1997 Dodge Dakota Consumer Discussions

Dodge Dakota Climate Control

• Blower issue

  Written by: mstefanik1 on Jan 19, 2012 7:06:04 AM

  I have read through a lot of this forum looking for a problem similar to mine - but I am not sure I have found it so I figured I would start a new one. The blower on my 1997 Dodge Dakota has recently become intermittent. Sometimes I start the car and it works normally, sometimes I start the car and it does nothing - at any speed. I thought it ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Starting Problems

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota cold idle problem [mastec1970]

  Written by: carverman on Dec 5, 2011 7:42:31 AM

  Yes I agree. Most cranking issues are because of a bad battery..where it has a defect in manufacture that shows up when relatively new..or towards the end of its chemistry lifetime where it simply cannot hold a charge or provide the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)required by the starter circuit and of course the PCM.

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota cold idle problem [carverman]

  Written by: mastec1970 on Nov 29, 2011 2:17:48 PM

  The most common reason for stalling is the battery! (On Chrysler vehicles) This is usually caused by a marginal battery that has lost most of it's capacity and the cranking voltage drops too low and the PCM loses the IAC (idle air control) counts! 28 Year Master, L-1 Technician

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota cold idle problem [tcarter811]

  Written by: carverman on Nov 10, 2011 11:35:54 AM

  What was the symptom before you changed the TPS? And did you install the TPS sensor correctly? There are two ways it can go on, but only one is the correctly way. I don't have enough info to provide any real diagnosis.. but sensors that affect idle are: 1. TPS sensor 2. IAC (idle air control valve) 3. IAT (incoming air temperature sensor) 4. ECT (engine coolant temperature) The PCM adjusts ... Read More

• 1997 Dodge Dakota cold idle problem

  Written by: tcarter811 on Nov 10, 2011 9:07:33 AM

  My Dakota starts in the mornings, but with no idle. I have to keep my foot on the gas to keep it running, after it warms up, no problems running and with the idle. I have replaced the throttle position switch, but with no luck. Please help!

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• 97 dodge dakota

  Written by: nolat on Jan 17, 2011 2:01:06 PM

  i have a good amount of automotive knowledge and this problem has me stumped can anyone help? heres the delema. i have a 1997 dodge dakota v6 3.9L 4x4. recently i noticed my battery gauge dropping when i drove. a few days after i noticed this my truck needed a jump very fequently. i figured it was a bad alternator as this exact thing happened on previous car. i tested the ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• tranny troubles

  Written by: mike1976 on Jul 31, 2010 12:59:45 PM

  my 1997 dodge dakota has the engine light on and the codes were po753 and po743 I need some help on trying to get this fixed without going to the shop no money to spare. The truck revs high and seams to be missing 1st gear after it is moving it does shift up and down but not into first. I was told that if I take the transmission pan off ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Warning Lights and Trouble Codes

• map sensor

  Written by: dwayne9 on Sep 4, 2010 3:22:48 AM

  i obd'd my 1997 dodge dakota 2 wheel drive 6 cyl i scanned my engine and rec a bad map sensor reading i plan on retrieving one from a used auto part yard i wanted to know is there anywhere i can find a listing of all vehicles that used the same exact map sensor thats required for my car or what cars have the same part used in my car ... Read More

97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!!

• Re: 97 Dakota Will Not Idle [stevem1961]

  Written by: yehaw on Feb 28, 2010 9:25:32 PM

  i had a 1997 dodge dakota 3.9. i bought the truck at 169,000 miles and got ri of it a 222,000 miles. it also had a idling problem but not all the time. the idler sensor on it would stick on it. i took it out every once in a while and tapped it on a hard surface a couple time when it got to bad. it worked for quite a ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota Not Holding A Charge!!!! [Classick604]

  Written by: harride on Jul 13, 2009 7:46:21 AM

  I ran into this same issue on my 91 dakota. I found that the voltage regulator is in the main computer. The computer needs to be replaced. I did find a way around doing that by wiring in an external voltage regulator. The check engine light is still on but the charging system is working correctly till I have the money for a new computer. I found a voltage regulator at ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Fuel Pump/Fuel System Questions

