While a 1995 Dodge Dakota uses OBD1, not OBD2, you can still retrieve engine trouble codes. Understanding these codes is crucial for diagnosing and fixing issues. This guide outlines how to read your 1995 Dodge Dakota’s engine codes and provides a comprehensive list of code definitions.
Retrieving Trouble Codes on a 1995 Dodge Dakota
Accessing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) on a 1995 Dodge Dakota involves a simple procedure:
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Key On-Off-On-Off-On: Cycle your ignition key to the “On” position (where the radio activates, but the engine doesn’t start) three times in rapid succession, finishing in the “On” position. This should be completed within five seconds.
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Observe the Check Engine Light: Watch the “Check Engine” light on your instrument panel. It will begin to flash a series of codes.
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Counting the Flashes: Each flash represents a number. A short pause separates the digits within a code, while a longer pause indicates the start of a new code. For example, three flashes, a pause, then two flashes represents code 32.
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Code 55: A code of “55” signifies the end of the code sequence. If you only see code 55, no error codes are stored in the computer, indicating a normal condition.
1995 Dodge Dakota OBD1 Code Definitions:
Here’s a detailed list of trouble codes you might encounter on your 1995 Dodge Dakota:
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11: Timing belt skipped one or more teeth, intermittent loss of camshaft/crankshaft position sensor signal, or no crank reference signal detected during engine cranking.
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12: Battery disconnected recently (normal if battery was disconnected within the last 50 key cycles).
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13: No change in Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor reading between start and run.
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14: MAP sensor voltage too low.
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15: No vehicle speed sensor signal.
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17: Engine hasn’t reached operating temperature or remained cold for too long.
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21: Oxygen (O2) sensor problem (upstream or downstream).
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22: Engine coolant temperature sensor out of range.
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23: Intake air temperature sensor out of range.
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24: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) out of range.
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25: Idle Air Control (IAC) motor circuit issue, target idle not reached, or vacuum leak.
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27: Injector control circuit problem.
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31: Evaporative purge flow monitor failure or evaporative system solenoid circuit issue.
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32: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system failure.
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33: A/C clutch relay circuit malfunction.
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34: Speed control solenoid circuit issue.
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35: Radiator fan control relay circuit malfunction.
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37: Torque converter clutch solenoid circuit or park/neutral switch failure.
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41: Generator field not switching correctly.
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42: Fuel pump relay control circuit, auto shutdown relay control circuit, or fuel level sending unit issue.
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43: Multiple or single cylinder misfire.
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44: Battery temperature sensor voltage out of range.
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46: Charging system voltage too low.
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51: Fuel system running lean (too much air).
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52: Fuel system running rich (too much fuel).
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53: Internal control failure in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
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54: No camshaft position sensor signal detected by the PCM.
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55: End of error messages.
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62: PCM failure, SRI mileage not stored.
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63: PCM failure, EEPROM write denied.
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64: Catalytic converter efficiency failure.
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65: Power steering switch failure.
By understanding how to retrieve and interpret these codes, you can better diagnose and address problems with your 1995 Dodge Dakota, keeping it running smoothly. Remember that this is a general guide, and consulting a repair manual specific to your vehicle model is always recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair.
