Good evening gentleman, I have a question regarding my '99 Durango SLT. I've had a check engine light on for a few days now. I've owned older Crysler products and there was a way to get fault codes using the ignition switch, but this has not worked with the Durango.

When driving, it seems to rev high prior to the first shift (automatic transmission) and even sputter or hesitate. After the first shift it seems to run just fine.

Has anyone experienced or heard of similar problems or does anyone know a means of getting the fault codes without dropping lots of money on a code reader or service at a dealer.

I've heard some say that it may be the speed sensor.

 

I had the very same deal. You need a transmission speed sensor. I had it don by local shop, total cost about $85.
Next, you rear speed sensor will fail causing the BRAKE adn ABS lights to stay on, followed by the speedo not working below 25mph. This is a simple repair, parts $27 and 10 min labor......
Good luck..

 

here's how to check for codes when you get a light

How to check codes on a 1999 Dodge

The 1999 Dodge Dakota shop manual, page 8E-6 has the following self diagnostic test that checks the instrument cluster and CCD data bus message-controlled indicator lamps, for the other codes a DRB scan tool is required.

NOTE: If the ignition switch is turned to the off position during this test, or if a Vehicle speed message indicating the vehicle is moving is received from the PCM on the CCD data bus during the test, repeat test if required.

This is one continuous test
1. Ignition switch off
2. Press and hold the trip reset ****
3. Turn the ignition switch to on but do not start.
4. Hold the reset **** for approx 10 seconds or until the word CHEC appears in the display then release.

then when you have your code, check it here

http://www.obdii.com/codes.html

it could aslo be your TPS is going bad (throttle position sensor on your throttle body)

 

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO........!!!!111!!!one!!

rockadaous: The procedure you described is for checking the operation of the instrument cluster and data bus. That procedure will NOT retrieve trouble codes from the PCM on ANY Dodge vehicle.

bradwarren: Unfortunately, 1998 and 1999 Dakotas and Durangos are the ONLY years that CANNOT check their own trouble codes. The ONLY way for you to retrieve the codes is with a scantool or DRB. But that doesn't mean you don't have to BUY one. You can get your computer scanned for free at any Autozone store. Come back here and look up your codes via the link rockadaous posted:
http://www.obdii.com/codes.html
Also be sure to post the code here so we can advise you on a course of action to correct the ACTUAL problem, instead of randomly replacing parts (TPS, VSS, etc). I'm also going to need a better description of what the problem is. "it seems to rev high prior to the first shift...and even sputter or hesitate". How high? 3000rpm? Rev limiter? Does it have a tendancy to drop down a gear too often when you accelerate? What engine? 4x4? Does it sputter/hesitate right when it shifts, or after? Is it just one stumble, or does it last longer than a second?

PS, the procedure to check trouble codes on vehicles OTHER THAN 98 & 99 is as follows:
Turn the ignition key to ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON without starting the engine.
On 1997 and earlier Dakotas, the trouble code is displayed by flashing the actual "Check Engine" light a certian number of times corresponding to a certain vehcile system.
On 2000 and newer Dakotas and Durangos, the actual P1XXX or P0XXX code is displayed in the odometer display.

"...and knowing is half the battle."

 

Owned the same 99D SLT.

When my check engine light came on the dealer replaced:
Distributor rotor p/n 53008778
Distributor cap p/n 530088767
Cable package p/n 4728038-AF
Labor and parts $223.50

Also did a tune up for $149.50

I declined the injector flush and went with a $10 can of injector cleaner that i poured in fuel tank at the next filling.
Not an expert but light went away and no problem since.

 

pulled codes from mine that way, so I know it works (1999). It also has it listed on the http://www.intense-dakota.com just so you know 1999's codes are shown in the odometer also

 

From Intense-Dakota.com...

"The 1999 Dodge Dakota shop manual, page 8E-6 has the following self diagnostic test that checks the instrument cluster and CCD data bus message-controlled indicator lamps, for the other codes a DRB scan tool is required."

Is that any different than what I posted over a week ago?

So which method did you use, and which codes did you get? I can assure you it wasn't a TROUBLE CODE displayed in the odometer display. It is simpley not possible. The code you saw was more than likely a CCD data bus message, which is not a "trouble code" (even though that's what Bernd called it) from your PCM.

I'm telling you this hear and now (again). You CANNOT self-check trouble codes from the PCM of a 98-99 Dakota/Durango. You NEED a scantool/DRB.

PS, Intense-Dakota is operated by Chris, whom I've know for a while. That list of "tips and tricks" was originally created by Bernd at speedtweaks.net. It doesn't matter because it's littered with incorrect information anyways. I guess that's one of the reasons Bernd went out of business.

 

ok

 

Can't remember where I read it but I think it was the Dodge site that 98 dodges you can check the trouble code by turning the key to the start position then back to the off position 3 times stoping on the 3rd time in the on position and the trouble code should flash on instrument pannel suposidly that is the only year that will work with. Somthing to think about.

 

Chalk up another member of the retarded crowd that doesn't read prior posts before giving wrong information...