• Fuel Pump

  Written by: actiontj on Aug 12, 2009 7:18:08 PM

  Have a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4x4. About a month ago my pick up would only run for about 3 seconds and die. Was told it was the fuel pump so i put another fuel pump in and it ran for a couple of weeks and now it is doing the same thing, starts up and runs for 3 seconds and dies out. I Can hear that the fuel pump is running. ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• no communication between data link and pcm

  Written by: anotherjunker on Jul 26, 2009 2:52:19 PM

  i recently purchased a 1997 dodge dakota 4 cyl. 2.5 L. so far i've replace the mag. pick up, plugs, wires, rotor, cap, all four ball joints, both stablizer pins, thought i was ready to get it inspected but when they tried to hook it up to the machine result was no communication. they said that the data link is powered by the radio. i took apart the dash to find ... Read More

• Re: 95 Dodge Dakota head, tail, and dash lights are out [dustyk]

  Written by: lgoodwin on Mar 25, 2009 2:37:26 PM

  Finally went to dealer to check out part number. It was the ABS module I had removed (and ABS module at Advance and Auto Zone both list for around $100.00). Reason I couldn't find the CTM is because CTM was not put on the Daks until 1997 (when the body style changed, this is per the dealer parts list). So back to the problem, head, tail, dash lights out, ABS, engine ... Read More

97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!!

• Re: Help for the '97 Dakota Truck guy! [factman1]

  Written by: nenisi on Mar 19, 2009 3:01:29 PM

  All I have to say to "factman1" is ...DITTO!! I'm having exactly the same problem w/my 1997 Dodge Dakota....I've replace the crank sensor, cam position sensor, plugs, wires, new timing chain...etc............... Mine got so bad, (exactly like yours, when cold it runs great for the 10+ minutes, then bucks and misfires, when warm runs GREAT....) that with one big backfire, I blew out the "dougnut"...big deal, so I'm putting up with ... Read More

• Help for the '97 Dakota Truck guy!

  Written by: factman1 on Mar 18, 2009 7:31:55 PM

  I posted to Maddux 8848 instead of listing my problem separately. I have the same problem with my 1997 Dodge Dakota Truck. I've replaced the crank sensor, fuel pump, cam position sensor twice, plug wires, plugs, distributor, coolant temperature sensor etc. There is a 1999 van having the same symptoms and the dealership has not figured it out. When it is cold, it runs well for 10-12 minutes and then bucks ... Read More

• Re: 1999 dodge dakota idling problems [maddux8848]

  Written by: factman1 on Mar 18, 2009 7:19:40 PM

  I have the same problem with my 1997 Dodge Dakota Truck. I've replaced the crank sensor, fuel pump, cam position sensor twice, plug wires, plugs, distributor, coolant temperature sensor etc. There is a 1999 van having the same symptoms and the dealership has not figured it out. When it is cold, it runs well for 10-12 minutes and then bucks and misfires so much it feels like it is ruining the ... Read More

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota parking brake issues [lope5859]

  Written by: dustyk on Mar 7, 2009 5:32:20 AM

  On a vehicle that old its probably time to replace the rear parking brake cables. Regards, Dusty

• 1997 Dodge Dakota parking brake issues

  Written by: lope5859 on Mar 6, 2009 5:33:04 PM

  My parking brake seemed to stick. i was wondering if there could be a problem with the cable or if i would have to adjust it. any help would be great thanks.

Dodge Dakota Engine and Underhood Questions

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota Engine/Electrical Trouble [nenisi]

  Written by: paintballfanxx on Feb 20, 2009 3:33:30 AM

  My 92 dakota is doing the same thing I had changed the temp. sensor first because it was cheaper than the crank sensor. But that did not work so i am buying the 50 dollar crank sensor and going to put it in.

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota Not Holding A Charge!!!! [Classick604]

  Written by: dustyk on Jan 20, 2009 6:41:08 PM

  My apologies, but unfortunately I can't recall a "140 amp" fuse anywhere in the electrical system. Of course, I am getting old. I wonder if you are referring to the fusible link? I can't for the life of me figure out how something could be missing on a vehicle that ran fine one minute then died another. Let's approach this another way. Connect a voltmeter to the correct terminals of the ... Read More

• 1997 Dodge Dakota Not Holding A Charge!!!!

