Morning everyone. I am having a problem with my 2002 dodge dakota quad cab v6. The problem is as follows. When I start my truck in the morning none of the electronics work (such as the radio, power windows, power locks, windshield wipers, and so on), but after driving it for 5 minutes if I turn it off and then restart the truck everything works just fine. I have no idea what it could be the problem only happens on cold starts in the morning on my way to work. I live in North Carolina so it really isnt a cold rt it is just that the truck has been sitting for 8 hours. Also, when this happens the ABS and parking brake light stays on.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be or have experienced it themself.

Also, on the cold starts the engine seems to sound a little funny and does not way to shift smoothly, it is an automatic. But on the restart it is fine.

Please help me.

Thank you,

Ron

 

As far as the ABS and parking brake light staying on, if your speedometer doesn't want to work till upwards of 25mph or so, your rear speed sensor is bad. If your speedo is fine I think I read it could be something else. I just had this happen and replaced that, fairly common issue from what I've read. I don't believe that is the cause of your other problems though, not sure. I have read where other people that had the rear speed sensor go bad had shifting issues also with automatics. You'll have to go to a Dodge dealer to get it, at least I did cause Autozone and Advance Auto parts didn't carry what I needed. Mine is a 99 too though. It was $40, and Dodge called it the ABS rear wheel speed sensor. It's on the rear axle.

 

I will try replacing it and see how that goes.

This morning I had the truck easily over 35 and the speedometer still did not kick in nor did the other features I spoke of that didnt work.

Thanks,
ron

 

My Haynes manual does not show how to change out the VSS. I am going to go pick it up during my lunch break tomorrow. Does anyone have a breakdown of how to change it.

Thank you very much for any help.


If it is not the VSS does anyone have an idea of what the problem could be.

 

30 views and no help besides yellowjacket99.

Anyone else have any help for me.

Thanks
Ron

 

Hey did you ever solve your problem? I am having asimilar problem. I lost all speedometer, odometer and cruise control function in my '98 3.9L manual trans Dakota. The ABS and brake lights are on and sometimes the check engine. Is there 2 speed sensors on these trucks - on at the tranny and one one the rear differential. If so how would you know which is bad without paying the dealer a visit and dollars?

 

hey there, iversomfornvp I know this is an old topic but did you ever figure out what was causing your problems I have a 92 dakota with the same probs when abs light is on wipers, radio, blinkers, lighter all do not work, could you let me know....

Thanks

kprey[sm=usa.gif]

 

I am going to guess it is a bad connection between the ignition switch and the fuse block.
See the attached wiring diagram. Notice fuses 9, 10, 11 and 12 are all fed by the same wire (black wire), and, theyfeed theexact items you say are not functoning. I don't believe it would be the fuse/fuseable link (depending upon specific year)before the ignition switch, because if it was, you would not be able to start the truck (the starter would not turn over).
Note: wiring diagram is for the 1996 Dakota (not engine specific), but, with the 1990 Dakota service manual I compared it to, the fuses are backwards (i.e. 1990 fuse 9 is radio, fuse 10 is RWAL and turn signal, fuse 11 is wiper system, and fuse 12 is cigar lighter). But still controls the same stuff.

[IMG]local://upfiles/948/FB521111E5D545C980AE34F895D70165.jpg[/IMG]

 

Forgot to let you guys know I replaced the speed sensor on the rear differential and solved the problem. It was very easy to do and part was only about $35 from the dealer.

 

Thank you for the follow-up!