1996 Dodge Dakota Consumer Discussions

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• 1996 Dodge Dakota starts on it's own

  Written by: rose37 on Apr 1, 2011 6:06:34 PM

• 1996 Dodge Dakota starts on it's own

  Written by: rose37 on Apr 1, 2011 6:06:34 PM

  Over the last few weeks the door locks click like someones pushing the button, it does it constantly while the truck is parked. Last night it started starting on it's own, it has command start. We stopped it but 10 minutes later it was running again, ran for 15 minutes then shut down, 20 minutes later it started up again and after 15 minutes shut down. This went on a few ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• 1996 Dodge Dakota 3.9 Shift Problems (update)

  Written by: dewitte on May 10, 2010 9:04:37 AM

  Updated from #817 - Today I started in 2 instead of D and it shifted fine and then when I got around 35, I switched to D and it shifted into drive without issue. However, if I slow down to maybe 10 - it stays in 3rd so I put it back in 2. This seems to work for now. I might try re-changing the fluid/filter again next week just to ... Read More

• 1996 Dodge Dakota 3.9 Shift Problems

  Written by: dewitte on May 9, 2010 10:01:46 AM

  Hi - I have a 3.9L Dodge Dakota with what I believe is a 42RH transmission. I know I've read that the 96 had an electronic transmission, but (1) I don't see a control box where someone said it should be, (2) I have a TV cable, and (3) I only count maybe 4 wires going in the side. All that being said - I'm having weird shift problems. I just ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• Re: 1996 dodge dakota sport dash electrical problems [srs_49]

  Written by: jbrunner on Mar 13, 2010 6:55:09 AM

  I feel too that it is a short somewhere. When I turn the light switch on, the abs,brake dash lights come on, when I push the switch off, I can hear a click coming from the cowl about in the middle of it. I guess the next step is to remove the cowl and see if I can locate it. Thanks for the reply.

• Re: 1996 dodge dakota sport dash electrical problems [ricarguy]

  Written by: srs_49 on Feb 8, 2010 4:06:20 PM

  Bad ground connection could cause your problems. The return current for lights, that come through the dimmer, may be finding a sneak path through the gauges.

• 1996 dodge dakota sport dash electrical problems

  Written by: ricarguy on Feb 8, 2010 3:04:21 PM

  i have a 1996 dodge dakota sport v6 magnum engine. my dash electrical system is having trouble the dash lights go out sometimes with a buzzing sound that is constant along with the gauges all pin unless you turn the dimmer all the way down and the sound goes away and the gauges go back to normal . the radio works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't or the light in the ... Read More

• blow inline fuse?

  Written by: monkmon on Dec 25, 2009 9:14:09 PM

  Ok I forgot to turn off the head lights and they were on for long enough to drain the battery completly dead. I hooked up the charger and (the under the hood light) lit up I tried to start it it just turned over but it wont run turns over well and none of these work: dome light, under the hood light, and the radio but the fuses that go to ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• 1996 Dodge Dakota

  Written by: danicafan7 on Aug 17, 2009 11:57:15 AM

  I bought a used 96 Dodge Dakota. I have to increase the rpm's and then when they decrease it will go into gear. It's and automatic. Should I have the trans fluid changed and refilled or what ? thanks

• Re: Transmission Tempurature Sensor [headcheese]

  Written by: dustyk on Jan 17, 2009 6:06:14 AM

  If you have a Dodge Dakota built after 1996, you can defeature the overdrive anytime by switching the OD off with the OD switch. The OD switch is a push button that is located at the end of the gearshift. The temperature sensor for Chrysler automatic transmissions are located inside the transmission and measure the temperature of the transmission fluid. On RE series transmission the temperature sensor is integral with the ... Read More

• 42RE chatter

  Written by: KarlHei on Jan 5, 2009 10:15:43 PM

  Grew up working on VWs Porches and lately GM. What I know of Son's Dodge got mostly from Internet so be gentle please. 1996 Dakota 3.9L 4WD LT235R15 tires on stock wheels. 75K miles. About 20% of the time on takeoff with more than the gentlest push on gas pedal, we get a very pronounced chatter, feels like a manual tranni clutch chatter or wheel hop. This will make your eyeballs ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Stalling and Dying Problems

• Back firing and rough running intermittent

  Written by: bigpainter on Nov 24, 2008 6:41:23 PM

  Ths problem is intermittent in that it runs OK and then intermittently will back fire and acts like its out of time or gas. Sometimes runs for days and then will act up right away. this PU have been tuned and I changed where I buy gas. Got a few engine checks and scan said bad oygen sensor. Changed sensor and no good. After much testing and checking I decided it ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Transmission Help

  Written by: findme23rls on Nov 23, 2008 9:58:52 AM

  I saw that someone else had this problem but I never saw a response to his particular problem. I have a 1996 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9L V-6. Up to this point, I've had no problems. A while back I had a problem starting my truck. I turned the key and nothing, just silence. I was baffled. Somehow or another I took the truck out of park into neutral and then ... Read More

• Possible Transmission Issue

  Written by: findme23rls on Nov 23, 2008 9:53:30 AM

  I have a 1996 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9L V-6. Up to this point, I've had no problems. A while back I had a problem starting my truck. I turned the key and nothing, just silence. I was baffled. Somehow or another I took the truck out of park into neutral and then put it back into park and it started right up. I was thinking my Transmission might be slipping. ... Read More

Dodge Dakota throttle position sensor

• Dodge Dakota 96 PCM problem?

