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Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • spost01spost01 Member Posts: 3
    My left turn signal flashes fast the right works fine changed both bulbs but does not do this all the time what is the cause
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Usually indicative of a bad bulb. I'm assuming you changed both bulbs on the left side so I would look for an intermittent connection or a faulty ground. Also make sure your flasher is firmly seated in the socket. Possibly the flasher is the problem but I don't think so.

    jneal
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    I've had turn signal switch plates in the steering column on older vehicles give problems of this sort but I can't hazard even a guess that this is your problem.

    jneal
  • pajimmypajimmy Member Posts: 1
    Heater blower fan not working. fuses ok. Anything else I should check before crawling under the dash and tearing things apart?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    DOes it work only on "high" setting? If the answer is "yes" then replace the blower resistor.
  • toddf5toddf5 Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem, after asking around,changeing fusses and tearing out and putting in a new blower fan found out that there is a rely on the fire wall under the hood on the passenger side. I bought one for I think $6.oo put it in and the darn thing worked. Good luck.
  • ssandozssandoz Member Posts: 4
    HELP ANYOME KNOW WHAT A SPEED SENSOR IS OR LOCATED? P0720 OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR CIRCUT MALFUNCTION. TRANS WONT SHIFT FROM 1ST AND TURN SIGNALS/4 WAY FLASHERS DONT WORK
  • ssandozssandoz Member Posts: 4
    YOU HAVE A BAD GROUND MOST LIKELY AT THE BULB YOU REPLACED TAKE IT BACK OUT AND CHECK THE SOCKET FOR CORROSION CLEAN IT GOOD. NOTE: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE WORKING ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
  • spost01spost01 Member Posts: 3
    where is flasher located
  • spost01spost01 Member Posts: 3
    Wher is the flasher located on 2001
  • gtownguygtownguy Member Posts: 73
    Hi everyone, well, I seem to finally have the ashtray problem. As I go over bumps, my ashtray opens. Quite annoying. I don't smoke so it has never been used.
    Anyways, any idea on what I need? I looked briefly at it and have no idea how to remove. I saw what looked to be a mechanical limiter (sort of spring mechanism) that probably is the culprit. Does anyone know what a new assembly would cost and what is entailed in removing. Is it hard??
    Thanks for all responses.
    Tom.
  • dnhlldnhll Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem last night as well. I have a 2001 with approximately the 58K. Very similar behavior. I noticed about a month ago that the rear passenger door lock quit working with keyless entry. That then started working again. About a week ago, I came out to my truck and the lights were still on. I had left them on as I typically do since they turn off after 5 minutes. This time it didn't work. Same problem again a few days later with occasional light flickers... then last night they went crazy to the point where it was undrivable. The locks quit working and the lights were on ~20 percent intensity with them turned off. Door locks quit working as well. I disconnected the battery to keep from draining it overnight. This morning it behaved "normally" with a light flicker every 5 miles or so.. From everything I have read, i am leaning toward the CTM, but don't really want to drop $220 on it to find out it isn't and don't want to pay the shop to tell me that is what it is... Has anyone installed one of these? I was also told it could be the body controller...
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    It would be greatly appreciated if you did not use all capital letters as it is difficult to read and appears as though you are SHOUTING.

    Thanks for your cooperation!
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    The Dakota doesn't have a "body controller."

    All of your symptoms are circuits controlled by the Central Timer Module (CTM). I think it's a good suspect in your case. They should be around $125 US at a Dodge dealer.

    Best regards,
    Dusty
  • jgrath02jgrath02 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 dak QC 4x4 with 40k miles. Recently the electrical systems went haywire. As of right now the headlights, interior dome lights, power door locks,and interior panel lights are not working. I have replaced the battery and that fixed it for a couple of days. I have had the alternator checked and it seems to be fine. When I do the self diagnostic it just reads p done. Also the Service 4x4 light came on when all this started happening and as best I can tell is doing this as a result of the light on the knob being out.
  • sunburnsunburn Member Posts: 319
    Now that the cold weather has arrived, I've noticed an unpleasant odor from the heater for the first 15-20 sec after I turn it on. It kind of smells like dirty, rusty water. I suspect that the heater/AC drain might partially or fully blocked. The truck is always garaged, so I don't know what it might be blocked with. I went looking for the heater/AC drain on the passenger side firewall, but couldn't find it. I need assistance on locating the drain and any other words of advice on what to look for or do. Thanks.
  • ginnyannginnyann Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 2WD automatic Dodge Dakota. I have two computer error messages stating I need to replace two sensors. R1672 and R1675. I am wondering if these sensors are easily accessible and something I can do myself or something a dealer has to do. Thanks for the help.
  • luckydog1luckydog1 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 Dakota club cab 2wd with the tire and handling pkg. The original tires are P255/65R15. I was wondering if any one know if i can change to a different size since there are only 2 makes available ( the goodyears ls that came on the truck and Pirelli Scorpions. Looking for something that handles better in wet/snow conditions and maybe switching to 235/75R15 would fit on the current rims i have.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I have the same truck and tire package that you do. There are several tire choices available to you. In all cases, you need to consider the the overall DIAMETER must not be changed. Doing so will affect the speedometer and ABS brake calibration.

