Location: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
Posts: 3,688
Faq
Please post your suggestions/ideas/etc. in THIS POST
If you need further assistance with any of the issues below, please do not hesitate 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 ______"
While 1996 model years ARE fully OBDII compliant (code scanners will work), you still have to use the "count the flash" just like previous years. HERE is a list of what the new, OBDII codes mean.
Fuel gauge doesn't work- A common problem in these trucks are gas gauges that put out erroneous readings. (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"), 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.
Unfortunately, at some point, they integrated the fuel sending unit with the fuel pump, so not all years have a separately serviceable sending unit.
Truck will not start- A common problem in the trucks, primarily ones made between 1993 Through 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. To Troubleshoot
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), how do I disable?- Simply 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 protective 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. See pic below for IAC location.
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 several 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! For clarification purposes, the use of "ATF+4" on transmission fluids labeled as such (not to be confused as "recommended where ATF+4 is called for") is strictly licensed from Chrysler. All ATF+4 fluid is synthetic.
What automatic transmission fluid should I use?- Use ONLY ATF+3 or ATF+4 fluids! As stated in the above paragraph: For clarification purposes, the use of "ATF+4" on transmission fluids labeled as such (not to be confused as "recommended where ATF+4 is called for") is strictly licensed from Chrysler. All ATF+4 fluid is synthetic.
What can I do to increase performance and/or MPGs?- V-8 swap? See FAQ 2 for list of possible mods!
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 fuel filter are all things to change or at least inspect. Autolite 3923's are best for performance.
(1995/1996 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 9.3L, 3.9L 13.3L, 5.2L 13.5L // Automatic Transmission: 42RE and 46RE 9.0L-10.4L "dry fill" (dropping the pan and replacing the filter takes about 4-5 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, check the bottle of gear oil, as some are LSD-friendly out of the bottle) // 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 on-line. 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)
You can order one from your local dealership, or on-line at Techauthority.com
You can get Haynes. It is similar to Chilton's in price and material, it will run you $15 at most parts stores.
For $19.00 you can get a full service manual on-line at Alldatadiy.com http://search.ebscohost.com/ User-name: greatfalls Password: publiclibrary http://www.oplin.org/databases/proxy2/proxy.php?qurl=http%3a%2f%2farrc.epnet.com%2fautoa sp%2fframerq.asp
For library card number enter 123456789 submit, chose the Cincinnati/Hamilton Library submit, scroll down to AUTO REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER, pick year, make and model. It even has manuals for ATVs and other small engines
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 Auto Zone web-page.
5.9L MPFI 245HP 330TQ (The 5.9 did not come in the 1st Generation Dakota's but just for reference.)
(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
Transmissions Automatic
The Dakota has come the following autos. (All are the same case style, just slight differences)
1987 32RH 32RH (A-999) Three speed V6 only
1988-1991 42RH (A-500) Four speed V6 only
1992-1995 had the following two:
42RH Four speed "V6 only" (1st 2.74, 2nd 1.54, 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.69, Rev. 2.21)
46RH Four speed "V8 only" (1st 2.45, 2nd 1.45, 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.69, Rev. 2.21)
1996 has the following two:
V6 42RE Four speed
V8 46RE Four speed
The 42RE and 46RE series, stands for: The 4 = 4 speed. The 2,6 = torque load level the tranny can take (higher= stronger). R = Rear wheel drive. E = Electronic or H = Hydraulic
Axles / Suspension
Front: 4X4 IFS Chry 7.25" torsion bar. 4x2 coil springs (The 1st gen. Viper suspension. was based off of the Dakotas). Some models use central axle disconnect (CAD) similar to Wrangler, others have no disconnect system. No model uses any type of locking hub.
Rear: Chry 7.25" (4x2 w/I4 and V6) (Octagon Diff Cover)
Chry 8.25" (V6, all v8s) (Oval Diff Cover)
4X4 sprung by leaf packs over the axle.
4x2 is sprung under the axle
Ratios: 3.21 (rare), 3.55 (normal), or 3.90 (rare).
List of diffs by make and diff cover. http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffTypes.aspx
Wheel bolt pattern:
1987-1990 5 x 4.5" (lots use this bolt pattern from Chevy's to Toyota)
1991-2004 6 x 4.5", 6 x 114.3 (rare, hard to find)
Wheels that will work for the 6x 4.5:
92-04 Dakotas, 98-03 Durangos, All Vipers, and 05+ Nissan Pathfinder/Frontier/Xterra, 04-05: Cadillac SRX
Wheel spacers
Check www.ebay.com lots to choose. Some to convert bolt pattern size too.
FAQ's version 1.007 Updated March 5, 2009
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 Auto Zone.
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.
1.005 Changes: transmission, suspension, differential, and a lot of other information
1.006 Changes: Links for wiring diagrams and service manuals, typographical fixes, etc.
1.007 Changes: Added working links to service manuals/parts lists.
MAP/TPS/IAC sensor locations(IAC is on back)
Heater fan resistor block location (passenger side firewall)
Fuse block layout
Power distribution center (PDC) layout
Fuse block layout
Power distribution center (PDC) layout
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If parts ain't flyin', you ain't tryin'.
If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!
2009 Toyota Corolla S, 1.8L, 5-speed - the daily driver.
1996 Dodge Dakota, 4x4, extended cab, 3.9L, automatic. - my baby
Last edited by Crazy4x4RT; 11-16-2009 at 03:46 PM.
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Faq
