Take it to the dealership so they can recalibrate the sensors in the seats

 

It happened to me when I took my seats off to run wires for my amp

 

I am so thankful for all your responses, and I am working through the list of things I can do... dealer will be the last option.
Understanding that this is a common problem, does anyone know if there have been any recalls for this ?

 

I don't think it is a common problem. I never had issues with mine. I think it mostly happens when you mess around with the passenger seat, it somehow screws with the load cell calibration.

 

I think it was like the second or third time I took my passenger seat out, I doubt a recall will happen because how many people take the seats out. The airbag will still work if needed.

 

The only issues I really ever see with Dakotas is a bad connection on one of the seat belt switches or a belt pretensioner. A couple with airbag ON/OFF switch faults too. They are few and far between though. There should be 3 fuses 9 (10A), 46 (10A) and 57 (20A) in the IPM. That's the fuse box with the shiny front control module attached to it with 4 screws.

The answer to your OBD questions....

ALL of the modules are connected to and communicate with each other on the BUS....But, you won't ever see a code related to any of them in the PCM unless there is a communication fault and the PCM can't get BUS signals from one of them. You will need a shop with an expensive aftermarket scan tool that does more than Powertrain, or the one that the dealer has.

 

Again Guys and Gals thanks for many replies... several votes for the seat load sensor, & belt annd fuse circuits etc. I shall get busy looking [ and hope I don't pop an airbag in the process ]

 

Thank you TNtech for this input -- it is more than I have been able wring out of my local dodge garage...Sorry it took so dang long to respond to you, just been busier that a one-armed paperhanger w/ an itch...

Is it just me, or is anyone else not impressed with Chryslers' move to associate with FEEYAT ...

 

Better than Daimler or Cerberus...Don't misunderstand things as being all Fiat though. The post-bankrupsty era is a different world in our circles. It wasn't really a "move". The Feds basically gave Chrysler to Italy and loaned them billions to resurrect it. Fiat is doing a good job with it so far. GM on the other hand....