1997 Dodge Mini ram van 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 1997 Dodge Mini ram van problems
The 1997 Dodge Ram Van 2500 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily in the categories of interior accessories, brakes, transmission, engine, seat belts/air bags, steering, exterior accessories, fuel system, wheels/hubs, suspension, electrical, drivetrain, body/paint, and exhaust system.
- Interior Accessories: The most common issue in this category is related to the interior accessories, with 18 NHTSA complaints. This can be caused by a faulty wiring or a damaged radio unit, which can be resolved by replacing the faulty part.
- Brakes: The brakes category has the second-highest number of complaints, with 94 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or recalibrating the ABS system.
- Transmission: The transmission category has the third-highest number of complaints, with 59 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or reprogramming the transmission control module.
- Engine: The engine category has 50 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or reprogramming the engine control module.
- Seat Belts/Air Bags: The seat belts/air bags category has 45 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or reprogramming the airbag control module.
- Steering: The steering category has 43 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the steering gearbox.
- Exterior Accessories: The exterior accessories category has 32 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the suspension system.
- Fuel System: The fuel system category has 32 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rewiring the fuel pump circuit.
- Wheels/Hubs: The wheels/hubs category has 31 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the suspension system.
- Suspension: The suspension category has 28 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the suspension system.
- Electrical: The electrical category has 24 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rewiring the dashboard circuit.
- Drivetrain: The drivetrain category has 21 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the transmission.
- Body/Paint: The body/paint category has 15 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or resealing the body panels.
- Exhaust System: The exhaust system category has 11 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the exhaust system.
- Lights: The lights category has 10 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rewiring the headlight circuit.
- Windows/Windshield: The windows/windshield category has 9 NHTSA complaints. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rewiring the window circuit.
- Cooling System: The cooling system category has 1 NHTSA complaint. This can be resolved by replacing the faulty part or rebuilding the cooling system.
In conclusion, the 1997 Dodge Ram Van 2500 has several common problems, primarily in the categories of interior accessories, brakes, transmission, engine, seat belts/air bags, steering, exterior accessories, fuel system, wheels/hubs, suspension, electrical, drivetrain, body/paint, and exhaust system. These issues can be resolved by replacing the faulty parts or rebuilding the affected systems.
Are Dodge vans reliable?
Although there are some troublesome years for the Dodge Caravan, it's generally a dependable vehicle option if you're interested in a minivan. Some of the newest versions even prove more reliable as they age, a massive bonus for those behind the wheel.
What was the last year of the Dodge Ram van?
2003
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.
Do they still make Dodge Mini van?
WHICH DODGE BRAND VEHICLE IS THE MOST SIMILAR TO THE GRAND CARAVAN? The Dodge Brand no longer produces a minivan, but for families on the go, Dodge Durango is designed to seat your passengers comfortably while delivering the combination of safety, security and performance that Grand Caravan used to.
What old van is most reliable?
Top 10 most reliable used vans
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- Renault Trafic. Aside from the Ford Transit, the Renault Trafic is probably the most familiar name to those searching for a commercial van.
What was the last year of the Dodge Ram van?
2003
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.
What are old Dodge vans called?
Dodge Van may refer to: Dodge A100 and A108, a compact mid-engine van sold from 1964 to 1970. Dodge B-series/Ram van, a full-sized van sold from 1971 to 2002. Dodge Caravan, a minivan sold from 1984 until 2020.
Where are Dodge Ram vans made?
Saltillo, Mexico
Where is the Ram ProMaster built? While most Ram pickup trucks and such are manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly in Michigan, the ProMaster van is built alongside many of its truck siblings at the Saltillo Truck Assembly plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
Did Dodge stop making vans?
After the 2020 model year, the Dodge Grand Caravan was discontinued, ending production on August 21, 2020.
1997 Dodge Mini ram van car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Mini ram van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Dodge Mini ram van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Dodge Mini ram van complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Mini ram van.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 1997 DODGE CARAVAN HEADLIGHTS LOST PART OF THEIR CAPABILITY TO LIGHT UP THE ROAD.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE PLASTIC COVERS WERE HEAVILY PITTED WITH A FOG-LIKE APPEARANCE PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA DIRECTLY AHEAD OF THE LIGHTS RESULTING IN DIFFUSION WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE INTENSITY OF THE HEADLIGHT BEAM ON BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAM. *SC
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-11
- VIN: 2B4FP2534VR
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED TO OPERATE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK A CHRYSLER DEALER IN INDIANA STATED A LOT OF '97 CARAVAN'S HAVE THIS DEFECT. CONSUMER NOTED IT IS IRRITATING, DISTRACTING, AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER REQUESTED A LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION TO GET THE FAILURE REPAIRED. *PH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Mini ram van problems:
Wanting to buy a 1997-2000 Dodge Caravan | The Chrysler Minivan ...
Jan 13, 2016 ... In general what are the major issues known to exist with the 3rd generation Caravan? should I consider the V6 version? I like the 2.5 4-cyl ...
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan - Dieing while driving
May 9, 2018 ... I will be driving down the road and iy just shuts off i drive a 1997 dodge caravan abd also my back windshield wiper had ti be un plugged bc ...
Common Issues with Dodge Caravan Starters - Q&A
Jun 20, 2007 ... A very common problem with the Caravan models that causes this symptom is burned internal contacts inside the starter motor. The usual symptom ...
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan - Why does my transmission shift so ...
Oct 18, 2016 ... please help me, I just bought this van, used of course, but it runs so good other than this problem, it has the 3.3 engine in it and is front ...
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan has electrical problems - Maintenance ...
Mar 2, 2016 ... Both those circuits are controlled by the Body Control Module. The BCM's on these vehicles are well known for their failures that RockAuto is ...
Other years of Dodge Mini ram van
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