1997 Dodge Dakota Gauges Out

1997 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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ADAMSNYDER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 97 Dakota Sport Regular Cab 4x4 5 speed and a couple months back the dashboard went out (rpm, mph, gas, temp everything!) and I have changed the instrument cluster fuse once and it came back on but for only about 4-6 start ups. I changed it again and that fuse didnt work so I tried another fuse that one worked for almost the same amount of time 4-6 start ups. I tried this 5 times or so and after that every fuse just dosnt work any more or will work for about 4-6 start ups, It has been to the shop and the guy has done everything he could to get it working but he cant find any shorts/lose wires or weak spots, What could be this problem?
Mar 29, 2006 at 8:28 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Most Dodge instrument clusters have a voltage regulator so the gauges can operate at aconstant voltage. I suspect that is your problem. Go to a dealer and buy one. It is an easy fix, just a lot of plastic to remove so the cluster will be in your hand. Good luck
Mar 29, 2006 at 9:12 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the instrument cluster voltage regulator, available from a Dodge dealer. Remove the surrounding plastic trim to access the cluster and install the new regulator.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 lost all dashboard gauges. Replacing the instrument cluster fuse restored them for only a few startups, and later fuses failed the same way. A shop found no shorts, loose wires, or weak spots. The expert suspects the cluster voltage regulator and recommends buying a replacement from a dealer and installing it after removing the cluster trim.

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