Dodge Dakota Whining Sound: Identification + How to Fix

If your Dodge Dakota is experiencing a whining noise, determining where and when the noise is happening is coming from is key to diagnosing and tracking down the cause.   With that in mind, this page is divided by when you hear the whining noise and common causes under those conditions. Is the whining noise … Read more

Dodge Dakota Airbag Light:  Meaning + How to Fix

When you start your Dodge Dakota, the airbag module runs a self-diagnostic check on all its major systems.  If any of these checks fail, you will see an airbag warning light on the dashboard.   Depending on the model year and what country you happen to be in, you may get something along the lines of … Read more

Dodge Dakota Smells Like Gas Diagnosis (5 Main Causes)

If your Dodge Dakota smells like gas, it may indicate a serious issue. It would be best to treat your truck as though you have a fuel leak (don’t drive it) until you know there isn’t one.   A bad gas cap typically causes the smell of gas, the evaporative emissions system leaking, overfilling the … Read more

Dodge Dakota Battery Draining:  Causes + Diagnosis

If your Dodge Dakota’s battery is draining, it’s something that’ll need addressing right away.  If it is draining while your Dakota isn’t running, something is drawing current that shouldn’t be. If the battery drains while driving, there’s likely an issue with your truck’s alternator. The two primary causes for a battery to deplete are parasitic … Read more

Dodge Dakota Won’t Accelerate: Causes + How to Fix

If your Dodge Dakota won’t accelerate, that is a serious cause for concern.   If your check engine light is on, get a code scanner and see what trouble codes are stored in the PCM (powertrain control module).  They can provide valuable insight as to what the problem may be and help you narrow down … Read more

Dodge Dakota: Pulling to the Left

A vehicle that is pulling to the left can be dangerous to drive.  In the US, left is the direction of oncoming traffic.  This makes pulling to the left even more dangerous than pulling to the right.  Keeping straight when your Dodge Dakota wants to veer into traffic makes driving stressful.  If your Dakota pulls … Read more

Dodge Dakota: Pulls to the Right → Diagnosis

When your Dodge Dakota pulls to the right, it makes driving difficult.  Keeping straight when your Dakota wants to veer off the road is dangerous, and takes all of the joy out of driving.  Fixing a vehicle pulling to the right should be considered a high priority repair.    Dodge Dakota Pulls to the Right … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Oil Leak Diagnosis

If you’re a Dodge Dakota owner, you’re likely aware of the common issues that can arise with your vehicle. One of the most frustrating problems is discovering an oil leak. Not only can it be a messy hassle to clean up, but it can also be a sign of a more serious issue. Gaskets and … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Leaking Water Diagnosis

  If your Dodge Dakota is leaking water, it could mean a few different things are happening.  Some water is completely acceptable.  It depends on the situation.  It really depends on where you’ve found it, and if it is really water. Coolant or Water? If you are trying to figure out if your Dodge Dakota … Read more

Dodge Dakota:  Oil On Spark Plug Causes

If you’ve found oil on your Dodge Dakota’s spark plug, it should be a cause for concern. It doesn’t necessarily indicate a major engine problem.  When there is oil on the spark plugs is usually caused by a bad valve cover gasket or O-Ring (overhead cam engines).  There can be other causes as well. Any … Read more