NOTE: To receive maximum benefit, the inspection should occur during daylight hours.
Take delivery of the new vehicle after it passes this inspection.

 

Paperwork check:    IMPORTANT - verify before you fall in love with the truck!!
OK?	INSPECT:
	Vehicle Identification - Check VIN on dashboard and door plate against title
	Option Verification - Check Sticker to verify all codes
	Owners manual, vehicle warranty, Chrysler contact pamphlet, tire warranty - should be in glovebox. These items can be very difficult to obtain after the dealership has your money.
Check the red DOT sheet "Comsumer Information, Truck Camper Loading" in the glovebox.
	Make sure the cargo weight raiting is sufficient for your needs.

 

Exterior Appearance Inspection: ( walk around inspection of the exterior ) NOTE: While inspecting exterior, look for paint problems such as Bubbles in clear coat, Excessive orange peel, Industrial fallout on paint finish, Scratches, Dents, etc.
OK?	INSPECT:
Front End & Cab
Nose / Fender / Hood Area
	Bumpers (not even a hint of rust, there were problems in 1998)
	Fender fit and finish
	Hood fit and finish
	Grille fit and finish
Cab Area
	Door fit and finish
	Door Jamb Area
	Hinges
	Locks
	Molding
	Rubber gaskets
	Outside decorative Trim
	Window operation
	Watch for windshield cracks in the lower corner on driver's side
	Mirrors
	Roof
	Look under rear of cab for seam separation on back wall
	Radio antenna
Bed & Rear End
Rear End
	Bumpers - watch for dents, rust, loose mounting bolts
	Tail gate - check latch function, cables, make sure the security bolt is installed
	Receiver - installed, bolts tight, trailer plug cover opens without interference
Bed
	Make sure the bed paint matches the cab paint, especially on the new colors
	Fender fit and finish
	Floor
	Front Wall
	Molding
Under body inspection
	Check for coffee cups and trash stuffed in chassis rails
	Check for proper amount of grease in grease fittings
	Check for loose steering box
	Shake intermediate steering shaft - feel for loose slip joint
	Check for loose shocks (cause a rattle) - loose lower bolts are very common
	Check brake line routing (no kinks, no rubbing)
	Check routing of emergency brake cable at left rear axle - some vehicles routed this cable directly under the rubber bump stop

Take a break, go wash your hands

 

Operation Verification
OK?	INSPECT:
Set parking brake Put manual transmission in neutral, Automatic in Park Turn key to run position ( DO NOT START )
	Warning lights should illuminate and then go out (engine warning should stay lit )
	Oil pressure reads 0
	Water Temperature steady
	Voltmeter reads less than 12.5 Volts and steady - may be lower in a cold diesel while heater grids cycle
	Fuel Gauge steady
	Tachometer reads 0
	Warning Buzzer should sound if door is opened
	Warning Buzzer should sound if headlights are turned on
Start Engine
	Firm brake pedal (not mush, does not slowly sink to floor)
	Oil Pressure - normal and steady
	Water temperature - steady
	Voltmeter - should read 13.5 to 14.5 volts - may jump up and down on a cold diesel as heater grids cycle on and off
	Fuel Gauge - steady
	Tachometer - steady at a reasonable idle speed
	No Warning Lights or Buzzers
	Shift between forward and reverse gears listening for abnormal sounds and clunks
Test Lights
Turn on Lights and check bulbs
	Check Instrument Panel Light dimmer
	High beam
	Low Beam
	Tail Lights
	License plate lights
	Side marker lights
	Running lights
Turn lights off
	Brake lights (including CHMSL)
	4 way flashers
	Turn signals
	Dome lights on when doors open
	Dome lights on when doors closed and switch on
	Check Map light switches
	Glove compartment light - on when door open
	Glove compartment light - Make certain that it shuts off when glove box door is closed
	Bed (cargo) light - Turn on and off with switch
	Temporarily Engage Transmission reverse gear and check backup lights
Radio & speaker test - Turn Radio on
	Tune an station AM
	balance speakers
	seek new station
	Tune an station FM
	balance speakers
	seek new station
	Play a tape
	Play a CD
Mirror Tests
	Vanity Mirror Left, Right
	Rearview Mirror - adjust, flip day/night
	Outside Mirror - Adjust Left, Right, Up Down, Check heating functionality
	Look for Mirror Vibration at idle
Steering Wheel
	Blow Horn (should require an easy push, not a great deal of force - common problem)
	Turn wheel to lock in both directions - should not bind
	Adjust tilt to fit
Overhead Console
	Check temperature - make sure all display segments light properly
	Check Compass - make sure all display segments light properly
	Check Map Lights - make sure all display segments light properly
Power options
	Lock and Unlock Doors
	Raise and lower windows
Windshield Wipers
	Wash & Wipe
	Check All Speeds
Heat and Air Conditioner system
	Check for blower motor squeak
	cycle through all heat positions - vents should change as expected
	Check Fan on all speeds
	AC runs in Defrost positions
	Temperature knob turns smoothly - note: cold engine may not produce heat

This inspection list was origianlly compiled by Tim Butterfield
starting with an inspection list written by Bob Brand.
Mike Stovall suggested the tools and materials.

Revision is constantly in progress.
For suggestions, additions, or corrections to this list, please email me.

Last update May 4, 2001