1998 Dodge Dakota Consumer Discussions

Dodge Dakota Braking Problems

• Re: ABS and Brake light on [cheeze74]

  Written by: carverman on Nov 9, 2011 6:07:32 AM

  ABS specific code 51 is REAR ISOLATION SOLENOID OPEN. this is applicable to Dodge RWAL..it has nothing to do with any kind of relay. Looking at the the 2000 wiring diagram for RWAL brakes, there is NO relay associated with the CAB. I checked the PDC on my 1998 Dakota and confirmed this, The CAB is fused by a 40amp fuse in the PDC. So obviously if the lights are coming ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Re: Trans Code Question: 2005 Dodge Dakota [lil_tiger77]

  Written by: carverman on Aug 14, 2011 8:44:51 AM

  Need more specific info. Is this a V6 or a V8? You didn't mention if this was a 4x4 or a 2wd, but the codes the way I'm interpret them is p0700 (TCM transmission Control Module) is a transmission control system malfunction. Couldn't find the p0876 code ..are you sure you read the code right? The dakota doesn't have a transaxle, if it's a 4x4 it will have a transfer case ... Read More

• 1998 Dodge Dakota 5.2 V8 tranny shifting problem

  Written by: carverman on Jul 8, 2011 3:32:03 PM

  Consulted my Haynes Durango/Dakota 1998/99 Repair manual. This book has saved me tons of cash, both in "Check engine" diagnosis and troubleshooting electrical and electrical sensor problems. I highly recommend this manual..it is a worthwhile investment if you are capable of doing some basic repairs yourself. The manual mentioned that there is a shift cable that connects the throttle at the air horn (located on the other side of the TPS ... Read More

• Re: 1999 dodge dakota shifting problems [dragavona]

  Written by: carverman on Jul 7, 2011 2:57:14 PM

  I have the same problem with my 1998 Dakota 5.2L (318 V8 (105,000 km) and with the overdrive transmission. It seems to get worse if the transmission is heated up after a 30-40 minute highway drive. The shifting is delayed and the tach goes up to 3000 rpm and the shift is hard to second and also to 3rd. Overdrive (once in) seems to be fine. According to my Haynes manual, ... Read More

• 1998 dodge dakota wont go PLEASE HELP!!!!!

  Written by: lanna84 on Sep 2, 2010 7:09:42 AM

  I have a 1998 dodge dakota, with the 3.9, 4 x 4. I went to leave a couple of days ago out of my drive way and it barely made it up the hill, then it basically came to a complete stop when I turned the corner after losing momention. The truck will not move in any gear. Everyone says I need a new transmission, but I dont see how all ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Starting Problems

• starting problem

  Written by: denp3 on Dec 17, 2010 1:16:24 PM

  My 1998 Dodge Dakota will start fine, let it sit a few days and the battery is drained. It can be jump started. It has a new battery and alternator.

Dodge Dakota throttle position sensor

• Yet another Idle issue on 1998 4x4 Dakota 3.9 Auto

  Written by: wvbigdog on Nov 1, 2010 2:07:03 AM

  I've been searching for weeks online for an answer to this issue I'm having so I'll try here and see what I get for an answer since dustyk seems to be direct and to the point. My son couldn't make payments on his 1998 4x4 Dakota SLT with a 3.9 and auto and 104,000 miles, so I took it over figuring it would be good to move our boat from the ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Stalling and Dying Problems

• Re: 1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 2WD Stalling, misfire, and backfire [freebee]

  Written by: freebee on Oct 24, 2010 3:15:12 PM

  Also, very recently, I've sprayed WD-40 all over and around my rubbers and bushings (i see a joke there, but I can't place it) which helped the squeaks for a bit. I don't think I came close to the computer at all. My truck does have 310K miles on it. The guy at the car rental place said he had a buddy that wanted to sell his 80's model Chevy for ... Read More

• Re: 1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 2WD Stalling, misfire, and backfire [freebee]

  Written by: freebee on Oct 24, 2010 3:14:06 PM

  I wasn't in a good area of town btw. I think they call the area.. Dallas if I'm not mistaken..HA I went back to the hotel and ate my stale cookie. Yum. I looked up online what could be the problem and there were many posts about the cam shaft sensor causing problems like the ones I was experiencing. The next day my fuel gauge just stops working yet other electrical ... Read More

• 1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 2WD Stalling, misfire, and backfire

