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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Dodge Dakota

Dodge Dakota Models:

Image for car images Dodge 1990 Dodge Dakota size thumb Image for car images Dodge 1991 1996 Dodge Dakota size thumb Image for car images Dodge 1997 2004 Dodge Dakota size thumb Image for car images Dodge 2005 2007 Dodge Dakota size thumb Image for car images Dodge 2008 2009 Dodge Dakota size thumb

Dodge Dakota Problems

Ticking Type Noise From Exhaust Manifold Area

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

Exhaust manifold bolts commonly break, exhaust manifold gaskets should be replaced and replace bolts as needed.

Coolant Loss and Engine Overheating

Engine -- Verified

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.

No Start or Stalling Due to Failed Camshaft Position Sensor

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

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.

Repair Kit Available if Front Brake Caliper Bolt Threads Strip

Brakes -- Verified

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

Engine -- Verified

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.

Dodge Dakota Recalls (Recent)

Chyrsler Recalls 2000-2001 Vehicles Due to Omitted Child Seat Tether Instruction Information

Body, Interior & Misc., November 12, 2000

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The information on how to secure a car seat properly using tether anchors using step by step, illustrated procedures is missing. Improper attachment of child seat tether straps to vehicle tether anchors could cause a child safety issue in a collision. Owners were sent an addendum to the owners manual that addresses tether strap installation.

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Dodge Dakota Recall 01V119000

Body, Interior & Misc., August 20, 2001

Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

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Transmission May Not Hold in Park Position

Drive Train, November 28, 2005

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 this 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.

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Drive Wheels May Briefly Stop Turning Under Certain Driving Conditions

Drive Train, October 2, 2006

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.

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Dodge Dakota Recall 89V237000

Engine, February 21, 1990

Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

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Dodge Dakota Questions and Answers

chrisjdean, 1990 Dodge Dakota, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, Newberg, OR

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?

lilbro_lilman, 1990 Dodge Dakota, 3.9L V6, Helena, MT

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?

marc millang, 1990 Dodge Dakota, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, Youngsville, NC

what are the sizes of the freeze out plug on a 1990 dodge dakota

iceman41673, 1990 Dodge Dakota, 2.5L 4 Cylinder, Knoxville, TN

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...

Visitor, 1990 Dodge Dakota, 3.9L V6, Callender, IA

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...

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Dodge Dakota Reviews

I have owned my 2000 dakota 4x4 4.7L for 9 yrs. It has 153,000 miles on it. It was bulletproof until it hit approx. 125,000 miles. The 1st 6 yrs were great. However, the last 3 yrs has been back and forth work to keep this truck running. I used to take it to the river but its not too trustworthy anymore. I will say this: This 4WD is the best one that I have owned, when it's running!

Best vehicle I have ever owned. 200,000 miles plus and never have had a problem...except heater fan (high speed stopped working)still going strong!

The other review seems to be more of a bitch about "oh pity me i am handy capped, and cant get around cuz I am too stupid to get y vehicle legal"...hey cripple....fuck you you need to buy a vowel to get a clue, this is a review of the truck not your legal issues.

now, as for the truck, it's a very nice truck, no major issues with it. Runs strong, and well maintained. hold a 48" and 36" pallet in the bed.

Dealers don't have repair parts to fix backup lights. Can't get a state inspection sticker until sometime next year. Am disabled and can't get to my doctors or to the ER if I need to, without a legal vehicle.

my dakota is convertable and i love it it runs well stops and goes just fine