I have a 1994 Dakota 4x4 with 220,xxx miles, which we use as a third vehicle and rarely gets driven. The other morning I was driving it in to work (pre-dawn) and half way to work my headlights and dash lights just shut off and the brake & abs indicator lights turned on. It had a light electrical short scent but I managed to get it back home and checked all fuses (inside & out) but all were good. I noticed the main wire connector from the engine compartment to inner cab looked corroded so I took it apart and cleaned out contacts but still no headlights. Started a checklist of working/non-working electronic components and the list seems very odd to me. Especially since the truck drives perfectly normal. If anyone could give me a hint of where my short might be I would greatly appreciate it. I have the dash dismantled but have yet to find the smoking gun.

Working

Power Windows
Dome Lights
Glove Box Light
Flashers
Overdrive Indicator Light
Cigar Lighter
Windshield Wipers
Brake/ABS Indicator Lights
Power Mirrors
Turn Signals
Dash Gages

Non-Working

Headlights
Running Lights
Brake Lights
Horn
Heater/AC Blower
Radio
Dash Lights
4x4 Indicator Light
Power Door Locks

 

I'm no expert but, it sounds like there are a few different things going on there. The fact they all went at the same time may be coincidental.

Some of those are directly connected with the headlight switch. Check the connector and make sure it is not melted. Sometimes you cannot tell just by looking, you need to pull it off the switch and take a look at the contacts.

The better part of those items go out on me occasionally, well minus the power locks (I have the cheap model) and I usually rap the dash and everything comes back on. After a few times, I just replace the headlight switch and I am good for another year...hehe

BTW, the melting headlight switch thing, is typical with these first gens unless you put relays in. Hope that head you in the right direction.

 

Thanks for the reply Pashadowops!

I visually looked over the headlight switch (without disconnecting the plug in connectors) and it appeared ok and didn't have a obvious burnt smell to it. Plus the dome light part of the switch works fine so I assumed it was ok. However I appreciatte the tip and will take switch out and put a meter to it.

Thanks

Zy

 

make sure that the fuses are all good. i know you said you did that but my dash lights went out the other night and the fuse that blew had a tiny break in it, i ended up overlooking it. just some advise. could be a bad ground too. check for any melted wires, while your at it

 

I replaced the light switch and still no lights...

After several hours of taking crap apart I finally found my problem.

It seems the connector between the engine compartment and cab was not only corroded but after I pulled back the rubber boot on the engine side I discovered one of the hot wires was disconnected from the metal tab and the connector little melted.

If I call the dealer tomorrow what is that connector called? I'm assuming a OEM part?
Or maybe I should try a Pick-n-Pull so I can just cut wires from both sides and the connector and have a complete unit?

Thanks again for your help folks..much appreciated

 

Cool! Glad you found the problem. A u-pull salvage yard may be the way to go. Another avenue may be to check out some of those electrical components companies and see if you can be a similar looking connector and just re-wire it. Sounds like a fun weekend project.....NOT!

 

Many times those connectors can be removed from the gang connector so you can solder a wire on it then reinstall it in the connector. Look on the mating side for a tiny slot next to the connector and use a flat blade jewelers screw driver jammed in that slot then use something to push the connector out the back (wire side).