  Written by: Classick604 on Jan 19, 2009 8:40:32 PM

  Hi, i recently bought a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L V6. A couple weeks ago i was driving down the road and noticed my check gauges light started flashing. I ignored it and continued driving when all of a sudden the truck just died and lost all power. I flagged another truck down and asked for a jump thinking it was just a dead battery. So i got my truck jumped ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Help Please

  Written by: dustyn on Jan 7, 2009 6:07:31 PM

  I think I need to add transmission fluid to a manual transmission 1997 3.9L Dodge Dakota. The only problem is, I don't know where the mythical fill plug that the manual talks about actually is, other than the highly descriptive phrase "the side of the transmission." Does anyone have a diagram, or a better description for the location of this fill plug? Maybe the size of the wrench necessary to remove ... Read More

• how to drive prep my not-so-new dodge...????

  Written by: ashers on Dec 27, 2008 2:45:00 PM

  so i am going to pick up a 1997 dodge dakota. it belonged to my father and has ben sitting for about a year now. it needs oil every time it is to be ran ( or at least did when it ran last ) and my dad described the enginge as being "loose". i am not quite sure what that means... what do i need to do the get it ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Engine and Underhood Questions

• 1997 Dodge Dakota Engine/Electrical Trouble

  Written by: nenisi on Dec 13, 2008 7:43:35 AM

• 1997 Dodge Dakota Engine/Electrical Trouble

  Written by: nenisi on Dec 13, 2008 7:43:35 AM

  I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport, V6, 4X4. When the outside temp falls below 32 degrees I have a problem. Engine starts fine. After 10 or 15 minutes of driving I sometimes cannot go uphill over 15 miles an hour. Downhill is worse, I leave off the gas, the RPM's fluctuate by as much as 1000, it then backfires. I have replaced the cam sensor and the air temp. sensor. ... Read More

97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!!

• warm engine with cold weather problems

  Written by: nenisi on Dec 10, 2008 5:11:24 PM

  The above sounds a lot like my Dodge. I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport, V6, 4X4. When the outside temp falls below 32 degrees I have a problem. Engine starts fine. After 10 or 15 minutes of driving I sometimes cannot go uphill over 15 miles an hour. Downhill is worse, I leave off the gas, the RPM's fluctuate by as much as 1000, it the backfires. I have replaced ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota Transmission Trouble [gocatsgo08]

  Written by: backyardmech1 on Dec 4, 2008 7:50:05 AM

  What you are describing sounds a lot like a catalytic converter problem. Had the same symptoms on two different trucks and the catalytic converter was clogged up on both. After putting a new one in (not inexpensive) they worked great. that may explain why the o2 sensor was appearing. Good luck.

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• Headlight problems after rental trailer

  Written by: stammer2 on Nov 19, 2008 7:27:24 PM

  I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport. I rented a trailer this past weekend. When I tested the lights at the rental lot, the side lights on the trailer that are supposed to come on with headlights, didn't come on. At the time, I thought it was just a connection problem with the trailer (I didn't look to see if my headlights were on at the time). Since then, my headlights ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Fuel Pump/Fuel System Questions

• Half way?

  Written by: dave169 on Nov 18, 2008 1:39:21 PM

  I can only put a half of tank of gas into my 1997 dodge dakota. I replaced the filling unit and vent hose, but it seems that wasn't the problem. The engine light is not on and I do not get any problems when checking codes. some one told me it maybe the rollover valve or another vent some where? any help would be great or I will be putting in ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• 1997 Dodge Dakota Transmission Trouble

  Written by: gocatsgo08 on Nov 12, 2008 6:44:40 AM

  I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 with the 3.9L V6 engine and auto transmission. In the last week the truck has been losing power and doesn't want to pull up hills now. At first, it wasn't too bad, but now it basically comes to a complete stop when going up a decent sized hill, and even struggles on level ground. The codes came back for the torque converter, shift ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Engine and Underhood Questions

• Re: 1997 dodge dakota 3.9 v6 2x4 [steve174]

  Written by: prodiesel on Apr 22, 2008 8:01:40 PM

  Hi, This is cory. I have a dodge full size truck doing the same thing. Just wondering if you figured out what was wrong with your dakota?

