I have a 92 Dakota 2WD 2.5 L. I just bought a new battery and a new alternator, also did a oil change. But since I got the truck last week its been acting up thats why I replaced the batter and alternator. The guy who I bought it from supposedly didn't have this problem with it which is HIGHLY doubtful. And how its acting up is when I'm driving it the headlights dim and go back to normal the same with the taillights, this also happens with the lights in the cab. The heater does the same it dies down then starts blowing like normal. And it also loses power a little bit while it does this. Also the guages wiggle a little bit. The first time I noticed this was before I put in the new battery cuz the voltemeter shows about 15-16 volts and when it dies down like this it goes down to about 4. I'm so confused with this problem and so are a few family members I've asked. But other then this the truck runs perfectly all around. Does anybody know what could possibly be wrong before I bring it in and getted ripped off for things it really doesn't need.

HELP ME OUT PLEASE!

Thank You

 

maybe try cleaning the battery ground cable connection at the frame (or where it mounts on the 4 cyl).

 

ok im gonna try that and ill let you know what happens

 

if anybody else can think of anything else it could possibly be please let me know cuz if this doesnt work im gonna ask anyway

 

PROBLEM SOLVED it was the negative cable thanks

 

now its slightly doing it again im gonna clean it up again and then change the positive cable but does anybody thing the main computer could have anything to do with it or do you think no plugs, wires, and distributer cap and rotor would help cuz i gotta get it anyway

 

Try following the negative cable the other direction and pulling it and cleaning the connection. I think it goes directly to the frame? double check your spark plug wires. I just had mine replaced for the first time at 160K! (Theylooked good considering their age lol)and behind the engine there was a burnt/melted wire. If this is same in your case it could be shorting. Luckily mine didn't short. Also a crack in the ceramic spark plug housing will cause a short to the engine block. Welcome to the wonderful world of 1 gen wiring. I think all of them have wiring issues somewhere at some time.