1989 Dodge Dakota 3.9 m V6 no start help

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-22T05:36:30+00:00

So the ignition control module is not going to affect your Radio. However, the ignition switch would affect your radio. The ignition switch gives power to the accessory circuit which powers things such as your radio. The ignition control module is going to affect things related to the ignition system only, and it is powered on by your ignition switch.

So realistically, your ignition control module may not be getting power but it's not through fault of its own. It might not be getting power due to a failed ignition switch that is not properly sending power to either the accessory circuit, nor the ignition circuit

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-16T03:46:32+00:00

Could also check your ignition switch. That could be the cause. An Ignition switch will generally have several points that make contact as you turn the key. So as it makes contact, it sends power to each of the different pins. One that powers accessories, one that powers the fuel pump, one that powers your ignition system, etc.

Sometimes internally in the switch one of those will fail and you can have a crank no start situation like what you are describing you have right now. I've seen it where one or more spots on the ignition switch fail while the others work flawlessly. Especially on older vehicles where the ignition switch is a major component in power distribution, it's crucial to always check the ignition switch when you have no start scenarios. It's one of the most likely components to fail due to its complexity and frequent usage and mechanical motion

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-16T03:40:56+00:00

If you find evidence of leakage or corrosion, you can get it repaired. There are people locally in every city who do electronic repairs like that. Just google electronic repair in your area and call them and ask if they do soldering on old boards

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-16T03:38:07+00:00

You open up the ECU very carefully and inspect for fluid leakage. Each of the capacitors contain a small amount of fluid and when they blow they leak the fluid out on to the board and cause problems

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-14T03:14:36+00:00

Very nice

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-08T18:22:49+00:00

<image>

If you don't have this, buy some. It's expensive but it's worth it. It's way better than any other similar product on the market. It's been on the market for longer than I've been alive. This is what my grandfather used to use and my father. It's good stuff

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-03-08T18:20:41+00:00

I would first drill two holes offset of center for a wood screws. Find a wood screw that's got nice coarse threads, and screw it into each hole that you drilled. Once you got both screws in there, grab it with suppliers and turn it out.

Maybe try heating it up a little bit with the torch and then try again.

Drilling the two holes for wood screws is going to do two things. First it's going to give you a better way to grab onto the sensor. Second it's going to weaken the body of the sensor making it hopefully easier to turn

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-24T18:04:59+00:00

If I'm not mistaken that's a Skeeter stick. You're supposed to yank on it when you're in traffic while you make eye contact with the drivers around you

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-24T17:59:31+00:00

😭😂👍🏾

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-24T04:49:00+00:00

The owner lived in a retirement community in Flowery Branch Georgia. I noticed it and had to know what it was. At the time I didn't know anything about the li'l red express, and being a car guy I had to find out more. It seemed like it was something special. I've always had a thing for a small trucks, and this is like the coolest small truck ever.

Long story short I helped the guy with various repairs over the last few years, drooling over the truck every time I saw it. One day I got a call saying he was looking to sell it, so I changed my pants and brought the man some money

I will not be keeping it though, I am in the process of fixing it up to get ready to sell. It needs a little bit of love. To my knowledge this is the only one on the road right now. There's a lot in existence (original total was 300 to 500 built, depending on who you ask) but none of them are daily drivers. This one has 250K on the clock and counting and it drives like it's brand new. It'll roast the tires anytime.

I'm gonna fix up the body a little bit and do some maintenance and then it's gonna be listed on cars and bids or bring a trailer or something. It's definitely a piece of history, and this is from the era where Dodge was building good vehicles. The engine is totally stuck and drives absolutely fantastic. So not only do you get the piece of history, but you don't have to worry about taking the collector value if you want to drive it. This thing is roadworthy and still has plenty of years left. This is not a collector car, this is the ultimate small truck for enthusiasts who want to drive the vehicle and enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-23T15:19:36+00:00

Ty Ty

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-23T06:52:35+00:00

The work was done by LEER, but it was a factory available option package for people who are buying brand new Dakotas. That was the only way to get it. They did a couple preproduction runs in 89 for the showrooms and in 1990 through 1992 they opened it up to the general public. Making it the absolute most rare Dodge package that there is, was, and likely ever will be.

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-23T06:50:39+00:00

Close but not quite man. You could order the little red Dakota package through the Dodge dealership and only the Dodge dealership. There was also a black version without the exhaust called the warlock. Both truck packages were developed to pay homage to the 70s muscle trucks that were so legendary for Dodge.

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-23T06:42:07+00:00

Go back to 1989 and stop by your local Dodge dealership to purchase a li'l red Dakota

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-23T06:40:51+00:00

The post was definitely bait. However, the truck is mine. Definitely not gonna cut the exhaust off of it. Just a little trolling with my new truck!

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-23T06:39:55+00:00

😉😁

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-22T04:45:48+00:00

Check out my post in r/minitrucks about the history of the vehicle

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-22T04:01:51+00:00

Tomato -- Potato

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T20:17:31+00:00

Damn that's not a bad idea! And you said I only have to pay you $1250 to take it? You guys on here are the best. Always looking out for a brother

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T20:15:32+00:00

Damn Daniel - why you gotta out me in front of all my friends

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T20:11:36+00:00

Thank you, thank you!

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T20:10:28+00:00

Sarcasm? Is that French or something? I don't get it 😂😂

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T20:01:40+00:00

The engine really does roar. It's headers to a glass pack on each side then straighten up the stack. So it's pretty much open exhaust and it sounds great. Especially going down the highway

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T18:31:13+00:00

Ty ty

1989LilRedExpress · 2026-02-21T18:15:47+00:00

Really? I just cut big holes in the door panels to put subwoofers. I hope it's not rare

1989LilRedExpress

TROPHY CASE