Top 20 1997 Dodge Dakota Questions & Answers

This might not be engine related. More information please. Does this happen only when you turn the steering or all the time? Is it just when reversing or both directions? Test this by reversing slowly in a straight line for about about one truck's length then gently start turning the steering wheel. Listen and feel for what happens as you turn the steering. Transmissions can also affect how an engine behaves when their put into gear. Do you know if it has been serviced in the past? Have you had it scanned for OBD Trouble Codes? All cars after 1996 have to have this system fitted. Scanning for codes will tell you if it is a sensor causing the issue. If you have to pay for the service ask at 4 or 5 different places as prices can be VERY different. Comment below with the codes and I'll try to help you more.

Could be an air leak in the mannifold.

you can get guide from many sites.. i know few error codes/ fault codes, wiring diagrams, schematic diagrams, torque specs, engine info, switches functioning, assemble, disassembly, complete refurbish, repair, installation every single thing is covered

Some fixya user told me a website reliable-store it is very good.. I used it to repair my shredder it had some spark issue which wasn't easily fixed. you can go there and try

https://fuse-box.info/dodge/dodge-dakota-1996-2000-fuses-and-relays

jack the front right up until both wheels are free of the ground place on jack stands as you have to go under the vehicle and apply some force loosen of the lh bar and twist it in an anti clockwise direction and install it with this tension ( use stilsons) now do the rh bar the same but tension it in a clockwise direction sufficient tension will be when you see the wheel start to lift as you turn the bar with the stilsons ( will require some effort so use a bar on the wrench) lock them at that point before attaching the lock plate to the spline end loosen the adjuster bolt right off Lower the front to the ground and the car will be close to correct height levelling the front left to right or raising further is done by the adjusting bolts you loosened off

Not sure but the last post on this link has some solutions which should not cost anything https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/229748-abs-light-and-parking-brake-light-on.html

start with a compression test ,if your getting piston slap theres a lot wrong

At www.reliable-store.com get complete guide on whether to repair or not, service it, and how to repair etc, along with wiring diagrams, electrical diagrams, torque specs, error codes, everything.

Remove a battery terminal turn key to on position reconnect.may reset

Hi, This needs a new cruise control switch fitting not a job for the faint hearted there are a lot of wires that need to be connected properly, recommend any good vehicle electrics company or cruise control specialist is best. Please give feedback at [email protected] Thanks, Malcolm Campbell.

The sending unit was my guess...Could be the oil pump going bad...Or even a to good brand oil filter restraining the oil from recirculating...I've seen it happen..

have your transmission checked by a professional, It sounds like you have a shift solenoid going. Had something similar on a van. I don't know where it is on your vehicle so I don't know how deep into the transmission you may have to go.

Pull out the auto shutdown relay. Try substituting another relay thst is not needed to run the engine, such as the horn relay. If that works, replace the relay. If not, probe the relay socket with a volt/ohmmeter. With the meter set to vdc, connect the black lead to body ground and probe the socket. Thete shou.d be one hot terminal with the key off and two hot terminals with the key on or turned to start.If those are good, leave your red probe in the terminal that is hot with the key on, keep yhe key on, and probe the other two terminals with your black lead. One of those terminals should read battery voltage, as it is the ground signal from the pcm. The other terminal should also show some voltzge, as it goes to the coil and other loads. After running these tests, let me know the rexults and I will try to diagnose.

Visit the on-line store, known as reliable-store, they have the repair manuals. I'm sure you will get the solution of your problem. 1997 Dodge Dakota

if your plugs were changed and it misfires make sure the wires where put on write then make sure that wires are good and pun some Chevron fuel injector cleaner thru it place 2 wire with another good wire if the misfire goes to that cylinder then you are dealing with a wire problem let me know

Check for moisture under the interior carpeting. I have see it cause this when the wiring gets wet on the connections from the door switches. Other wise you are going to have to get a meter and check all the wiring to each door and the lamp switch.

Did you vacuum the a/c before refilling?If the a/c is cool not cold try giving it a little shot of 134a to see if it drops a little colder. You should see a dash vent temp of 45 degrees with med fan speed,when there is air flow through the condenser at the front.Use a fan in front of the rad when filling a/c.

New ball joints and tie rod ends should tighten up your front suspension nicely. Once you have those new parts installed, a good alignment shop should be able to get you spot on with camber, caster and toe-in. Only if you have bent components (control arms, for instance) would they not be able to get proper adjustments. But they should have been able to determine if you had that problem while checking your current alignment.

If you still need this diagram I have one saved in my work computer, I can post it for you tomorrow. Just let me know.