1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van

1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van

The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van is a full-size van that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.9L V6 that produced 175 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 5.2L V8 that produced 220 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.9L V8 that produced 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500 Van was available with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

People who like the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van often praise its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride. However, some people have complained about the van’s poor fuel economy and limited towing capacity.

Engine

• 3.9L V6

  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: N/A
  • Exhaust manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leaking from the exhaust manifold, engine noise
    • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: N/A

• 5.2L V8

  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: N/A
  • Ignition coil failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, poor performance
    • Solution: Replace the ignition coil
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: N/A

• 5.9L V8

  • Cylinder head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the cylinder head, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace the cylinder head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
    • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

• Four-speed automatic

  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping gears, difficulty shifting
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500
    • Recalls: N/A

• Five-speed manual

  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slipping, difficulty shifting
    • Solution: Replace the clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Front suspension

  • Ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, poor handling
    • Solution: Replace the ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: N/A

• Rear suspension

  • Leaf spring failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor handling
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: N/A
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle won’t start, electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the body panels, frame, or undercarriage
  • Solution: Remove the rust and apply a rust-resistant coating
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• HVAC system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning or heating not working
  • Solution: Repair or replace the HVAC system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: N/A
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working
  • Solution: Repair or replace the power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary

The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van is a reliable vehicle that has been praised for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride. However, it does have some potential issues that should be considered before purchasing one. The most common issues include:

• Engine: Intake manifold gasket failure, exhaust manifold gasket failure, ignition coil failure, cylinder head gasket failure
• Transmission: Transmission slipping, clutch failure
• Suspension: Ball joint failure, leaf spring failure
• Electrical: Alternator failure, battery failure
• Exterior: Rust
• Interior: HVAC system failure, power window failure

The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but they should be taken into consideration when making a decision about whether or not to purchase a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Van.