2002 Dodge Dakota: headlights failing or too dim

Filed May 3, 2018 · Electrical · 158,000 miles · TX

"takata recall" high beams come on on both sides low beam does not come on passenger side but on the driver side

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · SC

The body control module has failed, which controls all the interior lights and the headlights. As of a month ago there were over 150 people waiting on this part in chrysler's system. Chrysler has now informed me this part is no longer available and will not be made again, which renders my truck only safe to drive in the daytime. They say to go to the aftermarket, but there are no aftermarket companies making this computer module. My fca case number was 30705404

Filed Dec 25, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 105,000 miles · AL

Stepped on brake on wet road,ABS kicked in on rear axle and truck would not slow down. Almost had a rear end collision. Very dangerous, have seen a lot of other complaints about same thing. Also lose all electrical power with headlights on momentarily leaving you without lights.

Filed Mar 12, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 182,500 miles · PA

No headlights, parking lights, dashboard/instrument lights, fob does not work and service 4x4 light is on, recall on ctm I was told.

Filed Feb 7, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 28,024 miles · NE

The "security light" on dash was flashing and when it is on the headlights go off and dash lights goes dark and turn signals/brake lights comes on. When security light is off the headlights goes on the dash lights are on and turn/brakes lights goes off. This security light ( on dash) will flash on and off every second or will go on solid - if on solid headlights, dash lights will be off - dome light on and turn/brake lights on. This will happen until vehicle is warmed up to 20 degrees ambient temp. The problem is with the "TCM module" on this vehicle. It does not effect the engine or drive train only the lights ! You can be driving when this happens ! People will thing you are an emergency vehicle or crazy ! This vehicle does not have a "chip" in the keys only a remote keyless entry that is separate from the ignition key...updated 02-28-14 *bf. The consumer stated the security came on and the headlights went off. The vehicle did not die, or misfire. Updated 04/01/14

Filed Dec 18, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 101,634 miles · FL

This vehicle, 2002 dodge dakota, was driven during the day for some months. In october, 2013 I stayed out late and as I turn the head lights on, a few seconds after all the lights started to blink non stop, even all the dashboard lights. Fortunately I was not far from home, I had to turn all the lights off to get home. An additional alarm system, evs 11 mopar electronic vehicle security systems, was installed when the vehicle was purchased. At first I thought it was the alarm system malfunctioned, I had the alarm system removed but the problem was not solved. I eventually took the vehicle to the dodge dealer and was told that the bcm needed to be replaced, after a diagnostic test was done. To replace this part is very expensive.

Filed Aug 19, 2013 · Lights · 137,503 miles · MO

Traveling through town at 20:30pm at approximately 35 MPH when all of a sudden the headlights shut off completely. I was able to pull over to the side of the road, but then the headlights began flashing for 1 to 3 seconds but then would shut off for a few seconds and do it again. Then the interior dome light starts flashing and flickering. The turn signals, and brake lights work.

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 175,000 miles · AL

While driving on interstate 24, near clarksville, tn, at 2015 hours, my headlights completely shut off while driving. After a span of 15-20 seconds with no lights, I had to unsafely pull over on the shoulder of the road. After which my headlights began to flicker on and off, for spans of 1-3 seconds. From the time of the first incident to now, my headlights, internal lights, windshield wipers, and tail lights are all inoperable and unsafe to drive during bad weather conditions, or limited viability due to light. From my research this is an extremely frequent problem with dodge dakota and dodge durango owners, with vehicles made between the years of 01' - 03'. I contacted dodge about the problem and requested assistance, and they were unwilling to help or fix the problem, even though I told them it was unsafe, and that my situation was not an isolated incident. I honestly believe, if this were to happen to a less experienced driver, or to a driver in a situation of bad weather or late at night. It could result in serious injuries or tragic loss of life.

Filed Dec 5, 2008 · Electrical, Lights · 64,000 miles · NM

On my 2002 dodge dakota the headlights stopped working at night by flickering a lot then just shutting off all the way. The following days random things would start going off like windshield wipers going off, horn honking, and sometimes the lights would not shut off at all. Further investigation lead me to the central timer module (ctm) failing possibly due to the same defect that lead to a 2003 recall. Why not 2002? I now cannot drive at night because I had to disconnect it resulting to certain things not being able to work right due to the erratic behavior. I would like to see other model years being included in the recall cause this part is well over $200 to replace. It is suffering from the exact same problems that the recall for 2003 states.

Filed May 19, 2008 · Lights · 95,000 miles · TN

Headlights were flickering on and off rapidly, along with interior lights and taillights. Today they do not work. If lights were to have gone out while I was driving at night could have caused serious incident. No solution to problem yet.

Filed Apr 25, 2008 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

2002 dodge dakota with a recall. Consumer states that the headlights and door locks worked fine before it was put into the shop to have the recall performed. She states that now they only work sporadically. *kb recall # 07v555000.

Filed Aug 13, 2007 · Electrical · CA

Earlier in the week the power door locks were working on and off. Two days later headlights started flashing on and off and making a clicking sound before they went out completely. Interior lights are also not working. Luckily, I was close enough to home and there was still enough twilight to make it home safely. I am going to bring the truck to dealer this week, but I read about a similar problem in the 2003 dodge dakotas.