Drive Train / Driveline Upgrade Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Are there any gear ratios between 4;11 and 3;55 to give max pickup and cruise range around 70 mph? Or can I use 4;11s... thanks.
A: The problem most likely encountered will not be finding a gear set... most RV suppliers or high performance shops will be able to help....
However, the computer system does not understand that the gear ratio has been changed.... it just see's an extra 1000 rpm at 60 mph and starts doing some bizarre adjusting trying to correct for the "problem"...... Ed
Q: Hello. What are the proceedures for passenger side air bag replacement? Thanks, Eric.
A: Eric. BIG WARNING here for you. People are dying regularly while working on these things. IF you are willing to risk it, get the complete information first and study it thoroughly. Ed
Q: When turning on engine, it kind of grinds and acts like it doesn't want to start but then kicks in and starts.
A: Does it do this all the time, or intermittently? If it is a loud grinding noise, and not turning over, then the noise stops and it turns over and starts - bad flywheel / torque converter in the transmission.
This is the gear that the starter engages to start the engine.
Also, it could be the starter itself, but it seems that the more expensive flywheel gets teeth shaved off before the cheaper starter does.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: I left the lights on, and killed the battery after putting in a new battery.
The power locks do not function. Did I burn out the motor on it?
I checked the fuse and it seems ok.
A: Are there any wires not hooked back up to the battery???...
This seems like an unrelated problem, and may just be a coincidence.... Ed
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction Happens always Not applicable
Q: The front axle output seal on both right and left have both gone bad about 6 times each over the course of my ownership. The dealer keeps telling me it is fixed, but after about 10,000 miles, the seals start leaking again. I own a Dakota sport, 4x4, 318 5.2 , regular cab. Any idea why my seals keep going like this, and can you give advise on how to stop it from happening again.
A: Sounds a lot to me like the vent is not working. The differential has a vent hose or tube. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: The headlight went out. Do I need to buy just a new bulb? Since I can't seem to get the old bulb out of the socket, I'm thinking I need to buy the entire bulb mount as well. Is that right?
A: I recall these bulbs replace from the back of the light assembly.... be careful not to touch the glass part of the new ones...... Ed
Q: I have a 1994 Dodge Dakota 4x4, 6 cylinder, 3.9 Liter, 289cc engine, with 120,000 miles. I noticed recently (within the past six months) a Lifter "ticking". And it used to quieten up after I religiously changed my oil every 3,000 miles. However, now the sound will not go away, and I have been told NOT to try and tighten or adjust the valves or lifter clearance because I have a chance of wearing the camshaft even more. I would like to know how I can inspect the lifters to see if they are bad and what is the process to try and fix the lifter "ticking" problem. New cam, lifters, valve adjustment, etc..?
A: A visual inspection will determine if the camshaft is wearing..... if not.... try the lifter replacement option... Ed
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: I have a 94 dodge dakota 3.9 ltr.
The heater blower motor will not run using the heater switch.
I checked all fuses and had power to the switch.
I jumped the motor to 12 volts and the blower worked.
My question is this: I disconnected the wire harness from the switch and grabbed 12 vdc from the hot wire in /acc. When I connected the hot to the blower motor nothing happened.Thats when
I went directly off the battery.(temp fix)
What are the schematics for the connector leading to the heater switch.? Any other ideas?
Q: The clear coating over the paint has gotten moisture or something under it, causing the paint to fade on the cab and in various other places on my truck. I recently learned that it may be possible to get this problem taken care of through Dodge for free because it has happened on several of the Dakotas for this year. My question is if you know whether this is true or not?
A: I am not sure but if you source Chrysler through the internet or phone their 1-800 customer service line.... they will help you... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Vibration Happens always Always
Q: The horn, when you press it, has a soft sound, then after about 3 seconds of holding it down, it then blares at normal volume.
A: Clean the connection at the wire to the horn at the front..... If not, you need a new horn (the noise making part)... Click a blue buyers button on http://www.all-parts.com ......Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Vibration When driving Always
Q: Having wear marks on the middle of the front right tire. Left front tire is fine. Some vibration coming from the right side. More road noise then usual.
A: Replace the tierod ends and ball joints, and then have your front end lined up. That should do it.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: help... put new plug wires and plugs in, car vibrates and back fires a bit, I believe I have mix up the the plug wires, need help on the configuration of wires from distributer to cylinder thank-you
A: You will have to repost with your engine size. Then we can gladly assist you.
Q: The automatic transmission will not shift to over-drive.
Sometimes in the morning it may shift to over-drive but just for a few seconds.
However all other shifting from start too they are good up to the time when it is to shift to over-drive.
A: This may seem like a silly question but do you drive with your other foot touching the brake padal???...
Or are your brake lights on at all times???....
The brake light circuit overrides the cluch overdrive signal.....
Also check that power to the o-drive unit is okay.... Ed
Q: I own a '90 Dakota 4x4 with a 3.9lt that has over 133,000 miles and it is a little tired. I was wondering if a 318 would fit down under the hood and what all i would have to change or modify like the tranny or the rearend. Thank you
A: They came from the factory like this, so sure. Find a good complete wreck and fly at it. Ed
All Part Groups Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I have a question about the air conditoning system. It suddenly quit. I cannot tell if it needs to be gassed up, because I am not as familiar with Dodge engines. I cannot be more specific. What do you know about these air conditoners?
