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Dodge Dakota Truck Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 2002 Dodge Dakota mileage: 50,000. Hi Guys. Hope you can help. I have this problem: This 2002 Dakota is driving crazy, I had it in the garage many times and no one can find the problem. It has a miss...if I gave lots of gas its fine...if it idles its fine...but if I try to go a steady speed, that’s when it misses, like sputters...backfire sort of thing. I have changed the computer, coil, spark plugs & wires. I tried with 2 new injectors going all around, and last I have changed the intake manifold gaskets. The **&%* thing still does the same thing. I work in the mines and I am about to try Dynamite...it won’t fix it but I will have peace of mind. If you have any idea please forward it to me before the blast. I also had the fuel pump checked...its ok.

Answer: We have seen similar problems that were cured by replacing the O² sensors.

Question: 1999 Dodge Dakota mileage: 107,000. Speedometer works, cruise control works, but odometer remains stuck at 107000 miles and trip counter doesn't work. The speedometer cable connection is good at the transmission. Are there two connections at the instrument cluster one for the speedometer and another for the odometer and trip counter? Paul

Answer: No, there is only one speedometer connection on the back of the instrument cluster. You probably have stripped gear inside the speedometer head.

Question: 1998 Dodge Dakota mileage: 130,000. Engine running rough - mechanic at dealer says probably dirty gas filter. Asked were it is. They told me they would have to remove gas tank. Its inside. Cost: $120 for a gas filter seems quite STEEP! Could you let me know what you think?

Answer: We do not think the partially plugged fuel filter would cause your car to run rough. If you have not recently had a tune-up, you may be ready for one, which would include replacing the fuel filter.

Question: 2000 Dodge Dakota mileage: 50,200. After driving with the a/c on, when I turn the vehicle off, there is dripping onto the exhaust that causes a pop and hissing noise. Any advice on what to do? The dealership doesn't seem interested in fixing it...

Answer: It sounds like normal condensation dripping on the exhaust pipe. What you might want to do is put an extension on the air-conditioner drain tube to get it away from the exhaust.

Question: 2000 Dodge Dakota mileage: 42,500.  There is a very noticeable whine coming from the rear end as you decelerate, foot off the gas.  Worse between 50-40.  Does not happen with power on.  Service department said it would get better after a couple of thousand miles.  There was nothing they could do.  I really don't believe it.  What do you think?  It is really bugging me.

Answer: From what you described, it sounds as if the ring and pinion gear are improperly adjusted.

Question: 1998 Dodge Dakota mileage: 95,000.  Overdrive kicks out once the truck gets warmed up. Dealers have been no help.  What gives?  This has occurred since it was new!  Dealer replaced transmission once and overdrive twice.

Answer: The transmission is controlled by a drive-train computer. If you scan the computer, it will tell you the fault code of your malfunction.

Follow-up: Not all OD problems store faults. A tps voltage change of 3% will drop OD. Speed sensor glitch can drop OD but you might notice a speedometer bounce as this occurs. There may be a temperature cut out switch on the pressure line at trans, not all year models had this switch, its purpose was to drop OD if trans began to over heat. If your questioner is pulling a trailer, he may be overstressing the trans and the cut out switch is doing exactly what it is suppose to do, disable OD when trans fluid reaches 230 degrees. Question needs answer is does it drop in and out causing a surge or does it drop out and stay out. The OD is controlled by the computer supplying ground for the solenoid inside the trans. If there is a voltage drop on that wire, such as a loose terminal in a connector, the OD will work for a while but the resistance causes heat and more heat increases resistance, eventually the OD will quit. This however should store an OD solenoid fault. - Joseph

Question: 1999 Dodge Dakota mileage: 87,000.  You have touched on the subject, but I wonder if you might help me. I have low rpm spark plug knock in my 99 Dakota 4x4.  The dealer says I need higher-octane fuel.  In your FAQ archive, I noticed that you told another Dakota owner to check the EGR valve.  Is 92 octane high enough, or do I need an additive (102 boost, etc)?  This pinging is making me crazy.  Thanks!

Answer: The EGR valve can cause the pinging but also check the knock sensor.  If the knock sensor is functioning properly, it detects the pinging and retards the timing.

Question: 1998 Dodge Dakota mileage: 88,000.  Just replaced new short block, before replacing I was getting water in my oil pan.  After replacing the short block, I am still getting water in my pan.  Used the old heads, could I have a cracked head?  Have been working to fix this problem for some time so would appreciate any other suggestions.  Thanks

Answer: It is possible you have a cracked head that is causing coolant to get into the oil pan.

Question:   1995 Dodge Dakota 4 WD PU mileage: 65,000.  My fuel gauge works fine at full but after 3/4 it wants to go to empty.  It will move back up but does so very slow.  It will not go back to where it is suppose to be.  Is this a sender or gauge problem?  Thank you Ken

Answer: Your problem is probably the sender in the gasoline tank.

Question: 1998 Dodge Dakota mileage: 91,000.  Had to replace my starter 8 times since it was new.  Any suggestions as to what may be causing this failure.  No shop has been able to give me an answer.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer: The starters you purchased may be of poor quality.  On your next starter, purchase it from a high quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts dealer.

Question: 1999 Dodge Dakota sport mileage: 68,100. I just drove my truck through a deep puddle and it stalled out and won't start. What do I need to do to ensure that my engine will be all right from the water?

Question: 1998 Dodge Dakota mileage: 50,000. I try to start my truck and all I hear is the engine trying to turn over, but never actually starting. The battery is fine and full power.

Answer: Here are some things to have checked: 1. Check to see if the timing belt has failed, 2. Check for ignition spark at spark plugs, 3. Check for fuel pressure, 4. Scan P.C.M. (computer) for fault or error codes. The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components

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