1985 Dodge Ramcharger problems

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The Dodge Ramcharger is a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993, based on a shortened-wheelbase version of the Dodge D series/Ram pickup chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Plymouth Trail Duster, offered from 1974 to 1981, was Plymouth's only SUV.

The Ramcharger was mostly produced as a two-door, 4×4 vehicle, although a two-wheel-drive version was available. As a full-size SUV, it competed with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the 1978–1996 Ford Bronco.

The Ramcharger was discontinued at the end of the 1993 model year in North America. In Mexico, however, production continued until 1996. It was then brought back from 1999 to 2001, still as a two-door SUV and sharing the design of the contemporary Ram pickup. Approximately 30,000 were produced, with all examples being two-wheel-drive only.

In November 2023, Stellantis announced that the Ramcharger nameplate would be revived for a plug-in hybrid version of the 2025 Ram 1500.

1985 Dodge Ramcharger

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Common 1985 Dodge Ramcharger problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Dodge Ramcharger, several common problems have been identified:

  • HVAC Blower Motor Fuse Blowing:
    Another common complaint involves the HVAC blower motor fuse blowing. This issue can lead to a lack of heating or cooling inside the vehicle, affecting the comfort of the passengers. It is essential to address this problem promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the HVAC system.
  • Transmission Failure:
    Transmission failure due to a lack of maintenance or other underlying issues has been a significant concern among Dodge Ramcharger owners. Symptoms of transmission problems may include shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, or the vehicle shaking on the road. Regular transmission maintenance is crucial to prevent such issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
  • 4WD Engagement Issues:
    Some owners have reported difficulties with the 4WD engagement in their Dodge Ramcharger. Problems with the front axle not engaging despite shifting the lever can be frustrating and may be related to issues with the vacuum system or other mechanical components. Proper diagnosis and repair are necessary to address this problem effectively.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 1985 Dodge Ramcharger. By addressing these concerns proactively, owners can ensure the reliability and longevity of their vehicles.

1985 Dodge Ramcharger engine

How much is a Ramcharger worth?

A: The average price of a Dodge Ramcharger is $19,853.

Why was the Ramcharger discontinued?

This version of the Ramcharger was not sold in the U.S. for numerous reasons: Two-door SUV sales had been declining: GM soon ended production of its two-door Chevrolet Tahoe in 1999, and Ford replaced the long-running two-door-only Ford Bronco for the 1997 model year with the four-door Ford Expedition.

What was the MSRP for a 1985 Dodge Ramcharger?

Pricing. The original price of the 1985 Dodge RamCharger was $11,500 before any taxes and add-ons. If you are looking for a used one today, you can find models with prices soaring north of $20,000. Talk about a classic collectible!

Are Ramchargers good off road?

All right well Ram Charger made it back without any major problems and we even did a little bit of off-roading with it we did we took it off-road.

Why was the Ramcharger discontinued?

This version of the Ramcharger was not sold in the U.S. for numerous reasons: Two-door SUV sales had been declining: GM soon ended production of its two-door Chevrolet Tahoe in 1999, and Ford replaced the long-running two-door-only Ford Bronco for the 1997 model year with the four-door Ford Expedition.

Are Ramchargers good off road?

All right well Ram Charger made it back without any major problems and we even did a little bit of off-roading with it we did we took it off-road.

How much is a Ramcharger worth?

A: The average price of a Dodge Ramcharger is $19,853.

What was the MSRP for a 1985 Dodge Ramcharger?

1985 Dodge Ramcharger Trims

Trim typeMSRP
150 RWD$10,971
150 4WD$12,200

1985 Dodge Ramcharger car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Ramcharger problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Dodge Ramcharger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Dodge Ramcharger complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Dodge Ramcharger.

