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dodgerules86 -> Gen 1 FAQs (8/29/2006 3:03:12 AM)
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Please post your suggestions/ideas/etc. in THIS POST
If you need further assistance with any of the issues below, please do not hesisitate to make a new thread.
My check engine light is on- Go here to check your codes. If you need help with a code, please post the code, don't just say, "the code said something about ______" (Please note, the 1996 Dakotas are fully OBDII compatible, and any auto parts store that says they can "pull codes" can do so)
Fuel gauge doesn't work- A common problem in these trucks are gas gauges that don't work quite right. (This problem is common to not just the Dakota, but also the Rams, and many other Dodge vehicles) Some people have had luck with running fuel system cleaner (such as "Chevron Techron" or "STP Fuel Injector/Carburetor Cleaner"), that might at least help the issue. While doing other fuel tank maintenance, erock92kota discovered that the tabs the unit rode up and down on were messed up, he simply snapped them back in place, and his gauge works again.
Unfortunatly, at some point, they integrated the fuel sending unit with the fuel pump, so not all years have a seperatly serviceable sending unit.
Truck will not start- A common problem in the trucks, primarly ones made between 1993 thru 1995, was failure (corrosion) of the splice that feeds battery power to the automatic shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays. If these relays do not get battery power, your truck will not be able to start. This could also cause intermittent problems, or could possibly "kill" the truck when driving down the road. The splice is located underneath the Power Distribution Center (PDC), which is the black box located behind the battery. (See pictures below for approximate locations)
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), how do I disable?- Simple, disconnect the electrical connector from the DRL module. The module is located on the passenger-side inner fender (engine compartment) near the firewall. You should probably cover both ends (on the unit and on the connector) with tape.
My dash lights do not work, but they illuminate my radio and heater controls- The connector on the back of the instrument panel is not making good contact. You need to remove the instrument panel and make sure the connectors are clean. Also, you should probably add some di-electric grease to the contact. Visit this post to read more.
My truck idles odd, or does not idle at all- It could be an Idle Air Control (IAC) motor problem. This is mounted on the back of the throttle body. It has a pintle that moves in and out (to control air flow to the engine when the engine is idling). You can take it off and clean it up and see if that helps.
My heater blower doesn't work on all the settings- Chances are that the blower resistor block is faulty. The resistor block is located on the passenger side firewall. (See picture below for location). It's very easy to change out.
How do I check my automatic transmission fluid level?- Start engine and bring it to operating temperature (usually done by driving a few miles). With engine at operating temperature, park on a level surface. Shift the transmission through all the gears, and shift into neutral. Set the parking brake and pop the hood. Check transmission fluid (remember, engine must be running, transmission must be warmed up, transmission must be in neutral, and parked on level ground). Adjust as needed using only ATF+3 or ATF+4, DO NOT OVERFILL!
What automatic transmission fluid should I use?- Use ONLY ATF+3 or ATF+4 fluids! Under no circumstances should you ever use Dexron or Mercon transmission fluids! One special note: many synthetic transmission fluids (such as Amsoil and Mobil 1) are approved for Dexron/Mercon and are also either ATF+3 or ATF+4 approved OR "recommended for Chrysler transmissions," and it is perfectly fine to use these fluids.
What can I do to increase performance and/or MPGs?- V-8 swap? [;)]
Tune-Up, What to do?- Spark plugs (avoid "multiple-electrode" plugs [such as Bosch+2,+4]), spark plug wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor (located under the cap), air filter, PCV valve, and crankcase breather filter are all things to change or at least inspect.
Fluid Capacities:
(1990 model year)- Fuel Tank: 15 gallon, 22 optional // Engine oil: 2.5L 4.0 quarts, 3.9L 4.0 quarts // Cooling System: 2.5L 9.8 quarts, 3.9L 14.0 quarts, 3.9L with 26" wide core 14.3 quarts // Automatic Transmission: A500 (3.9L) 10.2 quarts // Manual Transmission: NP-2500 2.0 quarts // Transfer Case: NP-231 2.5 pints // Front Axle: 7-1/4" 2.6 pints // Rear Axle: 7-1/4" 3.0 pints, 8-1/4" 4.4 pints // Power Steering: 2WD 1.7 pints, 4WD 2.5 pints
(1996 model year)- Fuel Tank: 15 gallon, 22 optional. // Engine oil with filter: 2.5L 4.5 quarts, 3.9L 4.0 quarts, 5.2L 5.0 quarts (subtract .5 quarts for no filter) // Cooling system: 2.5L 9.2L, 3.9L 13.2L, 5.2L 13.5L // Automatic Transmission: 42RE and 46RE 9.0L-10.4L "dry fill" (dropping the pan and replacing the filter takes about 4.0 quarts) // Manual Transmission: NV3500 2.0L, AX15 3.1L // Transfer Case: NP231 1.2L // Front Axle: 7-1/4" 1.4L // Rear Axle: 7-1/4" 1.4L, 8-1/4" 2.1L (if equipped with a limited slip differential, make sure to add LSD additive, available at your dealer) // Power Steering: 2WD .81L, 4WD 1.18L
Where can I find more information?- As gb6491 pointed out, many libraries have access to repair manuals, either in print, or online. AutoZone.com has a web page with some information (at AutoZone.com, click on "Repair Info" on the left side of the screen, and just follow the prompts)
Wiring Diagrams:
1990 Dodge Dakota (PDF, 5.6MB)
Not what your looking for? Keep in mind that if your truck is close to that year, it's wiring is probably similar. You can also try this AutoZone webpage.
Part Manuals:
Due to an email received from Chrysler LLC, the parts manuals have been removed until further notice. If you are in need of them, please contact me via private message.
Diagnostics:
1996 Powertrain Diagnostics (PDF, 19.7MB) Some items are applicable to other years
Engines
I-4
2.2L Carb. 96HP 1987-1988
2.5L TBFI 99HP 1989-1995
2.5L TBFI 120HP 1996 (1)
V-6
3.9L Carb. 125HP 1987
3.9L TBFI 125HP 1988-1991
3.9L MPFI 180HP 1992-1993
3.9L MPFI 175HP 1994-1996 (2)
V-8
5.2L TBFI 175HP 1989-1990 (Shelby models only)
5.2L TBFI 170HP 1991
5.2L MPFI 230HP 1992-1003
5.2L MPFI 220HP 1994-1996 (2)
(1) In 1996, they dropped the former 2.5L K-model engine, in favor of the AMC (Jeep) 2.5L.
(2) In 1994, the 3.9L and 5.2L got a slight reduction in power because the exhaust manifolds and exhaust tubing was reduced in size.
TBFI = Throttle Body Fuel Injection
MPFI = Multiple Point Fuel Injection
FAQ's version 1.004 Updated May 4, 2008
1.001 Changes: instrument panel lights, idle air control motor, blower resistor block, where to find more information; also added pictures of PDC, bad splice, and blower resistor block.
1.002 Changes: Added Wiring Diagrams section with link to 1990 wiring diagrams, and a link to other years at AutoZone.
1.003 Changes: Added link to model year 1988-1996 Parts Manuals
1.004 Changed: Deleted links to parts manuals (thanks, mama Chrysler), added link to Powertrain Diagnostics for 1996 model year. Added fluid capacities of 1990 model year, misc. small changes in previous entries.
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