Questions and Answers

Dodge Dakota Has Starting Problems Q. Dear Sir, I'm having some problems with my 1987 Dodge Dakota, V-6, automatic transmission and about 91,000 miles. It began with occasionally not wanting to start. Thinking the battery was nearing its life, I replaced it, and the problem seemed better, but now sometimes when I turn the key I get a clicking noise, but it won't start.

If I "bump" the key several times, sometimes I can get it to start. What course of action should I take? Replace battery cables, solenoid, starter? Where should I begin. Also, is there a way that a novice can reset the switch that makes the "Maintenance Required" light go off? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Randy

A. It sounds to me like your starter is ready for that great junk yard in the sky. Quite often a new battery will get a weak starter working for a while, but it never lasts.

To reset the Maintenance Required Light.

1. The module is mounted on a bracket below the headlight switch.
2. Slide module from the bracket.
3. Insert a small screwdriver into the small hole on the module case and close the switch.
4. Remove the module battery cover and install a replacement 9 volt battery.
5. Position the module on the mounting bracket.