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my dakota hit 400k miles yesterday original engine and transmission, no slip, no knocks gonna pull the motor this weekend for a refresh

Ok from a guy thats been on youtube since its birth on 2007 1aauto has really got their accuracy together over the years.

I had mine for 15 years. Replaced that cap 3 times with manufacturer caps. Other than that, great truck taken out by a 300M on their phone. No rust whatsoever in Virginia. Always sprayed the underside after snow. 214,000 + miles.

Thank you for this awesome video. I have been chasing a few problems for a while now on my 2001 Dakota 5 speed. The two that you provided in this video were the valley pan and the crankshaft end play. Your video described all the steps I have already taken to fix the problems and they were still there. I have not replaced the valley pan yet, and I had not thought to check crankshaft end play for the grinding / hard to put into gear. It makes sense as it shifts not bad when first started, but after it is warm the shifting gets worse. It feels like the clutch pedal just needs to be depressed just a bit more. I have watched many video's and yours is BY FAR...the best out there!!! Thank you so much!!

I bought a little v6 Dakota as a second truck because it's a pain in the but loading dirt bikes in my lifted Silverado all the time. Aside from that little v6 being kinda gutless I grew to love the truck. My intention was to use it to haul bikes around the desert on weekends. But now I probably drive it more than any of my other vehicles. The interior is in great shape considering it's a 90s dodge. I actually considered pulling it into the shop and painting it. But I'm worried if I do it will bee nice enough that I won't want to use it for it's original purpose anymore. Anyway, it's been a good little truck.

Great video nice to have things to look for. Never heard of a throw out plate. The heat issues are something else you could mention like the blend door and heater hose reroute on the V6 to get the hottest possible water in the heater core. These videos are very helpful to lots of people!. Update.. Heater core was blocked. Very small heater core. Single row. Full day with help. Heat works good now!

Great information you hit the nail on the head on every problem I worked for Chrysler for 20+ years and you had done a jam up job explaining these problems

SERIOUSLY. THANK YOU. I have an 01 dakota and this explains ALOT! You are a savior. Huge thanks

Good video. Excellent narration, easy to follow because it didn’t go too slow. Good camera work and lighting as well. I have an 03 Dakota with a few of these problems/symptoms. Thank you!

Great info thanks for sharing! My Dakota had the intake fixed before I bought the truck , the repair cost was 955$

Thank you for this video! My 98 was stalling intermittent with no codes. Sure enough that vacuum cap you show had fallen off! Reinstalled it with zip ty to keep it planted and swapped the IAC valve just to be sure and she's running sweet again. Thanks very much! Btw you have a great smile 😊

Thank you so much for this information! I've been trying to figure out why my 2000 Dakota has been running so rough. After changing coil packs. It was still running rough. Then I heard about the intake gasket. Now you just confirmed it to me. I can't thank you enough. I'm not sure how much it will cost but at least I know what the problem is. God bless you!

Wow first part of the video helped a lot. Explained the exact symptoms I’ve been having and what I’ve done. Never did I think to check I knew it might be a vacuum leak but no clue where to check. Thanks!

Love those trucks. Thank you for the easy to watch and informative video!

Thank you very informative. I have a 2004 I really like it despite it needing a lot of cosmetic work. I am slowly getting the bugs worked out too.

You rock ,clear explanation & specified where what to look for! Thanks!

Well done my lady. Looking to buy a used 2004 DD and get the scoop on whats what with it. Now I know. You rock!

Thanks a lot for these. I've had my '99 3.9l 5speed for over 23 years and luckily haven't had any of these issue other than the crank sensor in the first 3 or 4 years of ownership. It's been a great truck I should probably treat it better. I hope to keep it another 20 years. 🤞

I saw this and was really reminded of how good my 03 Dakota SLT 3.9L has been to me. It's given me zero major issues so far, and only a few minor issues that I either have fixed or plan on fixing. Had a misfire on cylinder 6 last year, original wiring from the distributer ate through the coating and fused to the number 4 wire. Had a full tune up and problem solved. Had an exhaust leak on the exhaust manifold as well, took it a step further and installed a set of quality short-tube headers, a magnaflow premium cat and a magnaflow rumbler dual chamber muffler. I also installed a cold-air intake and a ported throttle body (because why the hell not?). Only issues rn are a bit of play in the steering (needs new tie rod bushings) and a slow-shifting trans (needs new shift solenoids). Truck has 211k miles on the original engine and trans and still runs like a champ. When the engine or trans finally goes out, I'm probably going to swap a 6.4L V8 with the Dodge 8-speed auto into it. And despite several road trips to the northern states by the previous owners, it has ZERO rust, save the original exhaust, which is expected regardless of the environment. I love this truck to death, and out of the Toyota Echo and Saturn Vue I have previously own, and the Ford Ranger I currently own, it is easily the best vehicle I have ever invested in. ❤

Great job on this presentation. Very helpful and clear to understand. Thanks.

