Understanding My New Van
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From: Tennessee
Understanding My New Van
I'm trying to figure out how everything works on my new 1989 Dodge RAM 2500 van.
1. There are a series of 4 switches in an overhead console, with fuses above each. Are these some sort of auxiliary switches, or do they serve a purpose?
2. We can't figure out the shades over the rear windows. There doesn't seem to be a cord hanging down anywhere, and it looks like there is a cord running into the body. Is this cord controlled electronically, or does it come out somewhere that we have overlooked?
3. How reliable are these vans? Are there any common problems I should know about?
This is my first actual Dodge vehicle, so I don't know much about them. Its also the first van I'll have ever driven, once I get the alternator on and get it running. This is the first time I've ever even heard of a 318 motor, as the main stuff I've worked on are Chevy trucks and Jeeps.
1. There are a series of 4 switches in an overhead console, with fuses above each. Are these some sort of auxiliary switches, or do they serve a purpose?
2. We can't figure out the shades over the rear windows. There doesn't seem to be a cord hanging down anywhere, and it looks like there is a cord running into the body. Is this cord controlled electronically, or does it come out somewhere that we have overlooked?
3. How reliable are these vans? Are there any common problems I should know about?
This is my first actual Dodge vehicle, so I don't know much about them. Its also the first van I'll have ever driven, once I get the alternator on and get it running. This is the first time I've ever even heard of a 318 motor, as the main stuff I've worked on are Chevy trucks and Jeeps.
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Hello MajoraSlayer
First you need to pick up a couple of manuals the first being an owners manual for your vehicle & a mechanics manual. Try this for a owners manual http://www.lloydsautolit.com/search....=Owners+Manual
I would go to your neighbor hood parts store & purchase a Haynes manual for your vehical. This is a basic mechanical manual that I have purchased for every vehicle I have ever owned over the years. These will familarize yourself with your vehicle. Most switches in consoles are for ceiling lighting, kick panel, fog etc. Make sure your fuses are good & turn them on & see what happens. Wait & watch to see if a short occurs. I have had 2 Dodge work vans 1988 & 1992. They are work horses with the 318. Trannys can be a problem after a lot of miles. There are a lot of experts on this forum, hopefully you can get more responses. Good luck & keep us posted.
First you need to pick up a couple of manuals the first being an owners manual for your vehicle & a mechanics manual. Try this for a owners manual http://www.lloydsautolit.com/search....=Owners+Manual
I would go to your neighbor hood parts store & purchase a Haynes manual for your vehical. This is a basic mechanical manual that I have purchased for every vehicle I have ever owned over the years. These will familarize yourself with your vehicle. Most switches in consoles are for ceiling lighting, kick panel, fog etc. Make sure your fuses are good & turn them on & see what happens. Wait & watch to see if a short occurs. I have had 2 Dodge work vans 1988 & 1992. They are work horses with the 318. Trannys can be a problem after a lot of miles. There are a lot of experts on this forum, hopefully you can get more responses. Good luck & keep us posted.
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It actually did come with a Haynes manual. They can come in handy at times, but they do have a bad habit of being vague. Most of the time the instructions consist of:
1. Remove old part.
2. Installation is reverse of removal.
1. Remove old part.
2. Installation is reverse of removal.
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From:
The switches you're asking about are installed by the conversion company, not by Dodge - same with the shades.
They are very reliable when given basic maintenance. The 318 is the 5.2L V8, which you might have heard about. It's been around forever in various iterations (friend of mine has a '67 RV with a 318 so smooth you can't tell it's running - and it's never been rebuilt). Whatever transmission you have, you want to put ATF+3 in, NOT Dexron/Mercron or some other 'general fit' fluid. If you do put in the wrong stuff, you'll pay later.
Chilton and Haynes manuals are pretty much only useful as firestarting material. If you want a manual, get the factory service manual (1989 Rear Wheel Drive Van/Wagon) on eBay or somewhere similar. However, the FSM will not have any diagrams for wiring your conversion company added after the chassis left the factory. You need to contact the conversion company if they still exist - or google the heck out of the name.
Who did your conversion, by the way?
They are very reliable when given basic maintenance. The 318 is the 5.2L V8, which you might have heard about. It's been around forever in various iterations (friend of mine has a '67 RV with a 318 so smooth you can't tell it's running - and it's never been rebuilt). Whatever transmission you have, you want to put ATF+3 in, NOT Dexron/Mercron or some other 'general fit' fluid. If you do put in the wrong stuff, you'll pay later.
Chilton and Haynes manuals are pretty much only useful as firestarting material. If you want a manual, get the factory service manual (1989 Rear Wheel Drive Van/Wagon) on eBay or somewhere similar. However, the FSM will not have any diagrams for wiring your conversion company added after the chassis left the factory. You need to contact the conversion company if they still exist - or google the heck out of the name.
Who did your conversion, by the way?
