Hey guys and girls. I just got a 98 Dakota and it only has a few problems. I am looking to get her back to tip-top shape so I can drive the doors off it!

It's a 98, 4cyl, 5 speed, no power anything, no ac or cruise, regular cab, short bed, 2wd.

None of the gauges in the cluster work. They all jump a TINY bit when you turn on the power but don't move any more as if they have no signal. I also have an ABS and airbag light on. The ECU isn't throwing any codes. I've checked all the fuses and relays.

Any tips?

 

Either sending unit or the cluster its self. My guess is the sending unit though.

 

Where is that in the truck? Any way to diagnose that? or just swap it out for another one?

 

Is this the right ABS/speed sensor? I'm looking to replace the one in the rear diff.

From RockAuto:
DORMAN Part # 970024 {OE Solutions}
Category: Vehicle Speed Sensor $20.79

 

if they jump slightly there is a possibility that it's a bad ground somewhere.

 

my 96 did that and what i did to solve the problem and not sure which fixed it cuz i did both at the same time was took the cluster out and plugged it back in thinking could have been loose connection... then also found a post which appeared to be main ground for several things and took embry cloth (sand paper) and cleaned up the ground wires, and put everything back... that took care of both the guages and the extra lights that came on... good luck hope this helps!

 

I've got a gauge cluster out of my 98 Dakota Sport 3.9L 5speed if you decide you need one. PM me a Paypal offer.

 

Ok, so I took all the ground off in the engine bay, took a wire brush to them, put them all back, and now everything works! Thanks for the tips, sent me in the right dirction!

Another question; my cluster does not have a tachometer. If I swap in the cluster from a 3.9L (I have a 2.5L) will everything in the cluster still work? I know with my S13 the sohc/dohc aren't interchangeable

 

I don't see why it wouldn't work. As long as it's a 98-2k it should be fine. The cluster pulls its info from the PCM. ALL 4 cyl wiring harnesses carry the same part number, so it should be gravy.


- miggity