2010-09-22

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-08-10
  • VIN: 1B4GW12T6FS
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: DOMINATOR RADIAL A/T SIZE 31X1050R15, DOT U78D, TC21601, R8R1. TIRES WERE PURCHASED ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO FOR A 1985 DODGE RAMCHARGER. THEY WERE USED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS THEN PLACED INTO STORAGE. TIRES WERE REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND PLACED IN A CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE AREA. IN AUGUST 2010 VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK INTO OPERATION WITH THESE TIRES. TIRES WERE FINE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS THEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A WEEK. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES WERE OVER 100 DEGREES ALL WEEK. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO DRIVE IT WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL GOOD YEAR DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAD BELT /TREAD SEPARATION. THESE TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 1/32ND INCH OF WEAR. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE AND TIRES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
2006-11-08

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-11-08
  • VIN: 1B4GD12T0FS
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: FOGGED WINDSHIELD. *NM
2000-10-10

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
  • VIN: 1B4GW12T5FS
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: SIDE WALL CALLASPED WHILE ONLY GOING 30 HPH, RIGHT REAR TIRE, TIRE HAD 5000 MILES ON IT. (DOT NUMBER: VDP6 U6W TIRESIZE: 3312.50R15)
1997-04-22

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT TRACKS BROKE. THE BASE OF SEAT CAUSED PRESSURE WHICH APPEARS TO BE THE CAUSE OF SEAT TRACKS BREAKING. *AK

1985 Dodge Ramcharger recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Dodge Ramcharger.

1984-09-24
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE, WHICH IS ROUTED FROM THE BODY BRAKE TUBING TO THE FRONT AXLE CONNECTOR, MAY HAVE BEEN TWISTED WHEN INSTALLED. IF THE HOSE IS TWISTED, IT MAY BECOME LOOPED OR COILED UPON ITSELF RESULTING IN ABRASIVE CONTACT DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
  • Remedy: THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE ON EACH VEHICLE INVOLVED WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER ROUTING AND, IF NECESSARY, REROUTED TO PREVENT ANY ABRASIVE CONTACT.
1984-09-24
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
  • Summary: VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
  • Remedy: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Dodge Ramcharger problems:

Common problems with Ramchargers? | Dodge RamCharger Central
Common problems with Ramchargers? | Dodge RamCharger Central
https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/common-problems-with-ramchargers.149154/

Jun 11, 2011 ... He wants a blazer style vehicle and I found a 1986 Dodge Ramcharger today on Craigslist. I was wondering what are some common issues you run ...

1985 Dodge Ramcharger Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1985 Dodge Ramcharger Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/dodge/ramcharger/1985/

Jun 9, 2010 ... 1985 Dodge Ramcharger Royal 150 SE 318ci from North America. Summary: It is a great start up car for a teen. Faults: Nothing at this ...

1985 Prospector 4WD problems | Dodge RamCharger Central
1985 Prospector 4WD problems | Dodge RamCharger Central
https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/1985-prospector-4wd-problems.335098/

Oct 1, 2023 ... here is some pics to the frequently asked common problem of the central axle disconnect operated 4x4 trucks. this was used from 85-93 RCs and ...

Dodge Ramcharger Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Dodge Ramcharger Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/dodge/ramcharger

Top Dodge Ramcharger Problems · Intermittent stalling or no start · HVAC blower motor fuse may blow · Revised rear brake shoes · Transmission failure due to lack of ...

Usual Ramcharger issues? | Dodge RamCharger Central
Usual Ramcharger issues? | Dodge RamCharger Central
https://www.ramchargercentral.com/threads/usual-ramcharger-issues.95097/

May 20, 2007 ... Where do they rust, what mechanical issues are common, that sort of thing. The truck in question has the TBI 318, 727 tranny, D44 front, 9.25" ...

Other years of Dodge Ramcharger

dodge ramcharger 1986 photo
Ramcharger 1986
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Ramcharger 1987
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dodge ramcharger 1988 photo
Ramcharger 1988
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Ramcharger 1989
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Ramcharger 1990
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dodge ramcharger 1991 photo
Ramcharger 1991
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1985 Dodge Ramcharger photo