Very good review. I have one of these Dakotas and It has a ton of miles but is still a good truck. This video has hit on most every problem I have with the truck. Thank you for the simple and informative video.

This video was super helpful, helped me find a evac leak

Absolutely well done video! The right amount of describing and showing. Perfect!

I bought mine, an extended cab, in April of '98. I also bought the extended warranty, probably the only one to ever pay for itself. Heater hose blew off on the drive home from the dealer. The front crank seal went bad after 6 months. The first of three cat convertors was replaced for severe rattling inside. Front suspension, upper and lower A arms and bushings replaced @ 41k. The Goodyear tires, part of the tire and handling package, were shot by 28k. Great grip in summer. Worthless in snow, couldn't move in 1" snowfall. Fuel line rubbed a hole in it under the cab. Common problem I was told. Front shocks shot at 45k. Ticking sound from top end of engine from about 25k on, shop said it was nothing, probably the Mobil One oil I always used. The guy who bought my truck with some warranty left on it at 95k had the dealer replace the cam and lifters. The admitted that was the problem all along. The truck started to die along the interstate, and would sometimes take 10 minutes or so before it would start, acted like no fuel. Dealer couldn't find the problem, replaced the fuel pump. The next time it happened, the found that it was a bad sensor shutting off the fuel. There were probably more that I don't recall, as I said the extended warranty helped, but I had to pay the deductible each time. But as bad as this truck was, it still is the best looking truck I ever owned. The sporty wheels, and for a bit, the big Goodyears. The factory extended wheel flairs, the aftermarket hood with dual air scoops, the matching cap over the back. When I think back to those three years I owned it, that's what I remember, not all the bad stuff that plagued me during that time. Fortunately I didn't have any of these top five problems.

I’ve got a 2002 with the 4.7, around 180k and she’s running great, aside from what I think is my starter shitting out for the second time or some kinda electrical prob, it smells like a electrical fire once I turn the truck over and the volt meter will hit the floor after a minute

Good video. I have a P0456 code. This video game me the knowledge to check out everything after I make sure the gas cap is tight!

I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota runs like a hero I appreciate all the information I'm going to check my truck out tomorrow

Thanks for the tips. I have one. Loose axle shafts on the 4wd's. The spline design is the worst. Too much rattle. Heater cores are buried . Dodge built the dash and truck around it.

Sent this to my buddy who won’t listen to anything I tell him ( I work at my own shop ) He really listened to you! Even said the same things!! Anyways thanks again!! 😂

This video is short, sweet & very well presented. U can see the problem in the intake belly pan gasket, open the throttle blade, look down & U will see all the oil & where it traces from. I have done 100's of these belly pan, gasket & bolts oh & the bolts were the issue. People overlook the PCV Breather Filter on these & it really makes the throttle body blades dirty if not addressed. Also the 3.9L is a poor design regarding balance ..Let me quote 1 of my Favorite Chrysler Engineers "It will shake your dentures loose."

Very helpful video, I've had a few of these problems with my 01 Durango. 👍

Wow what wonderful comments. Thank you for a great lesson. Your truly a great teacher

One specific issue I encountered was the highlight switch going bad which required it to be replaced. The cost of replacement was close to$1000.00, thank goodness for the extended warranty which covered the cost of replacement.

Just bought a 4.7 '04 as a beater. Definitely looking forward to busting a few knuckles and learning a few things. Thanks for the help!

Excellent video, to the point and clear delivery. Thank you

Great presentation with solid information. I loved the occasional smile :)!

