I have an '05 Dakota with 1,500 miles. My wife started it, it idled for 2 seconds and died. She started it again, idled for 2 seconds, and died. After that, it wouldn't even turn over. We had it towed to Dodge last night, and they wouldn't even give us a loaner.

Anybody heard of an issue like this?? Probably a safety switch, or something I'll never find on my own. Nice to be making payments on something that has now broken down more than my 180,000 mile Jeep. Not too happy about this...

 

I'd be pitching a serious fit right now...as well you should be....

If it's giving you this many problems....which I'm assuming have been more then 1.....especially that early in owning it....I'd almost be considering contacting the Better Business Bureau.....

 

Sounds like there is a prblem with the key and the engine.

Don't have my manual at work, but I remember reading that if the onboard computer does not recogize the key, it will shut off hte engine.

 

take it back and get a TRUE GEN III Dak (97-04)

the new ones suck.

 

I was thinking that it may be something like that...the security system shutting my truck down and preventing it from starting again. I looked, and didn't see a chip in the key though. How does the truck "read" the key, then?? I do not know much about this fancy stuff.I hate when stuff breaks that I can't fix

 

DAKBLACK- Why do they suck?? Are they seriously problem ridden, or is that just a pointed jab at the new guy??

 

I personally like the new 05 truck. Much better looking than previous models. The old ones reminded me of midget Rams.

Some folk here don't particularly care for the new design.

 

Just called the dealer...seems to be something with the alarm system. When they opened the truck it went off, and they could not deactivate the alarm. Said they have NEVER had that happen before to any vehicle. Good news is, they did give us a rental. We are the proud drivers of a Chevy Cobalt. It is a damned roller skate, not a car. Oh well, at least I'll save on gas for the next few days.

 

I would have guessed the problem to be the ignition key also. I took the plastic cover off of my wife's 2000 Sebring key and found a chip wedged into the metal part of the key. If you take that chip out, the car will run for a few seconds then die.

I think the '05 Dakotas are beautiful. My buddy and I bought ours within 2 weeks of each other. Mine is flawless, but his had a fuel pump issue at the beginning. It's now running great.

 

I had the same problem... twice. I think there was a glitch in the computer. It went away and I haven't had the problem since. My alarm never went off though.