2001 Dakota, 4.7, AWD/4WD Quad Cab. Just bought from a used car lot 34 days ago.

Today I hauled some brush, not too heavy, few wrist size pieces on top to weigh it down in the wind, but nothing too heavy.

I hit the usual potholes, nothing scary or jarring at all but it's been a mess since.

First when unloading I saw two fist size lumps in the bed. Lifted up the liner and my shocks had punched through the rusted bed. Again, this was not over loaded, it's actually my profile pic so you can tell it's not close to over loaded.

Then the lights came on, it stalled and the fun began. Started back up but it's not running well

P1735 Inadequate Element Volume 4C

P0108 Map Pressure Circuit High Input

ABS78 Not sure what this one is, but the break pedal pushes way further and I have to control my stops much better or it feels like I won't stop in time.

I'm wondering if when I hit the bump I shook all the rust loose and now I'm grounding out in a bunch of places? Is it worth even trying to fix any of that? The exterior looks fine, it's the underbelly that is real rough, we live near the ocean. Lemon Law here is 30 days but the dealer reset all the codes and it failed inspection at first try due to this, so I may have wiggle room. I'll worry about legalities later, right now I just would like opinions and ideas if it is just everything grounding out and if I should try to keep it.

 

I would start by looking for pinched wires. Look around under the cab first.

 

Oh wow man sounds like you got a lemon. I would bring that back so fast if I were you but if you wanna keep it then Id check then wiring too.

Inspect the ABS module too and see if its corroded to hell. I don't have ABS myself but try pulling the fuse and see if it improves the braking.

Check your brake lines too. I assume your brake fluid is OK?

Try cleaning the MAF. Since it started after hitting a bump it likely is a connection or wiring issue.

Good luck. I would bring it back tho..

 

Thanks for the responses, might have to return it.

Fluids are fine, all at correct levels, look and smell brand new.
I've just never seen rust so bad. The exterior only had a few tiny, easily fixed spots but the under belly just crumbles if you touch any of it.

Gonna swing by a trusted mechanic in my area just in case it might be worth saving cause it's been a pretty sweet truck up until this point.
It's just an around town truck to get me to class and occasionally make an extra buck, but if it's done it's done.

 

If its just your bed then it might be worth throwing a used one on. If its the cab or worse, the frame, bring it back.

You must have gotten a hell of a deal tho.

 

I don't think it was just a bump, I'm betting you broke the spring shackles on the rear. They can/do rust out.

The ABS code is a generic "base brake" code. It can indicate a mechanical problem, possibly the proportioning valve, or a CAB fault.

 

It was 3-4 grand less than all the other Dakotas I looked at. The fluids looked fine, the exterior that I could see was nice. Under the hood was clean, tires fairly new and the interior looked brand new.

Should have climbed under and looked around but we had snow up her all the way til april 16th. Mechanic is taking it tomorrow morning.

I have to say that all day today it's been riding fine, not a thing wrong and I took multiple trips out to class, grocery store and mechanic to make the appointment. Brake is a little soft but not as bad as when all the lights first came on.

 

Mechanic says the rear brake line is blown.

Says the entire rear braking system should be replaced and there is no way in heck the vehicle should have passed inspection. He didn't charge me to look at it but says it would be 650 to do all the work.

In his opinion keeping it is all worth how much I like it since it does need a lot of work, exploring my options right now to keep it.

He doesn't know why the other codes came up as they are gone now and not affecting anything. Thanks for all the input.

 

Here in Ontario, brake lines aren't part of the safety inspection. Bought an 02 corolla for work travel and 2 months after they blew. Ended up replacing them and selling the vehicle.

You should've noticed a fluid leak tho. When mine went it left a massive puddle on my driveway and drained very fast.

Good luck with your truck tho, sounds like a lot of work to deal with unfortunately.

 

I paid over $700 for that replacement brake line going to the rear when I was 150 miles from home and needed to go over mountain terrain. It was at that point I decided I'd be fixin' what ever broke from then on.

You got a lemon for sure, I hate dishonest people!!!!!

By the time you get everything fixed, it will cost you what the others were selling for.

Good luck!