Problem Reports
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1996 Dodge Dakota Problems
Coolant Loss and Engine Overheating
Engine overheating can result from coolant leaks which are commonly found at the thermostat housing gasket, water pump, heater return tube O-ring at the water pump, intake manifold gasket, and timing cover gasket. Our technicians recommend a complete inspection of the cooling system after any repairs are made to be sure there are no other leaks.
Repair Kit Available if Front Brake Caliper Bolt Threads Strip
If the threads strip where the front brake caliper mounts to the steering knuckle, a steering knuckle repair kit is available. A new steering knuckle is not normally necessary.
Oil leaks from valve cover, intake manifold, and timing cover gaskets
On the 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8 and 5.9L V8 the Oil leaks commonly from the valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets (front and rear), timing cover gaskets, distributor O-ring, and the rear main seal area. Using fluorescent engine oil dye can be helpful in determining the source(s) of the oil leak.
Increased Oil Consumption Due to Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
On 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 engines, the intake manifold gasket may leak and cause increased oil consumption and a spark knock during acceleration; the gasket should be replaced.
Stalling Caused by Faulty Distributor Plate
The distributor pickup plate commonly fails causing intermittent stalling, or the engine may not start (usually when the engine is hot).
Engine oil leaks at distributor may be misdiagnosed
On the 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 the engine oil leaks at the distributor can be misdiagnosed as leaks from the intake manifold seal, oil pan gasket, or rear crankshaft (rear main) seal. A revised distributor is available if oil is found inside the distributor.
Water Leak Due to HVAC Case Not Sealed at Bulkhead
If the HVAC (heater) housing is not properly sealed at the bulkhead (firewall), water can leak into the passenger compartment. Foam sealant should be used to seal any gaps and the evaporator drain tube can be modified to prevent further water entry.
Vacuum Leaks Caused by Cracking Plastic Vacuum Tubes
Various drivability problems can be caused by vacuum leaks. This engine has plastic tubes that become brittle and crack over time. These tubes can be replaced by normal vacuum hose but be careful when changing the Tee fittings or hose connectors because some have built in restrictor orifices (usually color coded). If the restrictions are missing, drivability problems will most likely result.
Fuel injector leak
Black smoke from the tail pipe, hard starting, and a rough idle can be caused by a leaking fuel injector. With the air cleaner removed and the engine idling, fuel can be seen leaking from around the injector (O-ring leak), or from the nozzle (fuel injector leak).
Rerouting Ignition Coil/Spark Plug Wires Can Solve Misfire/Surge Problems
On the 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8, rerouting the ignition coil wire and spark plug wires can help solve a misfire and/or surge problem that occurs at approximately 45 mph. A service bulletin was published that outlines the specifics of the repair. It states the rerouting procedure should be performed before other repairs are done for misfires, surging or spark knock.
Engine problems due to intermittent connection in crank position sensor wire connector
On the 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8, an intermittent connection in the crank position sensor wire connector can cause poor engine performance or the engine may crank but not start.
Worn or Mis-Indexed Distributor Shaft Can Cause Surging/Bucking on Acceleration
A surging or bucking during acceleration can be caused if the distributor is moved or mis-indexed. This is a result of the cam and crank position sensors being out of synchronization. Wear of the oil pump drive gear can cause similar symptoms because it allows excessive free play in the distributor drive. The distributor drive gear and bushing should be replaced if the rotor tip moves back-and-forth more than 3/16th of an inch when checking drive gear free play.
Regulator valve may cause noise when transmission is in reverse
A loud buzzing or whining noise when the transmission is in reverse may be caused by the regulator valve in the transmission valve body. A revised regulator valve was released that does not resonate. Careful diagnosis should be performed because other issues can create this same type of noise.