Hi all,
Long story short I got scammed on a 2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7 crew cab. The truck had a stolen registration tag, has over $1,200 in back fees due and a bunch of mechanical things wrong. One of the biggest issues is the check engine light will not come on. I have checked the bulb and fuses and both seem to be good. The only code that comes up is a P0500, but the smog related components do not ever seem to quit flashing on the code reader.

I am a total newbie to dodges and wanted to see if any of you might have an idea on what to check next?
Thank you in advance

 

P0500 is a speed sensor issue.

Does the check engine bulb illuminate during self-test?
With the key OFF, press the TRIP reset button and hold it.
Turn the key to RUN, don't start the truck, while holding the TRIP button. When CHEC shows in the odometer window, release the TRIP button. It'll sweep all the gauges and test the lights.

 

Thank you for the information. I checked it as you described and no check engine light came on.

 

The signal for the MIL, check engine, is sent over the CCD bus. If the bulb is good then the cluster itself may have issues.
It could also be a bad bulb or the socket.
I attached a PDF for you.

 

Looks like the cut off the bulbs.


the check engine, abs and brake bulbs all cut off the cluster

 

Thanks for the update. You may be able to find a replacement cluster. If I recall, the mileage is stored in the cluster and the PCM as well. Might need a DRB to get everything working.