Dodge Dakota: What’s Causing That Rotten Egg Smell?

One of the most undervalued diagnostic tools is the human nose.  There’s a lot our nose can tell us about a vehicle with a few quick sniffs.  If you happen to smell a rotten egg smell coming from your Dodge Dakota, it is certainly a cause for concern.  It is most commonly associated with a … Read more

Dodge Dakota Dies After Starting Diagnosis

It can be very disconcerting if your Dodge Dakota is starting and then dies.  It is most likely caused by some type of issue with the electrical or fuel system.  But, there can be other causes as well. Your Dakota’s engine needs 3 things constantly and in the proper proportion to keep running. Air Fuel … Read more

Dodge Dakota: Brake Lights Stuck On → Diagnosis

It is both frustrating and unsafe to drive your Dodge Dakota if the brake lights are stuck on.  The most common reason that they stay on is a brake light switch that has failed.   How Brake Lights Work Brake lights work by having an electric current sent to the brake pedal switch at all … Read more

Dodge Dakota: Shaking When Accelerating → Diagnosis

One of the more common issues that can occur is a vehicle that shakes when accelerating.  If your Dodge Dakota is shaking when accelerating, it’s something that should not be ignored.  While the vibration can be annoying, it is often indicative of a serious problem.   Speed Matters Vehicle speed matters when you feel a … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Lifter Ticking Diagnosis

One of the most annoying things that you can coming from under the hood of your Dodge Dakota is a ticking lifter.  The ticking noise makes it sound like the engine is going to give up the ghost at any time.  There are a few things that can cause a lifter to tick, such as … Read more

Dodge Dakota: P0171 and P0174 Diagnosis

P0171 and P0174 both indicate that there is a lean condition present in your Dodge Dakota.  By themselves, these are some of the most common OBD2 codes.   When they appear together, it indicates that the entire engine is running lean. Definition Both of these codes are generic, which means they have the same meaning … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Clutch Slipping → Diagnosis

Your Dodge Dakota’s clutch provides a direct connection between the engine and transmission.  Without it, it can’t move at all. This connection requires a tremendous amount of pressure.  This guide is intended to help you determine why your clutch is slipping on the flywheel. Note:  This article is for manual cars only.  Here’s the automatic … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Engine Sputtering (Causes + Diagnosis)

A sputtering engine can indicate a number of problems.  If your Dodge Dakota has a sputter, it is most likely going to be caused by bad fuel system, ignition system, MAF sensor, or bad catalytic converter.  Your Dakota’s engine is a giant pump.  It pulls in air (where it is measured by the mass airflow … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Brake Pedal Going to Floor Diagnosis

The single most important safety feature in your Dodge Dakota is a good set of brakes.  If your brake pedal is going to the floor, it indicates that there is a serious problem in the braking system.  When the pedal goes to the floor, it’s usually caused by a bad master cylinder, leaking brakes, bad … Read more