    My 2000 Dak came with real truck tires installed "31x10.5 15" (31inch diameter, 10.5inch width 15inch wheel). Sizewize, these are very close to the 265/75R15 which I replaced them with. The Nokian Vativa tires are FARRR better in the snow than the original crappy tires from the factory. (Dont forget I am in Vermont where it is already snowing this year)

    I opted to forgo the truck tires and install the passenger tires due to the better ride quality from the softer sidewalls. I also wanted better wet/snow performance. I researched tires for at least 3 months before settling on the NOKIAN VATIVA. Nokian tires are from Finland where snow is a way of life. Nokian makes the best snow-tire in the world (Hakkapeliitta). The Vativa has features from the Hakkapeliitta.

    Since you are looking for wet/snow performance too. I would suggest that you strongly consider NOKIAN VATIVA. I have been using Nokian tires for many years and I can say that Nokian backs up their tires. I used to own a car that wore out tires very quickly... I only purchased ONE set of Nokian tires for it.... Nokian kept replacing them under the milage warantee for 150,000 miles!!

    Here are the 2 websites for Nokian. Please take the time to view the vidios about their extensive winter testing.

    http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/homeF.cfm
    http://www.nokiantyres.com/
  • dalgerdalger Member Posts: 2
    I have a 98 dakota sport extended cab 2wd with 86,000 mi on it, when im driving it seems that between shifts the tranny almost feels like it is shifting up and down and up and down, and my rpms seem to shutter from about 2300 to 2000 back to 2300 then down to 1800 back up to 2000 pretty fast, {almost like its running out of gas} and so forth declining untill i step on the gas further, even a tiny bit of acceleration clears it up....... does this make sense, and is there a cure for it? I already replaced the rear wheel speed sensor to get rid of my e-brake light and abs lights. but now this is a concern. thank you
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The #1 problem with MOPAR automatic xmissions is using the wrong fluid in them. Most mechanics will just pour in DEXRON (General Motors) trannie fluid. It may work OK for several thousand mailes...but eventually it will start to slip between gears and generaly shift like cr@p.

    It is often reccommended to have the filter and fluid changed when complaints such as yours about a Dodge xmission are heard. Your xmission is perhaps due for a fluid change anyway.

    Here is a URL to a website about MOPAR that explains in more details.
    http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

    Another possibility-- the xmission uses the speed sensor to "calibrate" itself. Since your speed-sensor was recently replaced, consider "retraining" your xmission. (refer to the above URL for "retraining" details)
  • luckydog1luckydog1 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks .........I'll check them out ...
  • tgreen1tgreen1 Member Posts: 1
    My 2000 Dakota's power stering pump whines a great deal. I can hear it in the cab when at idle. In the parking lots it gets very loud turning the wheels to park. My mechanic is at a loss, since the pump has lots of pressure and seems to operate correctly. Is pump replacement the only cure? :confuse:
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The powersteering system on the Dakotas was totally new starting in the 2000 model year. (Power Rack-n-pinion) The very next year, Dodge switched to recommending ATF+4 fluid in all Dakotas. (The new system would burn up normal PS fluid.)

    Additionally, I noted that in cold temps. (below -10F) the steering would be too stiff to be able to turn the steering wheel.

    I switched to RedLine Powersteerig fluid years ago. It has better specifications than ATF+4 and has solved the stiff steering and noise I was having.

