Hey everyone,
I just picked up a used '95 dakota and was having some trouble starting it. I had to tighten the positive terminal clamp, or tap it with a wrench, and it would start right up. I got to the point where I couldnt tighten it any more or the clamp would warp.
Yesterday I cleaned it with baking soda and a wire brush and still had the same problem.
I took it on the first out of town trip since I got it, and coming back home it died.

check engine light
power failure
loss of power steering and (power?) brakes

This whole time the lights stayed on and I had the hazards, dome light, and headlights on while I tried the same routine with the battery ( I was in a winding gulch thats probably the most dangerous place on the island to break down)
while I was hearing creepy noises coming out of the jungle, and using the wrong size wrench and a cigarette lighter to see under the hood, I noticed fluid/acid coming out of the battery.

I think it could be:
need new battery
need new battery cables
need new alternator
and from reading the FAQs possibly a PCM or ASD

my limited knowledge self diagnoses: the alternator failed, then the battery ran out of charge, which shut down the fuel pump and power steering, etc...
but how would the lights still work?

Afriend said a battery charger is indispesible and that I should get one, charge up, and go from there. I have a new but dead battery in the garage. (left it on the floor)

I'm already thinking of taking a mechanic class at the local community college...
Any help would be much appreciated

 

You can always take the battery and alternator to most part stores for free testing and free battery charging. Also be sure to clean the ground at the frame and connection at the starter.

 

I would replace the terminals and get a new battery. The battery you left on the floor will most likely be no good, unless you placed some wood under it. The weather changes with it on the floor will make it go bad.

 

GET IN THE ZONE -- A U T O Z O N E !!! DEH NEH NEH NEH!!!!!!!

FREE TESTING ON AND OFF THE CAR ON THE BATTERY, CHARGING SYSTEM AND STARTING SYSTEM!!

 

thanks guys for responding

ok so I took it to a mechanic and he said he put ina new battery and some gas and it ran.
hmm
so then I picked it up and drove about a mile down the street and it died again.
Then they towed it back.
then they said,"we fix em again"

and they did.
until the next day, today
Now I go to the grocery store w/ my girlfriendand the dang thing wont start!

 

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn yeah, I dont mind tellin' ya
I'm an idiot.
I hope you tell everyone because I just saved a bunch, a crunch a money,
THE CLUTCH PEDAL NEEDS TO BE FULLY DEPRESSED WHEN STARTING A 1ST GEN DODGE DAKOTA!
boom done

 

if I were you I'd replace the neutral safety switch on your clutch pedal. I don't see why your truck should be so picky to depress the clutch pedal all the way when ours isn't. I've driven 3 other 1st gens besides mine and I've never had a problem!