Very good video of my three Dakota's two of them definitely had number five when they sat and it was raining and then it would go away so I never really looked into it

I have an 04 Dakota that I bought new. 205k miles as of Aug 2021. Replaced transmission at 110k. Have also replaced water pump, AC compressor and on third set of engine coils. Various other items as normal wear and tear goes. I admit I don't like my truck as much as I used to... but it still looks and runs decent.

Ive had none of these issues thankfully but I was told the u joints on the main drive shaft go bad a lot as well. Had to replace those but nothing major since I bought it used in 2004 and now has 257000 miles on her.

Young lady you're just the best!! Thanks for sharing another great video be safe

Thank you for the video. This helps me a lot!

Thank you this video is so helpful. Very knowledgeable self-explanatory and visual 100%. That's how you do a video for beginner mechanics like myself shade tree mechanic I should say LOL thank you guys and gales

ive seen her videos before and always helpful. I wish she was my mechanic- she is awesome.

Brilliant!!! Your explanation was great! Awesome video =D

She forgot to mention the INSANE amount of rust on that. The rust had rust on it.

I have the rough idle and sluggish off the line issue. I think you nailed it on the head with the intake valley pan, been pullin my hair out trying to solve this issue but I feel that may just be it. Very informative video and I thank you.

#1 for random stalling with P0300, crank codes and other random errors should be pcm failure. Do a bump test on the pcm. Find it, tap/slap/bump the cover....if it dies, its bad.

My first truck, love that little guy.

Great explanation about the issues... good video and lots of info... thanks

Thank you thank you! That crankshaft position sensor fixed my truck! Cranks with 1 or 2 seconds again! Just like new!

Great tips specially on Dodges

1A Auto is In tune with potential clients by using these platforms whether it be KZfaq or other platforms, smart. I know other companies do it too they don't seem to be as thorough and have a broad base video library like 1A. But I'll wager this, they're getting smarter seeing what their competition does. Kudos to the young lady who hosted this video, she's to-the-point no bulshit.

Great video! Thanks.Right to the point.

incredible help ! thank you million times !

Your good thank you fixxed my evap system. Saved me big $$$

Nice execution of Dakota problems.

I have a 2001 never had a problem with it just regular maintenance love it

Great information…. I have a 2003 dodge Dakota SLT V8 automatic 2 Wheel Drive. I am having issues with the Evap code but I’m planning to get a smoke test done. I am also having an issue with the airbag light is on my dash I tried cutting off and on at the switch on the passenger side but it doesn’t make any difference. Was wondering if perhaps you can discuss that topic or issue?

I just replaced the alternator on my friend Bobbies Dodge Dakota 2002 . She's been working hard to have her own truck ..... and has came a long way (it needed a lot of work ; which I had no hand 'til today) Anyways other issues came up after her test drive ....... so I came home and found your video . WOW ! I ... love .... you ..... You are the best ! . But seriously if I had to guess , I would say you're already married . But truthfully .... how many proposals have you gotten since starting this channel ??? I ask because I can't possibly be the only person smitten after viewing their first video of you . Haha , anyways cheers and thank you ! plus I'm happily married .... I'm just say'n ..... wow .

We have a 1997 Dakota Sport, 88k miles, runs like it's brand new, never had any engine codes yet. Only thing that really sucks is the vents smell really bad, they have for many many years, and also the paint fell off everywhere back in like 2002 which seems to be pretty normal for these trucks.

My 97 doesn’t have any problems... yet so this video would give me an idea of what to check up on.

Great info thank you 👏

Good job on the explanations

Great video , thank you!

Awesome video thanks

Great video and explanations new sub

I got the 3.9. Great engine but notorious for cylinder 5 misfire. All I did was change spark plugs, rotor bug and distributor cap and it quit. Only spot on the distributor cap that had white looking corrosion on it was the cylinder 5 one and the rest still looked brand new. I've talked to a lot of elders about it and mechanics and no one could tell me why cylinder 5 does that. It was 2 years ago when I changed all that and it's been doing great ever since. I'm just dealing with transmission sensors now or maybe the culonoid for the overdrive is out now because after driving it for about 15 miles the over drive will turn off and not back on unless I turn the engine off then it'll go another 15 miles or so before it does it again. It is weird because no engine light comes on. Do you know what is causing it to do that and not throwing the engine light on when it does?

