The clip that holds the parking brake release cable to the under dash handle broke, causing the release handle to dangle from the dash. The local Dodge dealer tells me it's only available with the release handle or the cable assy.

Has this happened to anyone else, and if it did, whats the fix.
I tried a throttle rod clip, but the opening in it was way too small to fit over the tab on the release handle.

 

It probably is a dealer only part but it's surprising the dealer told you that. I bet they probably can order the clip, and I would ask at a different dealer just to be sure. I doubt any parts store will have it but you might check in the aisle at Autozone where they have all the replacement door handles, window handles, retainer clips and push in fasteners and all that. Napa may have it or a similar clip in their catalogs they could order, but you need to take the broken piece with you and hopefully get a counter person who is willing to take the time to look it up and try to match it for you.

Or if you have a "you pull it" type junk yard in your area, I would look there first. For a clip that small, they probably wouldn't even charge you anything for it. Plus, you could probably find the clip not only on a wrecked Dakota, but probably on a Ram, Durango or maybe even on a Chrysler or Dodge mini-van. I would be willing to bet the same clip fits a lot of different vehicles. I have had to find a few oddball parts for my Dakota that way, and usually for little plastic parts they won't even bother writing up a sales ticket for it.

Temporarily, maybe you could somehow use zip ties through the 2 holes on the back of the relase handle and put another zip tie real tight on the right angled end of the release lever and zip tie them together so the release handle will work till you find the retainer clip for it.

Jimmy

 

I'm gong to hit the local "pick and pull" yard tomorrow. It's not that I ever use the parking brake, but I don't want to break off the lever as it dangles below the dash.

I will try another dealer, and if it can be had separatly, the sales manager is going to get an earfull. He used to be an employee of mine. Wouldn't want to be in the parts guy's shoes.

 

what area u at ive gotta pick and pull right near me in Virginia Beach, Va. If this is the one u are looking to go to good luck finding a dakota ive been checking their website everyday for one to show up so i can go rape it lol if this is the one u gonna go to let me know if they gotta a dakota or a durango, if not check their website it is usually updated fairly quickly when a vehicle is updated
but u gotta love their prices, they are so cheap i can walk around there for hours and get emblems as suveniors lol

 

No where near there, but wish I was. It would be a lot warmer and no snow. I'm in Wisconsin, about 1o miles from Lambeau Field.

 

Went to the local do-it-yourself bone yard. Took the clips that were on both of the
Dakota and Durango that still had the dashes in.

Got the power seat out of a Durango, but left it there because I didn't think it would go into a Dakota. The seat track just didn't look right and it would have been way too much to separate the track from the seat frame. And the upholstery was ripped where I didn't see it until it was out.

Still looking for a wheel center. Couldn't find one there.