    Here is the technical details for RedLine PS fluid.
    http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/8.pdf
  • dalgerdalger Member Posts: 2
    well thanks, I know the tranny fluid hasnt been changed since Ive owned it for about 7 months now, Ill try that, could it possibly be the throttle position sensor? or stuck tranny valves? thank you
  • seaknightseaknight Member Posts: 2
    I have a 97 with a 3.9 with a intermittent voltage problem. The vehicle runs fine for a while (engine can be cold or hot)then battery voltage stops to the ignition coil, fuel injection etc. Initially the vehicle starts with a light bucking during operation and continues to get worse until the engine completely dies (normally 15 to 20 minute duration). I've put a voltmeter on the ignition coil battery side and the dark green and orange wire at the distribution center and watched the voltage go from approximately 14 VDC to 0 when the problem is occurring.

    I performed a ASD relay check which showed the relay as good and even changed relays just in case, but have the same problem. Once the engine gets to a point to where it completely dies, normally if I let it set for a couple days it will be driveable for about 10 to 40 miles and starts again. If I let the truck sit until the engine is cold from the last operation it normally won't start. Any ideas would be helpful!
  • badangbadang Member Posts: 1
    replacing your air idler motor located on the carburator solved my idle problems.something to consider
  • haselhasel Member Posts: 64
    I had a problem where my 99 Dakota would not idle, replaced Battery, this solved problem, engine would only run above idle speed,
  • arkvillearkville Member Posts: 4
    When it gets cold, below 40 degrees outside my 2001 Dodge Dakota Quad has an intermittent whining noise at around 1700 rpm. If I accelerate or decellerate it fads away. Sounds like a noise in the drivers front side. Could it be transmission shifting problem? Does same in or out of overdrive. Once the weather gets warm, no longer a problem.
  • dakotablondiedakotablondie Member Posts: 1
    Hey Guys-Last winter my truck began having problems starting when it was raining heavy? It will turn over, but not fire! Then if I waited a couple hours it would start. Then when it starts it'll idle very low (almost a low chugging sound) and if I step on the gas, it stalls. I changed the plugs, rotor and wires? Still happens...where could water be affecting this or getting in?? Please help!!
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Certainly sounds like it could be a moisture problem. Did you change the distributor cap also? If not, I would try that next.
  • dodgenomoredodgenomore Member Posts: 1
    Have you heard of the service bulletin 05-004-05 REV. A?
    This addresses vibration in the brake pedal when the brakes are applied at highway speeds. It calls for replacement of the rear axles and brake shoes.
    In my case it still does not address why my front and rear rotors are warped for the second time in a truck with 10,000 miles. I have had other problems with this truck as well. I am going to sell and never buy Dodge again.
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Thinking about putting a ham radio rig in my 06 Dak and wondering about RFI issues with all the electronics nowdays.
    Haven't run mobile in years so not up to date on whats going on in the mobile world.
    Welcome any information from anyone about this issue.

    Thanks
  • dakota4wddakota4wd Member Posts: 1
    In cool/cold temperatures, I can put my vehicle (after a little warm up) in drive and go without hesitation. However, here is my problem.... if I put my vehicle in reverse before allowing it to warm up to normal operating temperature, the vehicle will stall. The vehicle will not operate normally in reverse until the temperature indicates normal running temp. which normally takes 15 - 20 minutes in cold temperatures.

    My vehicle is a 2001 Dakota, 4WD, 3.9l.

    Can someone please help!
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Sounds like yo uare describing the ol' powersteering whining issue.

    Change your powersteering fluid to be RedLine synthetic.
  • mjjenningsmjjennings Member Posts: 1
    hi there we just bought a used dakota, 150,000 Km, when we test drove it we had no problems. now after a week we notice a roar/rumble once we hit 50km per hour---sounds like it comes from uder the bed up to the cab. truck was saftied, e-tested. any ideas?
  • davea2davea2 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 97 dakota and the truck just started stalling. It is an itermitent problem and is hard for the garage to diagnose. I really do not want to spend piles of dollars changing parts that do not need to be replaced. I had the battery load tested the TOPS sensor cleaned and tested, the throttle body cleaned. All tests seem to show good according to the garage and of course will not act up for them. The truck will stall if it is cold, warm or when everit feels like it. I can keep it running by keeping my foot on both the accelerator and brake for a short period of time then as fast as it comes on it leaves and no more problem for a few days. I need help or dynamite. :sick:
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Davea2, I have a 93 Dakota that does the same thing. Started when it was approx 3 yrs old and no one has ever been able to diagnose it either.
    Only solution I have come up with is to look at it as an exercise in foot-to-foot coordination and live with it!!
    I initially thought that sooner or later something would completely fail and then would know what the problem was but now several years later it's still going strong... :cry:
  • oilyoneoilyone Member Posts: 5
    Back to the forum after a time out. 94 3.9 Dak with 64K now has brand new "All Metal" radiator after the dreaded plastic tank separation. Went to RadiatorMart.com and got the all metal one for $4 less than OEM replacement. She's running smoother with less missing after several Amsoil PI treatments but it's still there in the background every once in a while. Still need to clean IAP. Keeps on trucking at 20 mpg around town.
    Great Truck. :D
  • nedkellynedkelly Member Posts: 18
    Hi