Nicely done, thanks

where the heck have you been my whole life right to the point no BS great video

The Dakota's are notorious for faulty ground straps, causing things such as the TPS (throttle position sensor) to short out or just fail to read throttle position. This can cause poor idle, poor excelleration, lagged or non existent shifting (for the automatic), or lag and or failure to switch into four wheel drive. These specific issues are common for the 01 to 04 4.7L magnum engines. Especially on the dakota sports. The power steering pumps are also common to fail due to hairline cracks in the steering gear box by the high-pressure or low-pressure lines due to things such as cross threading.

I have an 03 Dakota and i replace the evap hoses and canister but my engine light came back on. When i changed it the light turned off but came back on. I even change the fuel cap. Any idea what might be the problem?

Rust. Rust. Rust. That’s their problems. Brake calipers made of cheese. Strip out all the time.

Good video i had 4 out 5 of these problems. My manual never gave me any issues cause I actually know how to drive a clutch

Very informative - thank you..

Have an 02 with the 4.7 V8 2WD that was been one of most reliable vehicles I’ve ever owned which is amazing since the interwebs will tell you these are junk. My wheel wells in the bed rusted and I live in the FL with no salt on the roads. Any place else it would have rotted to the ground by now. A few sensors have failed but all were easy and cheap fixes. Stupid brake calipers had torxs bolts that made them impossible to remove, had to take it to a shop for what should have a driveway brake job. Mine has the ABS sensors on the hubs. Just put new tie rods on and honesty it could use various new bushing up front as it squeaks and creaks. I am the original owner and that infamous cheap plastic interior has held up great for an 18 year old truck. These things are “right sized” - not too big, not too small.

I got an instance of my windshield wipers not turning off. It's a 2001 Dodge Dakota, and it only turns off when I've turned off the engine. I think it has something to do what the BCM (body control module) regarding the proper fuse needing replacement due to a burnout. But if this doesn't work I really don't know

97 3.9 was my first truck. Went through three water pumps in a year. After that, not a single issue for 90k miles. Was bizarre

I successfully swapped the 42re auto out of my 1997 dakota and put an ax15 manual from a 99 dakota in. The truck runs and drives fine but my speedometer doesn't work any suggestions?

Great video! To the point and quick, and not too much talking.

Man I love Dakotas. I have two 99 R/T's . Boy am I glad they are southern trucks. The sxt in this vid is obviously a snowbelt truck. wow at the rust.

Thank you keep up the good work 😊

well explained 👏

If she is not a auto shop instructor, she should be, she has the talent, straight forward, no crap attitude.

I have an 01 5spd Dakota with the 3.9 V6. If I’ve got that crank end play, what are my options? Is it new engine time?

Little tip on my 04 I had too replace the crank sensor and it was not on the bell housing actually under the exhaust manifold on the passenger side must be in the newer years of the generation

Very informative.

Gotta love a woman who knows her sh-t when it comes to automotive! Remarkable video, obviously by someone with shop experience. Impressive and well done!

I have a dodge dakota 01, with the code po302 I changed the position injector, spark plugs, cables, distributor and it follows the same code. thanks

Thanks,l learned a lot about my dodge.😀

Thank you, great advice. I have a 1997 3.9 automatic on the second gear especially if the truck is cold I have to run it to 4 rpm then let go and it usually goes into 3rd no problem. Also when stopping it does a loud kick back? Any ideas?

what a great video. glad i found it

Great tips matter of fact I'm getting the PO400 I think it was basically misfires up and down the block but I've been pointing to the direction of the computer. I'm also getting a low crank or Cam shaft sensor reading Bank one so if fixing the computer don't work looks like I'm heading to that valley.

So my 02 Dakota sxt 3.9 5spd has the check gauge light on and the battery voltmeter on my truck dropped and this only turns on now when I reach 30mph but truck runs and drives just fine. What would cause the issue?

Brilliant video

Good video, thanks!

Really question because I cannot find the part on the 1aauto website or anywhere else. Does the intake valley pan and the gasket for it even exist? Do you guys know what you’re recommending? I’m having a few issues that match what is called the valley pan in the video yet I can’t find any parts relating to it. Tia

Awesomeness thanks for sharing

OK I am in having the P0 300030406 I have the 3.9 L V6 and I will just replace the valley pan gasket along with the other gaskets that came in that kit and yet it still doing it wondering if there is another gasket the signs out and I’ve also replaced the rubber nipple and I didn’t even seem to work ether

You fixed my truck, thanks