We have a 1998 Dodge Dakota extended cab 5.2 v8 4x4 that we rarely drive. The last time we drove it at night would probably be in April of 2009. I really can't remember when we drove it in the dark recently. Anyway, Dad went to go on his monthly drive with it tonight and he went to turn the headlights on and nothing happened. He said the park lights came on but nothing else. I went out to try it just a little while ago and all park lights and blinkers worked and even the HIGH BEAMS work. Can anyone help me with this one? Could it be that both headlights are out? If someone could help me out on this one it would be appreciated

 

It could be the headlight switch or the combination switch went bad. Chances are more likely the Central Timer Module went bad. It has happened to more than a few Dakota owners here. It seems to happen more often in Northern and Midwestern areas where it gets really cold and there is enough of a static charge built up in the truck from using the heat and it fries the CTM.

A Haynes book will tell you how to remove the combination switch and headlight switch and it will tell you how to test each one with an ohm meter. The only way to test and tell for sure if your CTM is bad is to have it checked with the DRB scan tool at the Dodge dealer. If it is bad the dealer will use your VIN to order a new one. There are 2 different CTM's available, one for SLT type trucks with all the power options and keyless entry, cruise, etc, and there is another one for Dakota's without all the power and convenience options. If you have a base model without the extra options, you can replace the CTM yourself. It's located in the driver's kick panel. If you have a loaded out optioned Dakota, the dealer has to program the new CTM. They will also have to program the old keyless entry remotes to the new CTM so if you end up having to get a new CTM take both keyless remotes with you when you go in to get it fixed.

If you have a base model truck, you might get by with a junk yard CTM and save a little money. Buying any electronic part from a junk yard is an iffy situation at best though. A new CTM installed at the dealer usually costs from $300.00 to $400.00 depending on prices where you live. There's another member here who had this exact same problem and he bought his base model CTM at the dealer for $200.00 and installed it himself and has had no further problems with it. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Jimmy