It doesn't seem like this is specific to the dodge dakota. For every problem you list your range of possible causes is so large it would cover any kind of car or truck. If you had any specific Dakota information I would expect you to point out causes that are most common for this vehicle. You did not.
Stay away from the 3.7l v6 with the 42rle 4 speed transmission. No power,, especially in reverse, faulty valve bodies in the transmission, engine wiring harness develops issues really quick. I give a 1 star to the 3.7l v6, but the v8 4.7l I give 4 stars
I have owned a couple of these trucks first 1 over 250k miles no problems just regular maintenance. just bought my second one from a original owner with 143k done a tune up and changed the fluids get 18 miles per gallon average.. never had problems with these trucks it goes back to proper maintenance....
13xxxx transmission went from 1 neutral to 6 neutrals, 20k later i have to rebuild the transfer case, i get 14mpg at best. 06 4.7ho with 3.92 gears. Rust like crazy, especially behind the front bumper. I live in ohio so rust is a thing and not blaming the truck. The engine is decent though.
The transmission issues you are talking about turned out to be the ECU 3 times for me. Luckily the third time turned out to be I replaced it was cheap, 250 bucks.
I have an 06 mitsu Raider. Built at same plant. More probs by the day. PCM issues. Battery drain. Dodges aren't what they used to be. Only 220k. Wish I had bought a Chevy
I have 05 with 4.7 v8 the 05 V8 was built by diamler aka freightliner which where I work they are tank engines only thing I don't care for is the aluminum head, not sure if 06 is the same or not but mine has 190,000 still going strong!
3:13 can the steering shaft issue be misdiagnosed as a rack and pinion and tie rod replacement job? Asking as the kid just had a $1300 job done on a 2wd truck with only 40,000 miles on it. Divorce stuff happening, so I'm alienated from the kid now and haven't had an opportunity to see what is really happening with it. It seems weird to me for this to happen with a truck with low mileage. Any insights appreciated!
I have 05 & not long ago I was switching lanes and it was like the steering locked up on me scared the absolute heebeejeebeez out of me! Took it to shop and they said rack & pinion but it was like $4-600 for new one I decided not too & luckily it never has done it again "knock on wood"! But man it was scary as hell It almost was like it got hung in the boot or something and worked it's way loose but if anyone reading this has any suggestions please let me know....