1979 Dodge 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 1979 Dodge Van problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1979 Dodge van, several common problems have been identified:
- Vapor Lock and Fuel Delivery Issues: Vapor lock and fuel delivery problems have been highlighted as potential concerns for the 1979 Dodge van. Vapor lock, especially with modern gasoline blends like E-10, can lead to drivability issues, particularly in hot weather conditions. The alcohol content in E-10 gasoline can evaporate faster than gasoline, causing vapor lock in older engines. Additionally, issues with fuel delivery components like the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulator can impact acceleration and overall engine performance.
- Exhaust System Restrictions: Problems with the exhaust system, such as blockages in the catalytic converter, muffler, or exhaust pipe, can mimic carburetion issues and lead to a lack of power and poor acceleration. An obstructed exhaust system can create excessive backpressure, affecting the engine's ability to breathe properly and resulting in acceleration problems. Testing with a vacuum gauge can help diagnose exhaust system blockages.
- Engine Mechanical Problems: Engine mechanical issues, including low compression, worn piston rings, damaged pistons, valve problems, or timing belt issues, can contribute to poor acceleration and overall drivability. Low compression levels can impact the engine's performance, leading to difficulties in acceleration and power delivery. Addressing these mechanical problems through proper diagnosis and repair is essential to restore the engine's efficiency.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1979 Dodge van highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and timely repairs to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the vehicle's functionality and enhance the driving experience for owners of this classic Dodge van.
1979 Dodge Van car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Dodge Van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Dodge Van complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Dodge Van.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-20
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: COMPLETE TIRE FAILURES (5) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 31.5/10.5/ )
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