  Written by: freebee on Oct 24, 2010 3:11:45 PM

  Howdy everybuddy!! I have a dodge dakota with a world of hurt. Let me tell ya'll a story... I've just had (2 weeks ago) a "quieter" muffler put on my 'Kota so as not to wake up my neighbors any more. I was also told that my rear end was going out and that I should use it until it just starts acting plain silly. Also, I told the mechanic that ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Starting Problems

• 1998 Dodge Dakota not starting

  Written by: flotzilla on Apr 3, 2009 10:43:17 AM

  I have no idea about vehicles. My Dakota has been sitting for months. Due to the fact that my brake pedal was going allt he way to the floor when I tried to stop. My g/f has been driving me to work, and she is frusterated with me. I would go out every few days and make sure that it still started. It did everytime. It had been about 2 months ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• 1994 dodge dakota Overdrive OFF problem PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!

  Written by: goodnewsauto on May 7, 2010 6:26:45 PM

  First off I have given great advice from being a owner of the hideous 1998 buick regal ls. Just bought this truck yesterday and in desperate need of help. The o/d button on the left side of the steering column is not working at all. I changed the switch and nothing changed. After doing some searching on the net I changed the Speed Sensor and Nuetral Park Sensor on tranny NO ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Braking Problems

• '98 Dakota-Need Parking Brake Cable Tensioner

  Written by: rogdodgny on Jan 26, 2010 9:32:29 AM

  I'm in need of a replacement "Parking Brake Cable Tensioner" (MOPAR part# 52008437AB) for my 1998 Dodge Dakota. I've been to my local Dodge dealer and I've been told that this part is no longer being produced and is not available. This part was used during model years 94-99 on both Dakotas and Durangos. Can anyone help? Any suggestions (aside from junkyards)? Thanks Roger

Dodge Dakota Owners - Meet the Members

• 1998 Dakota

  Written by: atki978 on Jun 8, 2009 11:17:06 AM

  Don't know if anyone knows the answer, but I'm real curious. When I was 19 years old, I special ordered a 1998 Dodge Dakota. I ordered what I could afford: regular cab, 2wd, 5 speed manual, no power or A/C. But what I did order was the 5.2L engine. This was a half year before the R/T existed. I still have the truck. It has 58,000 miles on it. My question ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• What kind of Tranny, 98 3.9 auto?

  Written by: dervin1 on Mar 24, 2009 10:38:33 AM

  What kind of tranny do I have, 1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9V6, auto Sport ex cab, 2WD? I need to change the transmission filter and oil, what kind of kit do I need? Thanks, Dave

Dodge Dakota Radiator and Cooling Problems

• Steam from Radiator: Is this bad?

  Written by: DeLorean on Jan 15, 2009 3:37:56 PM

  1998 Dodge Dakota, 4-Cylinder, Stock I recently noticed that during the cooling cycles the car goes through from going to ~210 down to ~185 (when the radiator fan is on), a significant amount of steam (I think) is produced from the radiator. I initially noticed this when I turned off my car and got out to see steam coming from the grill. It is not enough to see when the car ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• unsure of the problem

  Written by: dbar on Dec 25, 2008 7:18:09 PM

  my 1998 dakota speedometer has been jumping up and down on speed. for instance i can be going about 20mph and it will register anywhere from 20 to 100 mph back and forth.now the transmission will shift erratically at times and sometimes stalling the motor.i have allready taken it to a mechanic and he put a speed sensor on the transmission and this didn't help. its worse when it's cold outside. ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Climate Control

• Re: Dodge Dakota A/C Problems [kpfegan]

  Written by: 98dakota on Nov 25, 2008 9:06:42 PM

  1998 dakota 4cyl does anyone know where i can find a diagram of the vacuum system? and what the pressures are ? mostly interested in the damper under the dash mine wont switch from the defroster.

