8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$130
Average Mileage:
141,700 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new wiring harness (2 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
2002 Dodge Dakota AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2002 Dodge Dakota Owner Comments

problem #4

Feb 282015

Dakota SXT 3.9L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 248,548 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well lets just say I've replaced the resistor to the blower motor 50 times or more now. Since I've bought it 6 years ago. When I first got it the blower motor was seized so I replaced it and the control panel in the truck as it had shorted out at some point. Later replaced the resistor to get the speeds working.. Last summer it blew the resistor an melted both the harness and wiring. So I tried replacing it all New blower and resistor plus wiring. Last after changing the resistor about 10 times after that. I get one from Chrysler and it worked for a most of the winter surprise surprise.. Then in February I gets smoked out to find both resistor an harness completely melted. Anyone else who has the resistor issue consider this a heads up.

For now I got it bypassed by directly wiring with out the resistor with only high speed but until Dodge takes claim to the epic failure. Well doing a bypass seems to be little safer.

- xtrviperxtr, Smiths Falls, Ontario, canada

problem #3

Jul 012011

Dakota SLT 4.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

This is for all of you with harness problems on your Dakota or Durango!! When my fan stopped working, I replaced the blower and the resistor. Didn't fix the problem and that was over $100 wasted. Then I found out about the harness melting! My ex-husband is a mechanic and he looked at this and found that was the problem. However, spending another $100 + on this issue wasn't something I could afford right away. I ended up finding the harness and a new resistor on ebay for about $65.25 with free shipping! Both the harness and the resistor are genuine Mopar parts and brand new. Wasn't "cheap" and I think it should have been recalled for it, since Dodge obviously knows there's an issue. Plus it causes impairment!!! But at least it was less than if I went through Dodge or an auto parts store and I can have heat/AC again!! You have to put the harness together, but there is a diagram on the internet to do so. There is also a diagram on the internet to show how to install it. Keep in mind, I'M A GIRL WHO WORKS IN AN OFFICE FOR A LIVING! If I can fix it, you can! ha ha The sellers id is gato500. Look him/her up!! Good luck!

- Charlene H., Terre Haute, IN, US

problem #2

Jun 102009

Dakota 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

had this fixed once now it is doing it again and needs to be fixed mechanic says this is normal for jeeps & dakotas being without air or heat to defrost windows in rain storm is dangerous not to mention it overheats and may be a chance of fire needs to be recalled

- cweigand1, Wilmington, DE, US

problem #1

Mar 012011

Dakota Sport 4.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,070 miles

The heater resistor (located in your vehicles duct work) for heating and cooling. The heater will start to work only on 1 or 2 speeds and then nadda!!! it sh*ts the bed and you are left without heat or fan speeds i should say. I have reawd and contacted dealer in my city and have heard that this issue is being had by thousands of people that have Durango and or Dakotas. The pigtail (as Chrysler) calls it is a common problem and my dealer said they sell a few dozen each year and the local junk yard cant keep them available. The issue is obvious a poor design and insulation around the pigtail.

So why is Chrysler not looking into this problem. The heater resistor is about $20 and the pigtail (which the dealer states) is made better now (hmmm seems odd) is $117.99 plus tax. So if they are making it "better" then obviously they seen it as a problem but are not owning up to the issue directly to the public. I have read stories of vehicles burning, dashed catching on fire, the plastic duct work melting on passengers feet and more.

Thats my rant and i think that the dealer can fix this issue or drop the price on this "better" new and improved pigtail so that the average joe can fix it.

if you want more, holler i will do what i can

- jmcsorley, Saint John, NB, canada

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