Spark plugs are one of the most critical components inside your engine that need to be maintained. There’s a likely probability you will need to replace your old spark plugs several times during your ownership of a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van. Spark plugs are one of the most critical parts inside your engine as they trigger the entire combustion process that starts and keeps your engine running for many thousands of miles. Like most engine parts, spark plugs experience wear over time and eventually need to be swapped out for new replacements, but fortunately this is a repair you can do on your own. Chances are, if you’ve found yourself here, you have no idea how to do that, or maybe you’d just like to know what kind of spark plugs you need to buy. The complete process of changing your spark plugs should take approximately 20-45 minutes. This article will go over everything you’ll need to know about your Dodge Ram 2500 Van’s spark plugs, whether you need some baseline information or a full, step-by-step guide to performing a spark plug change.
Correct spark plugs on a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van
AUTOLITE 5224[/caption]For any 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van, you can use AUTOLITE 5224 spark plugs. These will be an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your engine. As this 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van features an 8 cylinder engine, ensure you purchase 8 spark plugs. We always try to recommend the best possible spark plugs for the money, and these spark plugs are either a factory recomendation or an equivalent replacement available in today’s market at a reasonable price.
How often should I change my spark plugs?
In general, it is advised that you replace spark plugs once every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Of course, please make sure to check your owner’s manual to determine the exact interval determined by Dodge for the 1999 Ram 2500 Van. Of course, if you drive your vehicle more aggressively or own a Ram 2500 Van with some modifications, you may want to consider changing your spark plugs closer to the 20,000 miles end of that spectrum.
However, there are also classic signs of a car that may need a spark plug replacement prematurely, such as:
- Engine misfiring
- Rough idle
- Problems starting your engine
Note that this list is absolutely not comprehensive, and these problems on their own do not necessarily point to the spark plugs being the solitary culprit. However, the best way to prevent any issues with your vehicle is to take care of it with regular maintenance, and you are definitely doing so with the responsible decision to replace your Dodge Ram 2500 Van’s spark plugs on a regular basis.
Changing spark plugs on a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van
This is a process you can do on your own with some commonplace garage tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual (FSM) or an equivalent Haynes or Chiltons manual. The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.
Helpful Tools
As noted before, you should be able to accomplish a spark plug change with some regular tools you probably already have. However, there are a few tools that are specific to this job that you may not have, and we also want to recommend some commonplace tools that you should absolutely have in your toolbox if you don’t already.
- A spark plug tester – this is definitely a niche tool, but it can save you a ton of time. Although we’ve discussed spark plug replacement being a good thing to replace regularly and not just when issues occur, you may also be replacing your spark plugs because of something going wrong. This tool can help you diagnose the exact problem.
- A spark plug gap tool. This allows you to check the gap of your spark plugs and increase or decrease it if necessary. Most plugs will come pregapped, but if not, you should definitely have one of these.
- I also highly recommend you have a feeler gauge as it makes it a bit easier to check the exact gap, and it comes in handy for a decent number of other jobs.
- A torque wrench is a very important tool to have in your toolbox. You should check your factory service manual to determine the correct torque rating to use when inserting the new spark plugs for your 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van to be certain they are installed properly.
- A set of spark plug sockets – These come in very handy because many standard sockets are not deep enough for spark plugs. Additionally, some spark plug holes are a bit smaller, so it requires a thinner wall like the one featured in the product here to fit. The linked product also features a magnet to keep a good hold of the spark plug so you do not drop it into your engine bay!
Tips for changing spark plugs on your 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van
Be sure to reference the video above before you attempt to repair the spark plugs on your 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van, as well as review your factory service manual. Additionally, we have some tips below here to help you as you perform this repair.
- Your engine should be completely COLD before you replace your spark plugs. Ensure you wait at least 30 minutes after your engine has been running before attempting to replace the spark plugs on your 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Van
- Before you begin, remove the negative terminal of your battery. It’s a good idea to disconnect the battery anytime you work on the electrical system of your Dodge Ram 2500 Van or any other vehicle.
- You might consider using dielectric grease when installing new spark plugs. You can apply a small amount to the inside of the boot and the ceramic part of your spark plugs. It prevents voltage leak and helps avoid the misfortune of the boot fusing to the spark plug over time.
- The most important thing is to avoid overtightening the plugs or worse, cracking them due to overtightenting. Use a torque wrench capable of lower, more precise torque ratings to be sure that you don’t make this mistake.
- Note that this is not official advice as many spark plug manufacturers advise against the use of anti-seize. However, I have heard from numerous old-school mechanics that they always apply a light coating of anti-seize to the threads of their spark plugs, especially on older vehicles.