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• Dakota with transmission shifting problem

  Written by: 71corvette on Oct 22, 2008 6:01:07 PM

  I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota 5.2, 2wd, 160k miles with an automatic transmission. For quite some time I've been noticing a shift quality issue that only occurs between 2nd and 3rd gear when the transmission is cold. When the tranny is cold, and the weather is cool, the engine revs quite high for quite a while before the truck will shift from 2nd into 3rd gear. the colder the weather, ... Read More

• 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V6

  Written by: memo2 on Jul 22, 2008 11:40:11 AM

  my truck is great but there is a noise that come fom the transmission when you drive it. It drives good there is no delays on the shifts you step on the gas and it takes off really smooth. ive tried everything someone please give me some info

Dodge Dakota Climate Control

• Sometimes AC

  Written by: dleahy on Jun 21, 2008 12:48:27 AM

  I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota. The air conditioning blows so cold, it will run you right out of the truck. Then, it blows ambient temp air and is useless. I have replaced the cycling switch, the refrigerant, checked for leaks with dye, replaced the high pressure switch, the control head and the vacuum harness that connects to the back of the switch. It works when started and then after varying ... Read More

Dodge Dakota Paint issues

• Re: Paint Issues [red_dodge]

  Written by: wilkerbeast on May 29, 2008 8:48:59 PM

  My 1998 Dakota Club Cab started going bald a couple of years ago (2006 or so) and now has great balding patches on the hood, roof, "A" pillars and tops of the fenders. It got a new catalytic converter (2 actually) free from Daimler Chrysler, so I was wondering if there is any action with them concerning the paint jobs?

Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

• 98 dodge dakota 3.9 v6 tranny slipping

  Written by: erik89 on Dec 13, 2007 8:15:27 PM

  1998 dodge dakota 3.9 v6 extended cab slt 4x4, 152k miles when taking off my tranny slips from 1st to 2nd and then shift hard the rest of the gears, also it slips going up hills from 1st to 2nd. what is causing this and what will fix it?

• 1998 Dodge Dakota Hard shifting when cold.

  Written by: mobilemec on Jan 7, 2007 2:25:08 PM

  I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9L, 4x4, Auto., and when it is cold, it has a hard time shifting into 2nd. Is there any advice on that? Not to familiar with dodges.

Dodge Dakota Climate Control

• Dodge Dakota A/C Problems

  Written by: redhead777 on Jul 13, 2006 9:12:11 PM

  I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota Sport club cab 4X4 V8 5 speed. It's a great truck but my A/C has died. I need my A/C it's way too hot here and I HATE to be hot. I have had the motor replaced, I have had the system recharged, I have had the dye put in to check for leaks TWICE, I have had all of the connections re-done and gaskets ... Read More

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• Major problem need some help to fix.

  Written by: redjlybean on Jun 16, 2006 7:25:59 PM

  Have a question someone help me. I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 V-6 with 64500 miles. The tranny seems to slip when up shifting and it idles ruff. The RPM gauge jumps between 800 and 900. There also seems to be some weird noise coming from some wear cant figure it out sounds like an bearing not a belt. Also it has no power when it is at ... Read More

• Re: 1998 dodge dakota 4wd slt v.8 [98dodgeguy350]

  Written by: ronslakie1 on May 30, 2006 4:54:49 AM

  Jpshua - Usually ebay is a good source for Factory Service Manuals at a good price. Ron

• 1998 dodge dakota 4wd slt v.8

  Written by: 98dodgeguy350 on May 28, 2006 7:12:04 PM

  i just bought this truck used and the check engine light the washer fluid light and the gas light stay on and i dont know why please help also i need to know if anyone knows where i can get a owners manual for my 98 dodge dakota 4wd slt v.8 thanks joshua sandker

• help

  Written by: andrewmiller on Nov 8, 2005 7:22:52 PM

  Hey, I am a 16 year old high school student thinking about buying a 1998 Dodge Dakota from a friend for 3000 dollars. Sounded like an excellent deal, the only problem is theres a whopping 170,000 miles on it. Right now it's running great for him, no problems. Just wondering if it would be a good deal to buy it, and if so then how long can I count on it ... Read More

• Re: 89 Dodge Dak Ex. Cab, V6 3.9L (15Gal Tank) - FUEL PUMP [cpl]

  Written by: cpl on Sep 10, 2005 7:08:52 PM

  Sorry all. Year on the above Dodge Dakota (Fuel Pump issue) should be 1998, not '89. -CL

• 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...

Dodge Dakota - Club Cab

• Chip it???

