HI, I have a 96 Dakota w/3.9 Magnum. Need to get inspection in NY and check engine light is on. Had same problem last yr. and changed out both O2 sensors drove 50mi. and passed. Soon after light came on again but I ignored it cause she runs great. Now I have reset the ecm and drive 20mi. light comes on. Tried to check whats wrong w/obd meter and I get no reading tried another meter same problem. Its like theres nothing going to the obd terminal.

 

Welcome to the site. I will move this thread to the first generation Dakota section,
FF

 

The light won't come on for no reason unless the computer is shot. Take it to AutoZone and have them run the codes... its free. If no codes show up, it can't fail inspection.

 

Try pulling your codes using the "count the blinks" method. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ml#post1472415
(codes 12 and 55 don't mean anything)

Your next step will be inspecting the OBDII connector on the truck itself (broken wires, poor connection due to worn out pins, etc) and the wiring going from the OBDII connector back to the computer. Those are your only options providing your OBDII scanner is known-to-be-good.

For wiring diagrams, go: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...71332-faq.html

 

I didn't know the "count the blinks" method worked with the OBDII system... But I guess you would know better than me since you have a '96!

 

It works on the '96 at least.
I don't think it works with 97+. On some trucks with digital odometers, doing the ignition switch thing will actually display the code on the digital odometer.

 

the way i understood what he said was that he couldn's get a readying on a obd scan tool??

 

Yes. Which is why I said to try using the "count the blink" method. That way, he can get an idea of why the CEL is on.

If he gets flashes, that means there is most likely something wrong with the wiring.

If he doesn't get flashes, either something is wrong with the wiring, or the computer is screwed up.

 

Thanx Guys, I get no reading at all, no blinks either. Have tried 2 different meters one of them from the Napa down the road. I checked the wiring and all seems good (no dry rot or loose connections). I will try to clean up the connection on the plug but I fear it may be the ECM.

 

Just put another meter on it and same thing, nothing, no power to the meter. Has anyone here ever had this happen to them?