I just happen to have the instrument cluster diagnostics procedure for your 1998 Dakota, because I happen to have the same truck. I'm not a machanic, but perhaps this info will get you started.
This could just be a blown fuse. There is two much info to convert and post all of it. Here is the first part to get you started. I can post further procedures once you get through the first part. Just let me know.
1. If the indicator lamps operate, but none of the gauges operate, go to Step 2. If all of the gauges and the data bus message-controlled indicator lamps are inoperative, go to Step 5.
2. Check the Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
3. Check for battery voltage at the IOD fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
4. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Check for battery voltage at the fused B( +) circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector A) If OK, go to the Self-Diagnostic Test. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the IOD fuse as required.
5. Check the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the On position and check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the ignition switch as required.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Reinstall the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set the parking brake. The red brake warning lamp should light. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, go to Step 9.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Turn on the park lamps and adjust the panel lamps dimmer rheostat to the full bright position. The cluster illumination lamps should light. If OK, go to Step 10. If not OK, repair the power ground circuit from the instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector A) to ground as required.
9. Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster. Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector A) If OK, go to the Self-Diagnostic Test. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the junction block fuse as required.
10. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster. Check for continuity between the logic ground circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector A) and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to the Self-Diagnostic Test. If not OK, repair the open circuit to ground as required
Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 5:46 PM
