1988 Dakota Cruise control
1988 Dakota Cruise control
Hey guys, I have a 1988 Dodge Dakota LE. I've been trying to get everything on it up and running again, but the cruise control doesn't work and I have no clue on where to even begin to fix it. I've tried looking up stuff about it, but I've found nothing. Any helpful information is appreciated! Thanks, Jdrescher.
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
Well, there's only two parts - the switches (in the handle for the turn signals), and the servo/sensor combo.
Does the speedometer work properly?
I know this won't help much, but I have a) 1 with a bad vacuum diaphram (when I turn cruise on, the car stalls due to the vacuum leak); b) one with a bad board (won't read the switches properly); and c) one in the truck now that works a treat!
Good news, the actual unit was used on almost all Chryslers of that vintage, as long as you take it off the bracket.
Bad news, they're ALL old, and I've not found anyone who rebuilds/repairs them yet.
(I have a 1988 Dodge LE 3.9 2WD LWB Auto ... )
RwP
Does the speedometer work properly?
I know this won't help much, but I have a) 1 with a bad vacuum diaphram (when I turn cruise on, the car stalls due to the vacuum leak); b) one with a bad board (won't read the switches properly); and c) one in the truck now that works a treat!
Good news, the actual unit was used on almost all Chryslers of that vintage, as long as you take it off the bracket.
Bad news, they're ALL old, and I've not found anyone who rebuilds/repairs them yet.
(I have a 1988 Dodge LE 3.9 2WD LWB Auto ... )
RwP
Thank you for the response! Yes the Speedometer works perfect.
When I engage the switch absolutely nothing happens, the truck runs, and performs normally. The only other issue it has is that the blower motor is bad, and i'm sure that wouldn't cause any problems with the cruise control.
Normally when I need parts advanced auto parts will carry them, but I'm not certain what I should be looking for since I have no manual, and i've never actually repaired a cruise control.
I have the same. I bought it second hand 4 or 5 years ago to save it from the scrap yard, and i've been trying to restore it to its former glory. The only problem is that I don't know what all the previous owner has done to it except for running a trailer plug.
When I engage the switch absolutely nothing happens, the truck runs, and performs normally. The only other issue it has is that the blower motor is bad, and i'm sure that wouldn't cause any problems with the cruise control.
Normally when I need parts advanced auto parts will carry them, but I'm not certain what I should be looking for since I have no manual, and i've never actually repaired a cruise control.
I have the same. I bought it second hand 4 or 5 years ago to save it from the scrap yard, and i've been trying to restore it to its former glory. The only problem is that I don't know what all the previous owner has done to it except for running a trailer plug.
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
JDrescher - My best recommendation? Either pick up the factory service manual (I got both my copies off Ebay, both paper and DVD), or subscribe to either AllDataDIY.COM or EAutoRepair.NET (first is the AllDATA set, second is the Mitchell set). (I did AllDataDIY also, just because I'm crazy and want to read manuals for relaxation *grins* )
If you find a 1987 to 1989 in the boneyard with the servo, grab it, and if it's in good shape, the servo-to-speedo cable.
The cruise works VERY well when the motor's running right. The fact it's an all-in-one (taps into the speedo cable run, takes power and vacuum, wiring to the cruise switches, and that's it) makes it easy to fix and a low incidence of it causing problems with anything else.
Does your speedo needle bounce at speed? Mine does, and the only thing I've not changed in the line so far is the actual transmission (new VSS, different speedo drive gear which corrected a speedometer that was off, new cable to the cruise, new cable from cruise to speedo, and a different speedometer) but it still sometimes bounces up and down at speed. I've even cleaned and lubed the speedo cables three times, but it's still there.
It's not bad, it's within 5MPH +- at 70MPH, so it's livable.
RwP
If you find a 1987 to 1989 in the boneyard with the servo, grab it, and if it's in good shape, the servo-to-speedo cable.
The cruise works VERY well when the motor's running right. The fact it's an all-in-one (taps into the speedo cable run, takes power and vacuum, wiring to the cruise switches, and that's it) makes it easy to fix and a low incidence of it causing problems with anything else.
Does your speedo needle bounce at speed? Mine does, and the only thing I've not changed in the line so far is the actual transmission (new VSS, different speedo drive gear which corrected a speedometer that was off, new cable to the cruise, new cable from cruise to speedo, and a different speedometer) but it still sometimes bounces up and down at speed. I've even cleaned and lubed the speedo cables three times, but it's still there.
It's not bad, it's within 5MPH +- at 70MPH, so it's livable.
RwP