vehicle- 1993 Dakota 3.9l V6 4x4 automatic 178k

So today I decided to check my codes and two came up. First code is 3 pause 6 and the book said, it's the air switching solenoid circuit problem. I'm not sure what the air solenoid is or how it affects my vehicle. The second fault code was a bit confusing because it's not in my book and it flashed 3 pause 8 or it might be 2 pause 1 pause 8. I did a OBD 3 times to make sure I counted the flashes right. If someone can explain the first code and the maybe the second code that would be great. Thanks

OBD

1. 3 pause 6

2. 3 pause 8 or it could be 2 pause 1 pause 8

end codes 5 pause 5

 

The codes are only going to be 2 digits. Maybe there was something before the "36" code.

 

My book mentions that there will be 8 pause 8 flashes to show the start of the test and then when the tests ends code 55 will show. But for some reason I didn't see code 88 at the start of the test.

 

Most of the time we've seen code 12 to be start of codes. It's always come up for me first and same for most other people on here.

Here is the list:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ml#post1472415

36 and 38 aren't on it, so you may want to double check them.

 

I have a Chrysler coder reader book and it has a fault code 36 in it and so does my haynes manual. The book covers fuel injected 1983 to 1997 Chrysler, dodge, Plymouth, and jeep.

I ran outside with my digital camera and recorded the fault codes on camera so if anyone wants to see the flashes for themselves copy and paste the swf link to view in browser.

http://www.swfcabin.com/open/1263347126

 

I saw:

12
15 - no vehicle speed sensor signal
21 - o2 sensor issue
17 - closed loop temp not reached
55

Could you please share what 36 is though? Just remember that just because it was a chrysler code does not mean that it applies to every vehicle. The Dakota FSM has all the Dakota's codes listed in it.

 

wow thanks.... Now that you tell me you see a 12 I guess I wasn't timing or seeing the pauses right. I wonder if the speed sensor is causing the problems I'm having with my transmission not shifting into 4th. Although I replaced my speed sensor last year so I better check it. If you want I can scan my code book as a PDF because it has good detail info about each fault code.




Anyway the Chrysler book describes code 36 as Air switching solenoid circuit problem ( open or shorted) Only cars/trucks/vans rear wheel drive 1988 to 1994 vehicles

The book has long descriptions

Overview

The air switching solenoid is part of the the air injection system. The air injection system consists of an air pump, the air switching solenoid, air switching relief valve, diverter valve and connecting hoses. The air injection system introduces air into the exhaust gas to aid in oxidization (burning) of hydrocarbons (unburned fuel) and carbon monoxide ( partially burned fuel) left over from the combustion process. The computer energizes and de-energizes the air switching solenoid to control the supply to engine vacuum to the air switching relief valve. When solenoid is energized engine vacuum is the sent to the air switching relief valve, which then directs the output of the air pump to the intake manifold. When the solenoid is de-energized, engine vacuum is removed from the air switching relief valve, and the valve directs the output of the air pump directly to the catalytic converter. If a problem is detected in the air switching solenoid, the computer sets code 36.

probable cause:

1. open or shorted wiring

2. dirty or loose connectors

3. Improper voltages and grounds

4. Defective solenoid

Another problem could be wastegate solenoid.

 

No problem! Lets just say I have some experience reading codes off our trucks! =P

Ok... see that code 36 doesn't apply. I think they quit putting on those systems in '90 or '91.

And as for not shifting into OD, I'd be willing to bet thats why!! You still have the cable driven speedometer on that '93, cause they switched it to all electrical in '94, so it could be the electrical part for the computer is bad, but your speedometer still works.

 

yep my speedometer works great and nothing wrong with it. So my computer is showing a problem with the speed sensor and in my other thread that I posted I mention that my transmission doesn't shift into 4th gear only during the winter season. But it shifts perfectly during spring, summer, and fall season (no lie), so the question is how can the cold weather affect my speed sensor?

Recap of problem- Cold temperatures affect my transmission not allowing it to shift into 4th gear. OBD system is showing problem with speed sensor. hmmm.....

1. So what electrical part are you talking about the actual computer or something else?

2. What wires should I test and look for to determine that my speed sensor might be faulty?

 

What I was saying is that the '93 Dakotas had a cable driven speedometer, but also an electric speed sensor for the computer. The computer needs to know speed to control the IAC, cruise control, torque converter lockup, overdrive shift, etc. The cable driven speedometer and electric speed sensor is a all in one unit, just simply called the speed sensor. In '94, the took out the cable and let the computer run the speedometer through a step motor.

If your truck has cruise control, check to see that it still works, and if it does, there is nothing wrong with your speed sensor. Remember the computer stores old codes until it is reset, so there may not be anything currently wrong with your speed sensor.

There are several other reasons for the OD not to work, the speed sensor being one of those reasons. Another reason is temperature... the engine needs to be in closed loop before it will allow the 3-4 shift. Also TPS postion and MAP sensor reading effect it. Also a blown fuse or faulty wiring could stop it.