was Dodge discontinued?
The Decision to Discontinue
Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis has announced that the current versions of the Charger and Challenger will be their last, at least for the foreseeable future. Production officially ended in December 2023 due to the parent company's transition to cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles (EVs).
1985 Dodge Diplomat car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Diplomat problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Dodge Diplomat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Dodge Diplomat complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Dodge Diplomat.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-06
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD CONTAINS SMALL CRACKS AND OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
- VIN: 1B3BG26P5FX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS SHORTED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Dodge Diplomat problems:
1985 Dodge Diplomat Carburetor Problems | Allpar Forums
Jan 25, 2024 ... Make sure it doesn't leak where the ferrule threads into the carb, that's a common area for the fuel line or the ferrule to crack and leak.
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Jul 25, 2015 ... I'm having trouble starting my 1985 dodge Ram half ton with a 318 motor. We've traced the issue down to the electrical - Answered by a ...
1985 Dodge Diplomat SE HELP | Allpar Forums
May 26, 2022 ... What about the carburetor? That's often the source of performance and economy issues on an old car. Does it still have the stock ignition or has ...
Curbside Classic: 1985 Dodge Diplomat - Darting Around The Aspens
Feb 20, 2021 ... After about $150 spent and much confusion with wiring harnesses, it ran like a brand new car and was rock solid reliable. I later found a kit ...
What did police of the 1980s think of the Dodge Diplomat? - Quora
Feb 15, 2022 ... What was the most common American police car in the 1980s? Here are the main ones: Dodge Diplomat, Plymouth Grand Fury, 1985 Chevrolet ...
Other years of Dodge Diplomat
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