Change key tumbler

To replace the ignition tumbler in a 1975 Dodge Sportsman RV, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Remove the steering column cover: Start by removing the screws or bolts that hold the steering column cover in place. Once the cover is removed, you should be able to access the ignition switch and tumbler.
2. Disconnect the electrical connections: There should be two electrical connections that attach to the ignition switch. Disconnect these before attempting to remove the tumbler.
3. Remove the retaining screw: Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screw that holds the tumbler in place.
4. Remove the tumbler: After removing the screw, the tumbler should slide out of the ignition switch.
5. Install the new tumbler: Insert the new tumbler into the ignition switch, making sure it is securely in place.
6. Reinstall the retaining screw: Use the screwdriver to reinstall the retaining screw.
7. Reconnect the electrical connections: Reconnect the two electrical connections that you disconnected in step 2.
8. Replace the steering column cover: Once everything is back in place, replace the steering column cover and secure it with the screws or bolts.
9. Test the new tumbler: Finally, test the new tumbler to make sure it is working properly and that the RV starts and runs smoothly.

Here is JD Powers specs on the Dakota

https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2001/Dodge/Dakota-Pickup-1-2-Ton-V6/Quad-Cab-Sport-SLT/Specs

Have you tried blowing on the aera where the key goes into with a hair dryer if this solves the issue maybe think about replacing it at your earliest convenience, just a thought....

Sounds more like the lock and cylinder issue.

Remove valve body, in trans and clean

They are aluminum, and get tight in cold weather,
on a dakota

CAUTION Disconnect and isolate the negative (ground) battery cable. This will disable the air bag system. Failure to disconnect the battery could result in accidental deployment and possible personal injury. Allow the system capacitor to discharge for two minutes then begin air bag system component removal. To install:

1. Engage the electrical connectors to the ignition switch and make sure the switch locking tabs are fully seated.
2. Before attaching the ignition switch to a tilt steering column, the transmission shifter must be in the PARK position. Also the park lock dowel pin and the column lock flag must be properly indexed before installing the switch as follows:
   1. Place the transmission shifter in the PARK position
   2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position. The switch is in the lock position when the column lock flag is parallel to the ignition switch terminals.
   3. Position the ignition switch park lock dowel pin so it will engage the steering column park lock slider linkage.
   4. Apply a light coating of grease to the column lock flag and the park lock dowel pin.
3. Place the ignition switch against the lock housing opening on the steering column. Ensure that the ignition switch park lock dowel pin enters the slot in the park lock slider linkage in the steering column.
4. Install the retaining bracket and ignition switch mounting screws, then tighten the screws to 22-30 inch lbs. (3-4 Nm).
5. If the vehicle is equipped with a tilt steering column, install the tilt lever.
6. With the key cylinder and the ignition switch in the LOCK position, insert the key cylinder into the ignition switch until it bottoms.
7. Insert the ignition key into the lock cylinder. While pushing the key cylinder in toward the ignition switch, rotate the ignition key until the end of travel.
8. Install the retaining screw into the bracket and lock cylinder. Tighten the screw to 22-30 inch lbs. (3-4 Nm).
9. Install the steering column covers, then the tilt lever, if equipped.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
11. Check for proper operation.

the cable goes from the shifter to the transmittion arm,, both cable ends connect via a pin and cotter key (usually) the cable housing (black outside layer) is connected to the shifter frame usaually by a clip and is bolted to the transmittion with a couple bolts on the other end ,, i know this was pertty basic but hope it helped

could be a lot of things. I personally would start with your vacuum lines... check for a leak somewhere. You can do that by spraying carb cleaner (if motor tries to die, you found your leak), or it could be a sensor, likely idle air control, mas air, etc.)

Remove the cover over the steering column. Then it is a simple matter of inserting a screwdriver to depress a locking tab while pulling the old ignition tumbler straight out using the key as a handle. Then just insert the new one...easy peasy!