    I have a 94 v6 Dakota. The problem I'm having is that the heat never seems to get very warm. Especially if the blower is at maximum. It seems to get colder if the blower is at max.

    Would this be a broken/dead resistor? Anyone have any ideas?

    Thanks.
  • oilyoneoilyone Member Posts: 5
    Hey Ned;

    My 94 Dakota 3.9 puts out plenty of heat. How many miles on yours, what thermostat and how often have you flushed the system? It sounds like the heater core may be partially plugged? Does the truck run hot in warm weather?

    Oilyone
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    The resistor only controls the fan speed. If your fan works on all speeds the resistor is ok. Sounds to me like a coolant flow issue, either partially clogged heater core or the flow control valve isn't opening all the way to let coolant circulate.
  • jkonjkon Member Posts: 3
    I lost almost all lights on my 1999 dakota. The only lights I have are dome light, glove box light. My headlights are out, tail lights out, running lights out, fog lights out, dash lights out. I have checked fuses and they are all OK. Is there some big fuse 40-60AMP, breaker, fusible link somewhere that I should check? What could be my problem? Thank you for any help.
  • dcurdcur Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I have a 1999 Dakota that has an internal coolant leak. I think the coolant might be leaking into the transmission fluid, but I'm not sure. Is that possible and if so what would I need to replace to fix the leak. Also, I just recently had the tranmission cooling lines replaced because of corrosion, could the mechanics have messed up and caused this leak putting the lines in? Thanks.
  • sunburnsunburn Member Posts: 319
    The heater core on my 02 QC appears to have developed a small leak. I get a slight coolant smell for a short period after turning the heater on. What is involved with replacing the heater core? Is it something that the average person can do, or should I avoid the hassle and leave it to someone else?
  • h2o4everh2o4ever Member Posts: 1
    have a 98 dakota 2wheel drive that has alot of squeaking in the front end.cant find any grease fittings . any way to fix with out putting new ones in? thanks
  • drum2drum2 Member Posts: 3
    To whom it may concern:

    For the past 3 years during the months of December through March my truck will crank but won't start. I will wait an hour or two at times and then it might start. I have gone to the dealership at least ten times during this period but still have the same problems with it. It is a v8 5.6 and it is in the dealership once again. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.
    Kevin Drum
  • nedkellynedkelly Member Posts: 18
    126k miles on it. Haven't flushed the coolant in a long time. It does run hot in summer. Would flushing it 'fix' it or could I be looking at needing a new valve.

    I don't know what thermostat, how do I find that out?

    Thanks
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Flushing the cooling system certainly won't hurt but it is impossible for anyone to tell you whether or not that will "fix" it. Flushing the system in your driveway more than likely will not cure the problem. If the cooling system is clogged it needs to be back-flushed by someone with the proper equipment.
    Your engine should have a 195 degree thermostat in it. It's possible that the thermostat is stuck in the open position. This can also cause the symptoms you have given. Does your engine temp come up to normal mark during cold weather?
  • mir1mir1 Member Posts: 1
    ok... am a little bit frustrated! a friend of mine came by today and parked her truck. well that was at 2:00 this afternoon, and she is so stubborn that she will not listen to my boyfriend when he tells her that it is not her battery :mad: . she insisted that he do something with the jumper cables that would have ruined his battery and he said NO!! now it is 11:56pm and she is still out there. we have no idea what the heck is wrong with her car(and her)lol :confuse: anyway, she says that we need a rubber mallet? :confuse: i don't know but she... well we need some help or suggestions please.
    help please!!
    mir

    oh yeah i almost forgot, the radio and lights and all of the other stuff works, except for the car :lemon:
This discussion has been closed.