RE: Question

From: JameyWelch@freightliner.com
Date: Tue Feb 14 2006 - 15:57:09 EST


Tom,
        There is a message about a factory service note on alldata.com that
shows that an open fuse can cause a MIL light to illuminate on a '99 Dakota
and I guess this is what it is. I don't have any clues about why this is
happening, but I don't even know where to start. Also, on the seat...yes,
it is the thing you lift to gain access to the club cab. The OEM part is
$50 and change. I don't want to put that much into it but I didn't know
what replacement seats were available that are not terribly different from
the original (same mounting holes, general look, etc.). Any ideas??

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:43 AM
To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
Subject: Re: DML: Question

JameyWelch@freightliner.com wrote:
> Hey guys! Two quick questions. About 6 months ago I posted that I had
> a check engine light on but could not get any codes to pull with any
> type of OBD II reader. My truck is a '99 2WD 318 Club Cab. I tried
> everything and couldn't figure it out and was even contemplating
> getting a new PCM. I read on the internet that open fuses can
> sometimes cause the MIL light to come on and so I check my fuses. I
> found the Purge/Console fuse, I believe it was position 11, to be
> blown and so I replaced it. After driving about 3 times to work, the light
goes off. I am very happy that I didn't buy that PCM.

Purge/Console. hmmm - The "purge" leads me to think off the bat - that
it has something to do with the EVAP system and the purge solenoid. IF the
circuit for that was out - that would trigger a check engine light.
  Weird thing is that you said no code was stored. You can have codes
stored but not trip a light... but not typically the other way around.

> My question is, why did this fuse blow and what does it control? It
> blew again about 2 weeks ago and the check engine light came on. I
> replaced it and once again, I fixed the problem. What could cause this to
happen?

I can look into that circuit a little more... but I'm willing to bet its
EVAP related. If the fuse keeps blowing - you have a problem somewhere.
  I would not advocate putting a higher amperage fuse in place because if
its blowing - its a sign. A blown fuse should never be ignored or solved
with a higher amp. They are red flags for wiring problems.

What causes it to blow - you will need to know what it controls first...
before you can answer that question.

>
> One more question....I have a club cab and the latch on the back of
> the seat broke where the cable goes through the locking hole and broke
> and so I now have to dangerously reach all of the way over the
> passenger seat to let my daughter out at school. The part brand new is
> over 50 dollars at the dealership and we don't have any pick-your-part
> junkyards around here with Dakotas in them. Does anyone have a spare
> laying around I could buy reasonably or know where I could get one
> reasonable. I have never been able to find them on ebay. Please let me
know what I can do. Thanks!!

Are you talking about the latch that you hit to flip the seat back forward
to gain access tothe club cab? I'm not sure what you are describing. I
also have this problem with the seats in my 1995 Club cab. (if its the
problem I'm thinking of) The flip latches are screwed up - and since the
seats are ratty to begin with - I'm just going to look for replacement
seats.

--
-------------------------------------------------------------
Rocks are for skipping... I'm all about the mud
75 Honda CL360, 89 Dakota, 89 Dakota 4x4,
95 Dakota 4x4, 96 Neon, 01 Ram 4x4
http://members.aol.com/silvereightynine/
AIM & Yahoo: SilverEightynine

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