20 Most Recent 1997 Dodge Dakota - Page 4 Questions & Answers

Concerning the 1997 Dakota: I had the same problem. After a little checking and research I believed it to be the IAC (Idle Air Control Valve). I replaced it and it started right up and idled perfectly. It never stalled again. The IAC is located on the backside of the throttle body and is easy to get to and change out. Hope this helps.

This is usually caused be low Freon in the system. There is a low limit switch and when the pressure drops the switch opens the compressor stops.

Check the dimmer switch for the cluster lighting,it may be the problem.

Hey Bob , you need to check an see if there is battery voltage at the bigger wire connected to the alternator ! This wire has a fuse for protection , if it is open , burnt fuse ! This is the wire the charging current flows to the battery on ! This charging system is controlled by the powertrain control module , the two smaller wires in the connector come from the PCM . You would need a factory scan tool to see if the PCM is switch it on ! Do you have a charging or battery symbol lit on the instrument cluster ? Hope I was able to help an you catch what I'm saying ! good luck

I suspect that it is over fuelling and the cat converter is blocking the exhaust check ignition timing as it is probably too far retarded which causes later spark in relation to the valve timing position where the exhaust valve is opening allowing burning fuel into the exhaust manifold,

The starter solenoid is going bad. Check for voltage at the solenoid when u first start it and if u have voltage and it clicks, replace entire starter

At TDC the ignition rotor needs to be aligned with #1 on the cap. +/- 4 degrees.
A scanner us helpful in determining the exact spec.

replaceing the dimmer should fix it....... hope it helps

Remove the gas cap, to equalize the air-pressure. As gasoline is consumed from the tank, a partial vacuum is left behind, making it more difficult for the fuel-injection pump to suck gasoline out of the tank.

when they plug in the obd 2 scanner to read the codes, the scanner also has a function to clear them and reset the check engine light

check the drive line shafts and "u" joints.

ck fuse sti dont work run new hot wire to it make sure wire is hot wen key is on and no power wen key is off cut old wire so you dont get feed back in your wireing

Why not just remove a good one and match it up?

Sounds like it is low on brake fluid.

It's located on the air intake tubing between the air filter box and throttle body.usually rectangular,mounted to intake w/screws,and has a wiring connector.DON'T touch the wires inside,clean only with electrical contact cleaning spray. Best O'Luck

If relay is working then check for voltage at the horn, from horn wire to negative at battery. If voltage is present then u have an issue with ground to the horn. If no voltage is present, check the fuse. 8f voltage is present, check voltage from horn wire to frame, if voltage is present, replace horn

When did you last change the trans fluid and filter? Ever? Do so and you may have a cheap fix, plus adding many miles of use to trans. This fluid and filter should be changed every 24K miles or two years for most vehicles. It's surprising how many folks don't do this. You did read your owner's manual didn't you?

To much difference between 04 and 97. To use an 04 ECM, you need the trucks complete wiring harness. Then you would have to change the transmission also. You better get in line to sue him also..

This is a new problem that is being discovered on many makes of vehicles. When you say NO dash lights, the computer sends everything through the dash i.e., by lighting oil, brake, ABS, traction control, and most important which would be yes the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. It has been found by a couple top notch mechanics that through vibration the solder joints on the dash mother board crack. The boards can be purchased for a very expensive price, or repaired with a little patience and time. You would have to remove the dash cluster, disassemble the dash cluster , and inspect the solder joints, go through them one by one with a magnifying glass , and re-solder each one carefully. The reason I come to this conclusion is that if you had dash lights, your CHECK ENGINE LIGHT would have shown you your problem , for EXAMPLE: a bad sensor. GOOD LUCK FRIEND.

have timing of engine checked or replace starter.