• 1997 dodge dakota 3.9 v6 2x4

  Written by: steve174 on Mar 25, 2008 3:50:32 PM

  hi i been having a problem with my truck the gages are not working and its not getting any spark. the problem started a few weeks ago it wouldn't start then a few day later it started. then it would just suddenly die. then would not start again then it started a few days later i drove it for about 15 mins around the block and parked it and it hasent ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Overdrive Shifting Problem

  Written by: sjbrush on Nov 17, 2007 1:28:57 PM

  I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the 3.9L V6 110,00 miles. I recently purchased the vehicle but dont know much of the vehicles history. It has developed a shifting problem with the overdrive. When I apply regular gas pedal pressure it seems to shift fine. However, when I am around 45-50mph and I fluctuate the gas pedal the transmission feels like it is jumping between 3rd gear (or 4th ... Read More

• 5 Speed tranny hard to shift - Hot or Cold

  Written by: harleymantx on Jun 22, 2007 6:54:01 PM

  I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota with 147,000 miles. Its a 4 banger with a 5 speed granny shifter on the floor. In really hot or really cold weather, It next to impossible to get into first gear. Can you tell me what the problem may be? Cant remember the last time any service was done to the tranny or if any is needed.

Dodge Dakota Interior Issues

• Replacement Cup Holder

  Written by: red45891 on Jun 7, 2007 5:38:06 AM

  I am trying to find a place to buy a Cup Holder for my 1997 Dodge Dakota. I cant seem to find a place where they sell them. Could you help me?? Thank You

Dodge Dakota General Operating Questions

• 1997 Dodge Dakota- Loads of problems

  Written by: robotsateme on May 9, 2007 11:53:39 AM

• Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota- Loads of problems [robotsateme]

  Written by: dustyk on Feb 10, 2007 12:00:33 PM

  The stalling problem could be caused by a miriad of items, including those related to routine maintenance, such as air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and PCV valve. For that year of vehicle it is very likely to experience a vacuum leak from deteriorated rubber hoses. Or its possible that the throttlebody needs to be cleaned. If you can provide more information perhaps I can help. Best regards, Dusty

• 1997 Dodge Dakota- Loads of problems

  Written by: robotsateme on Jan 11, 2007 9:54:12 AM

  I love my 97 dodge dakota, and I want to keep it as long as I can. However lately it's been giving me TONS of problems. Recently however I have a couple of problems I need to fix. One is due to the cold weather and in the morning it will start fine, however as soon as I kick it into drive it just turns off. The second problem is I ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Re: shift problems [jneal]

  Written by: moparman06 on Dec 10, 2006 9:01:53 AM

  The issue with curious_gears 99 dakota is very common, i drive a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4x4 sport and the transmission does not want to take off in first, the trouble codes that i had read from the OBD II reader were "P1762 which read out Governor Pressure Sensor offset improper voltage" and "P1764 which also read out that the governor pressure sensor voltage too low." The GPS is a newer element ... Read More

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• Starting Problems When Cold

  Written by: independentjlg on Feb 1, 2006 6:10:41 PM

  I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota V8 and I am having starting problems when my truck is cold I changed my distributor cap,plugs,wires,ignition coil,pcv valve,checked the fuel pressure and I still have starting problems. Any advice would be appreciated.

Dodge Dakota Electrical Problems

• Re: Dodge Dakota Turn Signal Problem [jwyatt]

  Written by: crudmudge on Jan 18, 2006 12:35:42 AM

  My 1997 Dakota started turn signal problems about 1999, just after warranty ran out. Dodge mechanic replaced turn signal assembly, then turn signal flasher (relay). Next year I replaced the same relay. About 2003 the same symptoms appeared and the Dodge mechanic replaced the whole fuse panel. It seems ok right now. Good luck on yours. CRUDMUDGE

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• Re: Backfire And Power Loss [bpeebles]

  Written by: stevem1961 on Sep 11, 2005 4:52:44 AM

  Sorry, all the info. about my 1997 Dakota with the 3.9L 6cyl was in earlier postings. I have no idea where the hose came from. I've looked at the manual and the routing decal. I'm thinking about taking my truck to a Dodge Dealer for diagnostics. I performed the test on my crankshaft positioning sensor which failed. A Mechanic that I spoke with said that the voltage during the test should ... Read More

• RE: P-Codes 1997 Dodge Dakota [dakotaman1]

  Written by: dustyk on Sep 17, 2005 12:36:41 PM

  First, I guess on occasion I do let some questions go by because I'm not the only one in here that has good Dakota knowledge and has been more than helpful. However, I missed your's because a number of posts went by and I don't always go backwards to check. I do have a life outside of this forum. On your comment about the "P-codes are not readable via odometer on ... Read More