A: Myra,
I myself own 2 dakota's that have both had A/C probs. One of which simply needed to be as u called it "gassed up" and the other needed a new compressor. My suggestion to u is to have it recharged and if that don't clear the problem then i would take it and have the compressor checked
Drive Train / Driveline Tuning When accelerating Always
Q: I have a '89 Shelby Dakota that has had a recent tranmission replacement. Even after the replacement, it still will not shift correctly. I have tried to adjust the throttle pressure linkage to acheive a good shift point but I can't seem to get it right. It won't shift until the RPM's are high and the rev limiter kicks in. Any ideas on how I can tweak the shifting myself?
A: It sounds like you may have a stuck pressure regulator valve in the valve body.
Drop the pan and look for some metal.
If it looks good, go through the valvebody and check all the valves.
Drive Train / Driveline Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Seems we need an "extension tube" for my 4x4 v6. It connects the drive shaft to the transmission.
Is there a different name for this part?
(The drive shaft fell out of the truck and he's trying to fix it for my husband)
Any ideas on price?
Thank you, Susan
A: Hmmmmmm..... the old terminology problem raises it's ugly head.... probably the fastest way to solve this is to phone your local Chrysler dealer parts dept. and ask the parts person...... good luck ....Ed
Q: How do I determine for sure whether the rings or the head (valve bushings) are thrashed? I'd like to know before spending a large chunk of cash on a used motor...
I just bought a 1988 Dodge Dakota Pickup truck with a 135c.i. L4, and I think the engine (rings) may be bad.
My search for a used engine is turning up a few expensive results, and I keep thinking the head or head gasket may be the culprit.
The engine does start and run, although when first started it smokes a lot, then calms down a bit.
The previous owner was putting a lot of oil in it, and engine power output was dwindling. It is now to the point that it will move the vehicle but only at high rpm.
Would I be better off rebuilding the engine instead of buying? (I have rebuilt engines before, in my highschool years...)
If disassembly of the head shows the engine is a paperweight, all I have lost is time, and I don't even lose that if I rebuild the engine.
Please help! Darin
A: All good points.... if the engine smokes and burns oil while accelerating hard, it is generally caused by the rings.......
Deceleration blue smoke caused by the valve guides or seals worn..... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I need the schematic for a power door lock switch that I took out of a late 80's model Dodge ram 1500. So that I can wire it to my aftermarket door locks.
Q: Why does my left and right exhaust manifolds continue to crack? What can I do about this to prevent from happening again? When I repalce the exhaust manifolds, thy only last about 6 mos. The truck only has 90k and exceptioanly maintained. My Dodge sport never overheats's.
A: Depending on how and where they are cracking It could be any number of things. First off check the motor mounts for wear. If they are ok then check that the exaust is properly supported. If that is not the case then check to make sure the tourqe on ALL manifold bolts is EXACTLY to the spec's (these specs can be found in the "Haynes" manual for your truck) too lose and they could crack due to viberation, too tight and they could crack from excessive pressure on the flange. If this fails to resolve your problem Email me at E_lope@excite.com and I will do my best to find a solution for you.
Q: I start my truck up sometimes, and it vibrates very badly and just dies on me. Afterwards to get it started I have to pump the gas pedal while cranking the engine to get started up. What could be the problem, and how do I fix it.
A: It could be just bad spark plug wires. Start with a complete tuneup.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: The push-button overdrive does nothing to engine performance. All it does is light up when pressed.
A: The pushbutton generally turns overdrive OFF. If the light is on, the OD is off. You would not want this driving around town, etc. This would be for pulling/hauling loads, etc where you need the extra power. Performance will get worse with OD off.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Happens always Always
Q: my power windows does not work. The fuse is not the problem. I've tried it when the truck was started, and when it is not started and it does not work. Please tell me what I need to do to get the windows to work.
A: have u tried the power window switch? i had a truck about the same year that had the same problem.
Q: When I drive my truck it does fine. But when the engine gets real warm, it vibrates when I brake and then sounds like it is going to die on me. It sometimes does. I just got my engine rebuilt in October and before that it always died on me. How would I get that fixed.
A: It sounds like the torque convertor is locking up,have the transmission checked
Q: my check engine light comes on when the truck warm up. i replase the map,tps,o2 sensors. thanks rich
A: did you pull a code out of it(turn the key of and on three times and on the third time leave it on.if you get a code 22 two long two short blinks your coolant senser is bad.thats what it sounds like to me.
Q: runs fine for a while then cuts off. while we are still coasting, we can crank it up and she will run good for sometimes 3 miles, 15 miles or sometimes 100 miles. does not matter if its hot or cold????? We think it is the carburater, Help. Thanks Tom
A: Have you checked the rubber fuel line going to the fuel pump? It might be collapsing internally from suction or check the rubber lines connecting to the gas tank. They could be cracked and sucking air.
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