Hello all,

I've been shopping for a late model 3500 passenger van, and came across a pretty nice looking deal but noticed in the pictures that the engine cover in the passenger compartment has obviously been removed, and then not properly re-attached. I was wondering if any regularly scheduled maintenance has to be accessed from the inside or if this is a sign that they have had other issues with the vehicle.

I'm under the impression that normal maintenance, like oil change, air filter change, fluid checks, etc. can all be done under the hood and/or from under the van, but wanted confirmation from an owner.

Thanks in advance !

 

So the first 142 people who have read my post above don't know if you have to go through the interior access cover for any regular scheduled maintenance?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

 

You failed to reveal the year of the van, engine size, and mileage, which would be helpful. If the van has 100,000 miles, plugs, wires, possibly the thermostat could be accessed from the engine cover.

 

You would remove the doghouse to replace rear spark plugs or wires, remove the transmission, check for fuel pressure or gain access to oil pressure sensor. Or sometimes I do this just if I want to pressure wash the engine. Past issues do not indicate any future issues, so why do you even care? Just install it back correctly and be done with it.
If it's an older van, smog technicians used to be required to remove doghouse to check for EGR equipment.