I just recently bought a 95 Dakota. Its a 4x4 v6. The belt was squealing so I replaced the belt and the tensioner. The belt was old and dry rotted the tensioner was seized. Still squealed found out it is the ac compressor. Spray wd 40 into clutch and it goes away. So now I have to replace that. I was wondering if anybody has any pointers or hints to common things to look for as to why the cruise control is inop. Also it is hard starting after sitting. It cranks for about 4 seconds before starting. After the first start it will start right up. only happens after sitting for hours or overnight. Thank you for any help.

 

Sounds like the cruise control may be a vacuum leak.

And the hard start may be the vacuum leak as well or just a bad fuel pump check valve. Try turning on the key a few times and let it sit for 5 sec each time. Then try to start. Let the fuel pump prime before you start the engine.

 

i will try that the next time i start it in the morning.