So first time poster here. Got a question for you fellas,

As i get up for work and such my 98 dakota sport runs just fine for about 5 minutes. After warming up for about 5 minutes my headlights and only my headlights will flash on and off.

I have tested my battery and my grounds. What else should i be trouble shooting to fix this annoying and dangerous issue.

Thanks ahead of time.

 

Sounds like a bad switch. It probably has an internal circuit breaker that is tripping when it gets overloaded. I'm not too sure if the 2nd gen has individual relays for the headlights to limit the power draw from the switch.

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

 

I had a buddy with a 94 1500 that did that, he had a bad relay, couldn't tell you which one though.

 

this is from the 01 FSM.....

Screenshot2012-12-12at11831AM.png

 

I guarantee that the wiring diagram from '01 won't help him but it's a good idea.

Before '01 the headlights weren't run off the CTM, they were hardwired. I know they changed around '99 too but were still hardwired.

I don't have a '98 diagram but check the switch. Some do have breakers.

 

in that case, I'd go with breaker/weak fuse/relay.

 

 

My money's on the bad Relay.

 

I appreciate all the diagrams and replies. You guys have helped me tremendously.

 

new member as of 12-15-12, just wanted to thank everyone for the heads up on flashing headlight problem on a 01 dakota. dealership price on a new ctm...257.00, salvage yard repalcement... 20.00, although I spent 2 hours looking and took it off the donor truck myself, what a deal! thanks to all and happy holidays!