I was still waiting on this dealer code from Dodge. funny how they never called me back. So I called them. it looks like the code for my truck is NHM, I think NHMP is for 1999 I went to the dealer and they looked up the code I gave them, and they said it was not an available option for my truck when it was built, and that I am out of luck . NO Way No How is OEM cruise available for my truck.
I called the Ram truck phone# that gave me the code. they now say the same thing.
My question. if they gave me the code and it exists as an option then how come it can't be installed in my computer. I asked very nicely to have an engineer call me when they get a chance.
I still feel pretty certain that cruise was available on a 1998 dodge Dakota. All the hardware mounting points were available under the hood of my truck to plug the cruise servo into the frame side and the engine side.
Man o man I am pissed off. I guess I really should have gone with the aftermarket cruise. But I still don't want that stalk thing hanging on the flimsy steering wheel cover in my truck

 

It was available in '98.

They just don't want to support older vehicles. They'd love it if we all went and bought a new truck every few years.

It is possible to rent a DRB if you really wanted.

 

I would do that , but I don't know how to work one. there is another dealer, that I will call the beginning of next week. this is the guy that had to go out of town

 

which DRB do I need I only see DRB III on a quick internet search

 

That's the one.

 

I still need to know what to do?
I found a DRB II for sale

 

I just talked to a computer store. He was all about vin specific blah blah .
so I need a VIN off a 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport extended Cab truck with a 3.9 liter V-6, 5-speed AX15 manual transmission, and anti-lock rear brakes. Then I will need to look into getting a engine computer and body control module

What the hell what a pain in the *** this has been.

 

Wow...PITA is right. Cruise is a pretty popular option no matter what year or make the vehicle might be. I agree with you it was available on a 1998 Dakota. I can't see Dodge not offering it as a factory installed option. That being said, vehicle manufacturers will pull some weird stuff on you sometimes. Like maybe Dodge did offer cruise on a 98 Dakota but only on Dakota's with an automatic tranny, or only on those that included other grouped options. Chrysler/Dodge loves to put options together and give them funny names like "Lighting Group" or "Convenience Group" or "Towing Group". Lighting group might not be any different from a truck without it except the Lighting Group optioned truck might have one extra interior light below the dash or some other nonsense. Convenience group might be the same way, included some option that could not be bought without the others in the same group. It's kind of like how you can't go to Dodge and buy just a ball joint for a Dakota, you have to buy the whole control arm assembly.

Maybe the cruise for a 98 Dakota was not available because the options group that included it was not available for your body style, engine and/or drivetrain? That doesn't mean your cruise parts won't work, but it could mean the dealer guys can't program your truck for cruise because the DRB does not see the cruise and/or options group including cruise as corresponding to your VIN.

The cruise control mounting provisions and wire connections are there on your truck because the frame and engine compartments are all the same whether the truck comes with cruise or not, because it would cost way too much to machine and press different sets of steel and frames for cruise and non-cruise optioned trucks. Same for the wiring, it would have cost Dodge a lot more money to have two different wiring harnesses made for cruise and non-cruise optioned trucks. I don't say this to defend the dealer, but it could be the reason you are having this much trouble. Dealers and manufacturers are all about saving money and cutting costs anywhere they can. The dealer guys might be lazy and don't feel like fooling with a 15 year old truck to try to enable a cruise control, but even if they were willing to try it I bet the DRB still will not enable cruise if it really was not part of your original options. No matter how hard they try, if cruise is not listed as available for your VIN, the DRB can not enable it. People like Dan who did add cruise and had it work may have had the cruise option group available for their VIN and production codes, so his PCM had the cruise power and speed control parameters already programmed. I bet your 98 just did not have cruise as an option. This is all just an educated guess but I would not be surprised to find out that is what the problem really is. To really find out you will need to get your VIN to someone at Chrysler that actually gives a rip about helping you solve this problem. Again, you may have a hard time finding someone at Chrysler who is willing to do that kind of research on a 15 year old truck.

For what it may be worth the Rostra cruise stalk is not very heavy at all, maybe it weighs 2 ounces at the most. I have never had any trouble with the cruise stalk on my steering column cowl cover and it has been removed and put back on more times than I care to count. They also make aftermarket cruises with a flat control panel pad that you can use double sided tape to stick to your dash panel. If you were able to get some or all of your money back on the OE cruise parts, or maybe sell them on ebay, then it might be a lot less trouble to go aftermarket. Just a suggestion there, Lord knows this has been a big enough PITA already.

Let us know how this shakes out. I hope you are able to work it out one way or the other.

Jimmy

 

I wouldn't buy a DRB just to add cruise. Without the updates they're useless.

I'm not sure what Dodge would have done but I agree with Silver that they may have done something specific to the PCM, what we'll probably never know.

Somebody out there must have added OEM cruise to their '98 that didn't come with it. Anybody???

All I know is I didn't have to do anything to get it to work, which did surprise the h*ll out of me when it actually engaged. It was just to get the "CRUISE" indicator that I had to see a dealer about.

 

Ha I bet you all thought I was done!! Never give up. I now have 2 cruise controls, and 3 camper shells. persistence does pay
I was discouraged and I decided to order a Rostra cruise, and take back the junk yard parts for yard credit. The Rostra cruise arrived today, but I am planning on returning it. IF????
As a last ditch chance. I called another auto computer store that was recommended on the jeep forum. This fellow said absolutely no problem to get the cruise working. He took my COMPUTERS part #, not the VIN. looked it up and cross referenced the computer program on my computer to a PROGRAM that had cruise that fit my computer. He said he could sell me a remanned computer for $200 delivered, or he could re-program my computer for $115 plus shipping and a 2 day turn around with FEDEX next day air, == ( very close to $200)
So I called the Dealership and told them this story. The service manager says Well yes he can do that since I gave him the part # for the computer program. He then said BUT He can not guarantee it will work, and it might permanently disable my vehicle, and he won't be responsible, blah blah blah, and that if I want him to do it, it will cost $115, and that I should bring a spare computer just in case he ruins mine.
Then we got into it a bit because he said that I told dodge that he was not helpful, and Dodge called him and said I complained. I said I did not really complain but I was NOt happy with the service I received, or did not receive..
I ordered the new computer for $200. It should arrive when I get home from Thanksgiving, The computer man said he guaranteed it, and it would be plug and play and I did not even have to disconnect my battery.
So I will be sure to report next week