• RE: P-Codes 1997 Dodge Dakota [stevem1961]

  Written by: dakotaman1 on Sep 17, 2005 8:19:26 AM

  And sorry I didn't get you something posted before you took your truck on in - no doubt the very thing you werre trying to avoid. Not that my post would have necessarily solved your problem either. If you get a resolution on your PCM issue, I do hope you'll post it. And as for BooKitty's comment - seems a bit too defensive. All I did was recap the history of ... Read More

• Re: P-Codes For 1997 Dakota [dakotaman1]

  Written by: dustyk on Sep 17, 2005 8:07:08 AM

  My apologies for not responding right away. Not only am I not on every day, but I've been have internet problems to boot. The P-codes are readable in my 2003 and earlier Dakotas, and it works in Dodge and Chrysler cars and mini-vans. I just verified that it works on a '98 Chrysler Concorde and a '99 Dodge Caravan. I was not aware that it didn't work on a '97 Dakota. ... Read More

• RE: P-Codes 1997 Dodge Dakota

  Written by: stevem1961 on Sep 17, 2005 4:42:12 AM

  Thanks Dakotaman1for the input. I was able to get my truck into my local Dodge Dealer Friday morning (9/16) but haven't heard anything back yet. I've called a couple of times but the service writer said that they didn't have anything conclusive yet. At one point he even used the word STUMPED. That's not what I wanted to hear. He told me to expect a call today (Saturday) but we'll just ... Read More

• Backfire And Power Loss

  Written by: stevem1961 on Sep 8, 2005 3:02:40 AM

  Hey! I'm new to this forum and new to Dakota trucks, so here's my problem. I recently bought a 1997 Dodge Dakota 3.9L with high mileage (162,000). The truck looked and ran like it was very well maintained. I decided to do a little maintenance and change the oil and filter plus the transmission filter. Now for some reason I'm experiencing a huge loss of power and an occasional backfire that ... Read More

• Re: How durable are Dakotas? [jonesmonkey]

  Written by: independentjlg on Aug 26, 2005 11:48:33 PM

  Well it is a lot of miles but I had a 1998 Dodge Dakota Sport V6 with 255,000 miles it had a few leaks but it still ran good with no problems then I bought a 1997 Dodge dakota with 50,000 miles and it's giving me a lot of problems...

• Trottle Position Sensor

  Written by: independentjlg on Aug 25, 2005 5:38:26 PM

  Does anyone know if the Trottle Position Sensor can be adjusted on a 1997 Dodge Dakota 5.2 litter Thanks

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 & Solutions

• Recalling Dodge pickup trucks

  Written by: bja4 on Aug 1, 2001 11:47:48 AM

  DETROIT, Aug. 1 — The U.S. unit of DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 216,100 Dodge pickup trucks because of a potential problem with the driver’s side airbag. THE PROBLEM, ANNOUNCED by federal regulators in a monthly list of automotive recalls on Tuesday, has been detected in 1997-2000 models of the Dakota and Durango and 1997-2001 models of the Dodge Ram pickup The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said about 216,100 of ... Read More

• Front Bumper Replacement ron35

  Written by: iowabigguy on Jul 17, 2001 3:44:10 PM

  In response to your question, I can answer part of it based on personal experience. First I would check Ebay, do a search under dodge Dakota. I always see grills and to a lesser extent bumpers. I bought an after market chromed piece to replace the lower plastic piece on my 2000 SLT Quad. The metal on it was very thin and it did not fit well enough for me to ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Problems. Please help!

• 3.9 V6 auto

  Written by: davie3 on Apr 22, 2001 8:17:56 AM

  I am looking at a used 1997 Dakota Sport 52,000 km (65,000 miles) How do these engines/ transmissions stand up in COLD country? How is the heater? Fast warm up?? Is the A/C the old freon ? Any experience with changing to the new stuff? ANy help appreciated -- not much Dodge action here-- a real GM town!

Dodge Dakota - Club Cab

• V6 vs V8

  Written by: greg116 on Feb 20, 2001 8:27:00 PM

  All good points, but the MSRP IS still cheaper. And I have yet to see proven evidence that the V6 gets worse mileage than the V8. And yes, I understand the concept of gearing, how the V6 must rev higher at a given speed etc etc... The EPA seems to like the V6 for gas on all the stickers I've seen on lot vehicles. Of course their testing is outdated too. ... Read More