Dodge Dakota won't start problems

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

Vehicle Has Experienced all Dash waring lights & noises going on and off while driving Threw multiple codes saying the PCM was not connecting with the ODB2 reader , Vehicle would not crank or start 2 times did a Hard reset and it started, the end result is all Dash Lights luminated when Key is on , No crank & No communication with the PCM, No Code visible any more I replaced the PCM same issue Now the TIPM which I believe Blew my PCM also at 141,000 miles! Very Dangerous!! A well maintained vehicle should never have Computer Problems at 140,000 , FYI I am a state Licensed auto Mechanic. this Vehicle also had a fuel pump problem 12/21/2011 and was serviced at the dealership , I believe this truck was a "lemon" from that point on. Also, No vehicles should have mother Board computer's managing every system of the vehicle! Dangerous! The Manufactures are Scamming the Consumer. BCM, TCM, PCM ,ECS ,TIPM Are all Scam Engineering By the auto industry, EFI vehicle's only need 1 Computer for the ignition A ECU that's it , the rest of those systems are a Violation of wright to Repair and the federal safety agency Safety standards. [XXX] the lower Bolt mounting the PCM was so Corroded it broke off in the original PCM on removal. This Vehicle is a lemon . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

My 2001 Dodge Dakota has a faulty SKIM system. The vehicle goes into No-Start/Stall while driving down the road. I have had it at a dealership and they do not have technical experience with these older vehicles that require an “antiquated software system”. This is a dangerous situation, particularly in foothills with winding roads.

Filed Jun 12, 2020 · Electrical · 174,586 miles · FL

I have had electrical issues since last year. First time the wipers, lights and blinkers quit working late in the evening, almost didn't make it to the auto shop. Told me the computer was the issue but they got the truck working again. Then it happened again but I knew to try the disconnect the battery trick and that worked. Yesterday I was in line to pick up a food box, idling and the truck just quit, I tried to get it to restart with no luck. Thankfully this did not happen while I was actually driving so I was safe where it happened. I got it towed and am pretty sure it is the tipm based on the steps I took, switching out the working relays with the one for the fuel pump. Still wouldn't start so pretty sure it is a bad tipm.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 199,000 miles · FL

Vehicle will shift gear mechanically, but will not shift into neutral and/or park on the dash. Vehicle also will not start as a result.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Electrical · 99,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge dakota. The contact stated that the headlights and the key fob were inoperable. In addition, the vehicle would not start. The contact mentioned that the battery was replaced, but the failure was still persistent. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the central timer module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to get a used part because they no longer made that part. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 119,974 miles · CA

My truck has a bad PCM I have it rebuilt 3 times and the same problem will start once then will not start put a PCM in from a 8cyl runs all day not well because its from 8cyl everything has been replaced and still will not start I have seen a lot of this same thing on line this is my first dodge nd it will be my last and all of this is from the dodge dealer

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 95,000 miles · FL

Abs light wont even flash or give warning and truck slid a bit. No accidents to report, yet. This has happened multiple times after braking when the needle dips below 20 miles per hour. Thats why I give plenty of space between cars when approaching a light just in case the truck slides. I have complained but dodge keeps telling me my VIN number has no recall for my ABS ecu. There is a recall for ABS ecu but not on my VIN number but I am having the same issue for the ABS recall. So they will not replace it. You can feel the brakes lock up when it does it. Im also having a probem with my ignition swith. At times it will do a no start. That is also on the recall list but I was told again my VIN number wasn't on the list but I have these same problem for the recall. No one will replace these items if your VIN number isn't on the list even if your vehicle is having the problems reported for the recall. When something serious happens then who will be to blame. My VIN number was recalled just for airbags only. These problems need to be fixed asap before serious injuries may reslt.

Filed Apr 28, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 107,000 miles · IL

I was driving and the lights started flashing and then they went all the way out and the dome light and keyless entry isn't working. It finally wouldn't start and so we bought a new battery, and the lights came on and then the next day the lights were off again. The battery that was in the truck was too small and we told the dealer and they said that the lights weren't working because we put a bigger battery in it, we put the right size battery. The other day we came home and the cargo lights were on by themselves. I am afraid to drive it for it catching on fire. We only had the truck 2 and half months. We paid $6300 for it.

Filed Apr 26, 2015 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · VA

I have a 1999 dodge dakota. Several time the truck will not start or will shut down a few minutes/miles after starting. The truck has a manual transmission and when this happens even 'kick' starting has no effect. After the truck shuts down, 10 to 15 minutes later it starts up without any trouble. This has happened while on the highway and in city traffic.

Filed Jun 22, 2013 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · FL

Vehicle starts to misfire at any RPM will not start,I am a certified tech,coil new,crank sensor new,voltage reading at coil 10.49v on PCM side good bright pulse and consistent. In 1977 dodge was informed not to install asd relay inside computer housing and to make it accessible to replacement. I have an issue with their defiance to do so. It is causing a concern issue of multiple no start conditions where other techs wind up replacing the computers unnecessarily,and in most cases over heat on hot days.after replacing a variety of parts due to lack of testing procedure information and access to malfunctioning relay. The computer is all that is left. All other equipment is in normal operation.fuel pressure is 45psi and good flow.all gauges read normal and no computer codes present.