  Written by: bigpainter on Nov 14, 2008 7:54:47 PM

  My Dodge Dakota Sport, 1996 4cyl 2 wheel drive manual air, has a peculiar problem where it intermitently run badly, back firing and bucking like it is running out of gas. The scan said Oxegen sensor. Changed the oxegen sensor and no good. I think it might be the PCM but it is expensive and don't want to waste that much money if it isn't the problem. Any ideals?

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• can an alternater cause your fuel system to not work properly

  Written by: marshall12 on Jan 13, 2008 9:42:55 AM

  i have a 1996 dodge dakota 2.5 liter 4cylinder it has been running rough as though the fuel filter was clogged this has been going on for about two weeks, two days ago my generator light came own and my alternator was gone so i replaced the alternater and so far i havent had the same problems so i was curious if this could cause a vehicle to spit and sputter ... Read More

• 1996 Dodge Dakota Electrial Problem

  Written by: bonita2 on Jan 10, 2008 1:34:20 PM

  I replaced the blower motor. It worked fine for about a month. It stopped working and the cig lighter and blinkers stopped also.

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• No overdrive ...!!!!!.

  Written by: handymex on Aug 26, 2006 10:28:41 AM

  I have a 1996 Dodge Dakota,2WD,3.9l with automatic transmission. . The transmission was "rebuilt"by a guy who fixes trasmission of the side. I drove it in the freeway a few days ago and the overdrive was working ok. I drove in the freway today and the overdrive is not working anymore . Any ideas what can be the problem? Thank you for you help.

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• More on Neutral Safety Switch

  Written by: tjfitz on Aug 15, 2006 12:28:22 PM

  Hope I'm not annoying people with my posts on the 1990 Dakota starting problem. However, I just found the below quote (edited by me) on the Internet, in connection with installation of a remote starting switch. It only refers to pre-1996 Dakotas with 2.5 liter engines, but my 3.9 liter engine 1990 Dodge Dakota certainly has its automatic transmission gear selector lever on the steering column, too, and I wonder if ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Climate Control

• How to replace Evaporator Core(step by step)

  Written by: handymex on Jul 29, 2006 12:54:28 PM

  Hi everyone, The evaporator core on my 1996 Dodge Dakota needs to be replace. Because the amount of money mechanics charge to do this type of job, I want to replace the eveaporator core myself. Some people say that when it comes with evaporator cores only the pros should deal with them. Again, because of the price of this job, I want to do it myself. Does anyone have a step ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Future Models

• no title

  Written by: kurts3 on Apr 8, 2006 10:14:59 AM

  I’m not bashing also but being I have a 06 on order with the 4.7HO loaded to the gills, I believe I’m certainly qualify to be here. First, the buying public doesn’t play the so-called class game, as do the marketing groups. There is NO full size Asian pickup truck sold in the US. All because the marketing people say so is just a way of setting up the product for ... Read More

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• Any help would be appreciated!

  Written by: ykc on Nov 9, 2005 8:08:54 PM

  I have a 1996 Dakota with an electrical problem. It keeps blowing the A/C compressor/engine fan fuse, which cuts off the electricity to start the truck. I finally took it to a Dodge Dealership and they originally diagnosis ed the starter to be the problem. Well, 9 days later I have had it back to the dealership twice and they are now trying to figure it out by trial and error. ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Future Models

• Happy owner of 3 Dakotas

  Written by: vulcan3 on Jan 25, 2003 4:22:23 PM

  I have 3 Dakotas, 1993, 1996, 1997, and all purchased new . These trucks are very good trucks and I was disappointed to hear that the new 2004 Dakota was to be downsized. Is this true? or is that comment based on the fact that the Durango which is based on the Dakota chassis going up size next year, and the Dakota will remain, "smaller"? Dodge started the mid size idea, ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Problems. Please help!

• danodw

  Written by: henne on Oct 5, 2002 10:57:28 AM

  I feel your pain. I have had three Dakotas since 1996, and I cant for the life of me figure why I buy into its looks and ignore the lack of quality. The one I am in now is the best of the three, although the tranny has been pulled, engine rear main seal replaced, software updates, front end popping, rear drivers side passenger window popping out and so on. At ... Read More

• lotsa problems

  Written by: droldman on Apr 13, 2002 2:52:16 PM

  I have to agree with the criticism of Dodge & Jeep. I made the mistake of buying a 1996 Dodge Caravan (bought new) AND a 1998 Dodge Dakota extra cab (bought new). The many problems include: Caravan: transmission failure @ 90,000 miles bad engine noises serious brake problems both front & rear Dakota: transmission failure @ 60,000 miles bad engine noises suspension problems Jeep Wrangler (bought new in 1988) engine failure ... Read More

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• New to Dodge with questions

  Written by: nwdodgeguy on Mar 31, 2002 10:03:25 PM

  Hey all, So, I recently inherited a Dakota from my late father and have a number of questions. I must preface by saying this will be my second American made vehicle. The first was an '87 Pontiac Bonneville I bought in 1991 and the engine caught on fire at about 80,000 miles. Last US vehicle I bought. I currently have a '89 Toyota Camry (everything original) with 287,000 and looks and ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Problems. Please help!

• For What It's Worth

  Written by: rdrunner on Feb 17, 2002 12:14:44 PM

  Hey folks, Lot's of griping here, but for what it's worth, I'm on my second Dakota (first one had a 318, second one has the 4.7L). Here's what I can tell you about each: Dakota #1 was a 1995 and I put 136k miles on it before sellign it. The ONLY thing I had to do outside or nomal maintenance (oil changes, tires, etc) was a radiator at 130k miles. Salt ... Read More