  Written by: illicit_hunter on Aug 19, 2005 4:38:53 AM

  I own a 1998 Dakota Club Cab w/ a 318 under the hood. So far I have put dual straight pipes on the back from the cat and a K&N FIPK Intake. I am interested in all of these Hypertech Dodge Dakota Power Programmer III and the JET Dodge Dakota Performance Chips Power Control Module (PCM). Has anyone applied one of these to their Dakota?? Which is the best, or if ... Read More

Dodge Dakota: Problems & Solutions

• Re: a/c problems [reddakota]

  Written by: imabaytiger on Jul 8, 2005 4:00:12 PM

  Hey reddakota, I also have a 1998 dodge dakota sport and within the past few weeks I have been having a/c problems. So far I have found out that I have enough freon in the system. So that is not a problem. I found this out by buying a charge kit from wal mart for about 20 bucks. It has a guage that measures the amount when connected. This must only ... Read More

• Re: Serpentine Belt Replacement 1998 Dodge Dakota [lf1313]

  Written by: bpeebles on Oct 27, 2004 7:35:36 PM

  You did not mention the specific engine you have but any of the serp belts I have replaced were easy to install by placing a wrench on the center bolt of the tensionor pully and using that as leverage to hold the pulley as the belt was 'threaded' into place. Then just slowly release the tension so the pully takes up the slack on the belt. The above tecnique is also ... Read More

• Serpentine Belt Replacement 1998 Dodge Dakota

  Written by: lf1313 on Oct 27, 2004 4:59:46 AM

  I am trying to replace a serpentine belt on a 1998 Dodge Dakota truck. I removed the old belt by taking off a pulley (illustrated by the belt diagram under the hood). I cannot get the new belt back on because the it's too tight. The pulley is mounted to a tensioner I believe (I can see a spring inside teh housing). How do I make this tensoiner move the pulley ... Read More

• "Green" antifreeze..............

  Written by: dustyk on Nov 2, 2003 7:45:31 AM

  jhorl, you must be careful of making assumptions based on the color of the coolant. My 2003 Dakota also has a green-colored coolant, but it is definitely HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology. This is available from Chrysler or Dodge dealers as Mopar # MS-9769 (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, Five-year/100,000 Mile Formula). Chrysler appears to be unique in the industry at this time by using hybrid coolants in some of their vehicles. Most ... Read More

• 1998 vs 2000 Dakota

  Written by: scottl3 on Mar 27, 2003 6:43:38 AM

  Other than the new 4.7 V-8 (mine is a V-6) that came out in 2000, what are the differences between a 1998 and 2000 Dakota. I have found a 1998 Dodge Service manual on-line, but have not located a 2000 manual yet. Thanks

Dodge Dakota Problems. Please help!

• 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 - Club Cab

• Did I purchase a lemon?

  Written by: limco on Mar 4, 2001 5:57:40 PM

  The company brought a 1998 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4, 5.2 liter pick up in November 1998 and it has been in the service shop quite often for a new vehicle with less than 72,000 am on the clock. The pickup have been in the shop for the following failure: Fuel tank module replacement Rear wheel speed sensor replacement Front disc rotor Front stabilizer bar failure and replacement AS module replacement. Just ... Read More

Dodge Dakota - General Topic

• transfer case recall?

  Written by: woodyr1 on Dec 13, 2002 1:19:17 PM

  Hi: I heard a rumour that Dodge has issued a recall on transfer cases for Dakota's 1998 and older. I checked the NHTSA website to no avail. Anyone else hear this rumour, and if so, can you provide details? Thanks Rick

Dodge Dakota - Quad Cab

• Scared OF WHAT??

  Written by: bpeebles on Feb 15, 2001 5:17:01 PM

  (pikeamania) I have been following the Dakota since mid 1999. I still follow all of the Dakota forums here at Edmunds as well as at several other sites. The 4.7L V8 Hemi has been almost infallible since its inception in the 1998 JeepGrandCherokee. As for the chassis itself... the reported problems have been well within what is seen on other vehicles. Lets look at your own words... "Everyone seems to have ... Read More

• Gas Mileage

  Written by: greg116 on Feb 9, 2001 11:41:37 PM

  The overhead console on Dodges is not to be trusted. I recently got "18.4 MPG" on a two-day highway trip over the Rocky Mountains an a 1998 Durango 5.9 3.55. I VERY MUCH doubt that is accurate. If you want better accuracy, take down how much you put in at the pump, reset the trip odo and calculate from there. Long live Dakota!

Dodge Dakota - General Topic

• My Dakota Horror Story

  Written by: dakotahell on Jun 24, 2000 1:22:12 AM

  On April Fools Day 2000 (no kidding) I purchased a 98 Dodge Dakota Sport with 29000 miles that included the original as well as a transferable extended warranty. I was happy with it for about a month and then......... The automatic shift lever comes off in my wifes hand as she is putting it in gear to back out of the driveway. No big deal. It is covered and they put ... Read More