Why does the check engine light come on when I start my Dakota?

Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Dakota firing up its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.

Why does my Dodge engine sound different?

Strange under-the-hood noises can point to problems within your Dodge Dakota engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you're low on oil. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.

What could damage my Dodge Dakota engine?

Certain driving habits can hurt your engine. These habits include driving on an empty fuel tank, flooring the gas pedal while the car is in Park, or pushing 'the pedal to the metal' before the engine has warmed up. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.

Can I use water in my Dodge Dakota radiator?

It’s not recommended you put water in your Dakota radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.

What can cause the engine in my Dakota to suddenly stop?

There are different reasons your Dakota vehicle engine could suddenly stop. You may be looking at a lack of fuel, faulty sensors, issues with the ignition system, engine overheating, electrical problems, or mechanical troubles.

Who fixes Dodge Dakota engines?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has you covered with expert Dakota engine repair. Schedule an appointment today and see us at one of our thousands of locations.

1996 Dodge Dakota Engine Repair

Learn about

1996 Dodge Dakota Trim Options

Select your Dodge Dakota trim level to learn more about Dodge-recommended engine repair. Use the following chart to find information.

L4/2.5L

V6/3.9L

V8/5.2L

Dodge Dakota Repairs and Services

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Dodge Dakota's many parts and pieces. When something breaks or fails, we’re ready to help. Select a service or repair below to learn more about what we can do for your 1996 Dodge Dakota.

We’re Trained to Care for Dodge Dakota Engines

The Dodge Dakota is respected for its reliability. That might be why you bought it in the first place. However, even your trustworthy engine is subject to wear and tear. Things can go sideways sometimes. If they do, you’ll have to find a dependable 1996 Dodge service center — quick! That's when it's time to head to Firestone Complete Auto Care. We've serviced more than 500 million vehicles since 1926, and our technicians know Dodge Dakota engines. Schedule a courtesy inspection at the first sign of engine trouble. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

My 1996 Dodge Dakota Check Engine Light Is On

As soon as your Dakota check engine light turns on, it’s time to get an expert’s opinion. A check engine light that’s on or flashing could be a symptom of a serious problem in your vehicle's ignition, Potential causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, bad spark plug, issues with your catalytic converter, or a leak in the engine vacuum, but that's only a few of the possible causes. Bring your Dakota in for an on-board diagnostic check and our expert techs will get the root of the problem. Other signs your Dodge Dakota engine needs some TLC are essential fluid leaks, or engine misfiring.

Dodge Dakota Engine Repair

If your 1996 Dakota engine needs repairs, our expert techs will let you know what needs to be done and why before they get started. We don't start working until we have your approval. If a service can wait, we’ll make sure you know. But if immediate repairs are necessary for your safety, we’ll make sure that's clear, too. We want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed engine repair decision. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for Dakota engine repairs and you can drive easy knowing that we use Dodge-approved parts and fluids — cambelt, valve guide seal, ignition coil, or another part.

Engine Q&A 1996 Dodge Dakota

Why does the check engine light come on when I start my Dakota? Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Dakota firing up its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.
Why does my Dodge engine sound different? Strange under-the-hood noises can point to problems within your Dodge Dakota engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you're low on oil. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.
What could damage my Dodge Dakota engine? Certain driving habits can hurt your engine. These habits include driving on an empty fuel tank, flooring the gas pedal while the car is in Park, or pushing 'the pedal to the metal' before the engine has warmed up. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.
Can I use water in my Dodge Dakota radiator? It’s not recommended you put water in your Dakota radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.
What can cause the engine in my Dakota to suddenly stop? There are different reasons your Dakota vehicle engine could suddenly stop. You may be looking at a lack of fuel, faulty sensors, issues with the ignition system, engine overheating, electrical problems, or mechanical troubles.
Who fixes Dodge Dakota engines? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has you covered with expert Dakota engine repair. Schedule an appointment today and see us at one of our thousands of locations.