New Guy Questions
Champion
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta
So, not only am I new to the Dakota forums, Im new to the Dakota. 03 Quad Cab 2x2. Just bought it with 125K and everything seems pretty tight with it. I have noticed a few things I wanted to run by the experts.....you guys. The dash panel where the climate control ***** are is dark at night. There seems to be 1 light by the temp control **** and thats it, the rest is dark. Should it be brighter (yes the dome switch is all the way up without having the dome light come on). If so, is it easy to replace the bulbs?. And finally. I'd like to replace the brakes and have the rotors turned. Ive read that sometimes its easier/cheaper to just replace the rotor as opposed to finding someone to "turn" them. Im somewhat mechanically inclined but dont want to get in over my head. The dealer wanted $600////////per axle. Thanks
I've got the same truck, fought all the same battles when I bought mine. Had to remove the bezel and replace almost all the bulbs, including the headlight switch and climate control. I pulled lots of good bulbs out of junkyard trucks and kept spares, but they haven't blown yet.
I'd never turn the rotors. Turning makes them thinner which means they warp faster. Mine were so warped, my brake pedal slowly pulsed while crawling along. I've got wagner rotors with lifetime warranty. Means every time they warp (they haven't yet), I'll just get a new set. Stay away from the dealer. The truck is relatively easy to work on, brakes included.
Last edited by Dodgevity; Jul 11, 2015 at 12:46 PM.
Amateur
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: Southern Az
I don't think pulling the dash bezel will be that hard pulled my dash a few times no problem easier than you think.
Go hear and look at the back of the control unit the white dots are the bulbs they twist pop out 01 02 03 Dodge Dakota Durango Heater Climate Control Unit 2001 2002 2003 | eBay
Go hear and look at the back of the control unit the white dots are the bulbs they twist pop out 01 02 03 Dodge Dakota Durango Heater Climate Control Unit 2001 2002 2003 | eBay
Champion
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta
Boy you are right about that! First time I got mine pulled, I cussed and swore. Once I got it pulled, I purposely broke the clip so it just pushes on, then lathered it up with dielectric grease.
Section Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 9
From: Concord, CA
What Jeep did you have? I had a '97 TJ before my Dakota. I really liked it, but it didn't have nearly enough room for all my crap. My off-road rig is now a K% Blazer, which works out much better.
Amateur
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: Southern Az
Im sure its related to her four cousins known as the O2 sensor harness.