2003 Dodge Dakota Mystery

puzzled owner · #1 03-04-2005, 04:34 PM

I am completely puzzled by something that happened the other evening to my Dodge Dakota pick up. About an hour after I lpulled my truck into the garage I found the parking lights and back up lights on. (I know they weren't on when I left the garage). I started the vehicle and tried turning the light switch (which was, of course, turned to the off position) - nope the lights would not shut off. It wasn't a fuse (we checked). I called the nearest dealership and they finally suggested we disconnect the battery since we couldn't make those lights go off. (The driver side of the dash also felt quite warm). The next morning, reconnected the battery cable and the lights stayed off.

Took the truck to the dealer yesterday, they can't find a thing wrong. In fact I think they think I'm a bit mad (older woman seeing little green men!!) I'm concerned it will happen again and possibly leave me stranded somewhere. Has anyone had a similar problem?

I also asked them to check a "dead" spot in the transmission between 42 and 52 mph. Somewhere between those two speeds there is an obvious drop in power. You find yourself really putting your foot to the gas to make the truck maintain speed and then are truly speeding when the transmission kicks in. The problem has also been noticed by my husband. You guessed it - service can't find anything wrong.

Believe me this truck is babied. We take excellent care of it and maintain it properly.

Does anyone have a suggestion or perhaps even an answer. Many thanks if anyone can help.

amberfire · #2 03-04-2005, 08:13 PM

as for the lights. it could be the switch in the dash. my freind has had problems with his. I have not. but, I would also look in the relay panel under the hood. if it does it again. put your fingers on the relays to see if you have one that is hot. if so, it is probably stuck on. I had my cooling fan stay on after the truck was off. and key out. it was a stuck relay under the hood.cheap and easy to replace. as for the tranny, are you sure you are not just feeling it shift to the next gear? not sure about that one.

VegasHemi · #3 03-05-2005, 01:40 AM

It would have to be the switch or the relay as stated above. My guess it's the switch.

puzzled owner · #4 03-07-2005, 06:01 PM

Amberfire:

Many thanks for your response.

Will follow your suggestion if it happens again and also intend to take your e-mail response to the dealer. Will be seeing them in a week or two.

Again thanks,

Puzzled Owner

puzzled owner · #5 03-07-2005, 06:03 PM

Vegas Hemi:

Thank you for responding to my query. Two suggestions that the problem might be caused by a switch or relay. Am taking both e-mail responses to the dealer -- Thanks again.

Puzzled Owner

SinCity R/T · #6 03-08-2005, 04:44 AM

If the connector to the headlight switch is removed, it will turn on the lights (way to go, Daimler Chrysler engineers!). You may have a bad headlight switch or the connector on the back is loose.

You can check this by removing two screws which face upwards in the dash above the gauge cluster. If you have an automatic transmission, shift down into 1st gear (have your parking brake on first). The left 2/3s of the dash is all one piece and is held in place by tabs, grab a corner and give it a healthy tug. You can pull the dash back about 3-4 inches before the slack on the wires runs out, check to make sure your headlight connector is securely fastened. If it is securely fastened you can take your truck back in for service and point out the headlight switch, or just buy one and swap it out yourself.