This is just a random thread about some general problems and what can be done, so any ways, my 87 Dakota has a small problem with the electrical system where while its idling at lower speeds in gear or out you can really see the lights flickering (Like the Head lights, the lights in the dash, on the radio and the one in the roof) and i was wondering what it could be, like if it was the altinater or something else

 

I'd guess it could be the alternator, or perhaps a bad connection(corroded battery cable, maybe?)

-mike

 

here's one... my emergency/parking brake cable is 21 years old, rusty and breaking at the points where it bends around the brackets along the frame.

should i buy some random steel cable and have at it or is a new brake cable affordable at the parts store?

 

You should be able to find a new one at an auto parts store for less than $20, but if you make your own out of steel cable, make sure you can get the crimp peices on and in their proper place, but its not hard to do. I still have to make a custom one for my truck cause after the rear axle swap mine wouldn't fit anymore and now that I have the 5 speed manual in there I kinda need it :P

 

sounds like the alternator is failing, or something like bad wires is preventing juice from flowing. have you tested the current levels?

 

I havnt tested the levels but I probably should do that though i dont have a tester, unless you could have a mechanic test it

 

By the way if anyones got any random question about problems or somethin with there Dakota go ahead and post them and if anyones got ansers to them post your anser (though write down who and what the anser is for),
anyways ive got another one,
When i start the engine (after its been sitting for awhile) it idles at a higher speed (since its carburated) for a bit and i give it some gas to slow it down and slows down a little bit but not all the way at regular idle speed and if i have to go some where in a bit of a hurry i put it in gear (reverse to back out of the driveway) and once in awhile it makes a bit of a scrape sound but thats only once and a while and it switches just fine once its at regular idle and i was wondering if theres something wrong to worry about, with the transmission or if its normal when idleing at little faster speed then normal

 

The higher idle is normal for a carburated engine, when it doesn't go into fast idle it's time to look into getting the carb adjusted. As for the scraping sound I have no idea.

For the flickering lights, take it to Auto Zone or advance and have them test the alt.

 

well.....I all ready knew the faster idle was normal for at least a certain amount of time, im talking more so about switching into gear while its idling a bit faster

 

The scraping, still no idea but you might want to check the torque converter bolts for tightness and check the flex plate for cracks. If you're worried about damaging the trans by putting it into gear at fast idle, don't, the trans is designed to handle it, just stay away from 5000 rpm neutral drops.