The power locks on my 2001 Dakota are cycling lock/unlock. From what I have read it sounds like the CTM is the cause. A local dealer quoted $700 to fix. What will happen if I don"t fix it? If I do it myself, where can I find one and is it a straight forward repair? Thanks

 

I will move this to the 2nd Generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

Welcome to the forum..

$700 is a stupid crazy price for a new CTM. The CTM is the cause of the problem with the door locks. The door lock relays and keyless entry system are internal parts of the CTM. Chances are pretty good that if you ignore the problem the door locks will eventually quit working altogether. And you will probably have other problems like the headlights and/or interior lights blinking and flashing erratically, radio not working, etc. The CTM controls just about every electrical accessory function on your truck. When it develops one problem, others are sure to follow.

The first thing to do is find another dealer that has better prices. Get with the Parts Dept. and give them your VIN and they will order a new CTM for you based on the VIN and the options you have on your truck. There are only 2 CTM part numbers, one is for trucks without power options like power locks, windows, keyless entry, etc and the other CTM is for trucks that do not have all the power options. When the dealer receives the new CTM, remove the driver's kick panel and install it yourself. Then have the dealer program your existing keyless entry remote control fobs to the new CTM. That has to be done with the DRB scan tool in the dealer's service department. The new CTM should cost between 200 and 300 bucks depending on where you live and they should only charge about a half hour's labor to program the door locks, maybe $50.00.

Tell the other dealer no thanks. They are quoting you more than twice the normal cost for the CTM replacement. That is just plain wrong.

Jimmy

 

Look at the #s on the CTM, and find a match at the boneyard. Tech at Dodge says it should work. I need to replace mine too, been looking for several months, but I'll keep looking. $25 is a lot less than $225.

 

Dakota19762, if you are anywhere near the Tampa area, look up Rigsby's Used Auto Parts in Zephyrhills. The last time I was there they had a lot of late model Dakota's. Central Florida Auto Salvage had a few too and they are just a couple of miles from Rigsby's. Both yards are cool and will let you go out in the yard to explore and see if you can find what you need.

Jimmy

 

Thanks Silver, I'm in the Lakeland area so I'll check on that next week.

 

Thanks that is great advice! I will order and replace it myself. Any thing to look out for when doing the work? I am no mechanic but can do basics.

 

It is easy to replace the CTM. The kick panel just pops off and there are a few screws holding it in. Unplug the old and plug in the new part. The door locks should stop chattering right away and the electrical accessories should all work normally. The reason you need to see the dealer is they have to use the DRB scan tool to program your old keyless entry remote controls to the new CTM. So be sure to take both remotes with you when you go.

Jimmy

 

Thank you; I will give an update when it is done.

 

make sure to unplug ur battery so u dont fry anything, cause it controls a lot of stuff