Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Dodge Dakota
Dodge Dakota Models:
Dodge Dakota Problems
Ticking Type Noise From Exhaust Manifold Area
Exhaust manifold bolts commonly break, exhaust manifold gaskets should be replaced and replace bolts as needed.
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.
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.
No Start or Stalling Due to Failed Camshaft Position Sensor
On 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 engines the Camshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to crank but not start or it can cause intermittent stalling. A failed camshaft position sensor will require replacement.
Dodge Dakota Recalls (Recent)
Chrysler Recalls 2006 Dodge Vehicles Due to Malfunctioning Lights or Wipers
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Chrysler is recalling certain 2006 Dodge Dakota and Durango vehicles because the turn signals, headlamps, or windshield wipers can malfunction without warning due to a spark of static electricity between the operator and the vehicle. Failure of one or more of these systems could impair the driver's vision and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster.
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Chrysler Recalls 2006 Dodge Vehicles Because the Rear Brakes May Lock Prematurely
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Chrysler is recalling certain 2006 Dodge Dakota, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 models because the rear brakes may lock prematurely during certain braking conditions. Locking up of the rear wheels during braking could result in loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the ABS control unit.
Learn more »Drive Wheels May Lock Up
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, software in the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the drive wheels to lock briefly when the transmission is shifted to neutral and back to drive at speeds over 40 MPH. If the drive wheels lock, loss of vehicle control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the PCM free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2006. The Chrysler recall number if F43.
Learn more »Transmission May not Hold in Park Position
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On certain automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position the vehicle may not be able to achieve "park" position. If the occurs and the parking brake is not applied the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the transmission and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. This recall is expected to begin on November 28, 2005. The Chrysler recall number is E14.
Learn more »Chrysler Recalls 2001-2002 Dodge Models Because Park Shift Interlock System May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Chrysler is recalling certain 2001-2002 Dodge Dakota, Durango, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 models because the park shift interlock system may not function correctly. When this system fails, the shifter can be moved out of the "Park" position with the ignition in the "lock" position. The ignition key can also be removed when the shifter is not in the "Park" position. Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly, possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly.
Learn more »Dodge Dakota Questions and Answers
My truck is not starting and when i go to start it all it does is click. what do i do and where is the starter?
It will start, but when it started the idle jumps high to low and then dies after a while. And where is the timing mark? Some times it does not start why is that?
what are the sizes of the freeze out plug on a 1990 dodge dakota
i am changing my motor in my dakota but the only used motor i could find was in an a truck that was automatic and i was wondering if anyone knew how to get the pilot bearing seal out? not the pilot...
A friend borrowed my 84 Dodge Dakota V-6 4x4 and broke the key off in the ignition (he was trying to put it in upside down, I need smarter friends). I have the replacement part but have no clue how...
Dodge Dakota Stories
ive had my 1994 dodge dakota for 6 years now it has the 3.9 v6 2wd and i wouldnt never trade it off for anything its got 210k and ive never turned one bolt on the motor except for a water pump. the best truck ive ever owned and the motor runs just as smooth as my 2009 nissan. drive it daily and the only way to beat the motor down would be to run it without oil or something.
I just bought this 91 Dakota truck for 950.00. I have always been a Dodge truck fan. The truck needed some minor things and I fixed them. I am now so happy with this truck. I could notand still can not believe how nice this truck runs and how sturdy it is. I love it! One small problem though, a small ticking noise around engine. I have yet to check it but will soon. Over all nice truck. I would definitely buy another Dakota of any year.
air condition belt broke and everything stop work and running hot
I have a 1998 dodge dakota that did not come with cruise control but i installed it from another dakota but it still will not work can i have pcm flashed to turn it on suspension is good
No need for me to say much about my dakota 4x4. It has the 318cu that you have to shoot to end its reliability. Although it now has some issues I just turned 223K miles and it still runs like its shot out of a canon when I tromp on the gas pedal. Best truck I've ever owned Thank you "Dodge City" Warren MI