The 1988 Dodge Dakota was available in both two- and four-wheel-drive drivetrains. It was equipped with a 2.5-liter throttle-body-injected, four-cylinder engine as a base engine. A 3.9-liter fuel-injected V-6 was available as an option. Both engines have a control computer, called a single module engine controller. This computer controls the operation of the engine and monitors sensors for diagnostics. The single module engine controller provides energy to the spark plugs and fuel injectors. It also provides energy to the alternator field to reduce noise on the truck.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood and set the hood prop. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, using a 1/4-inch ratchet and socket. Loosen the hose clamp that connects the air cleaner duct to the air cleaner on the single engine control module, with a ratchet and socket. Remove the bolts attaching the air cleaner to the single module engine controller. Remove the air cleaner from the single module engine controller.
2Remove the small bolt that holds the 60-point connector to the front face of the computer, with your ratchet and socket. Remove the 60-point connector, then remove the 14-point connector by hand. Both connectors are on the front face of the computer.
3Remove the single module engine controller mounting bolts with your ratchet and socket. Two of the bolts are on the passenger side of the computer, and the third bolt is on the driver's side. While removing the bolts, place your hand beneath the computer, and do not let the computer fall down into the engine compartment. Remove the single module engine controllerfrom the Dakota engine compartment.
4Install the new single module engine controller into the engine compartment. Install all three mounting bolts, and finger-tighten them to ensure proper threading. Tighten the bolts snug with a ratchet and socket, and do not apply torque to these bolts or you can break the single module engine controller housing.
5Plug the 14-point connector into the passenger front side of the single module engine controller, by hand. Install the 60-point connector carefully onto the single module engine controller, then insert the center hold down bolt by hand. Tighten the bolt snug with your ratchet and socket. Do not apply torque to this connector.
6Install the air cleaner assembly back onto the single module engine controller. Install the mounting bolts and tighten them snug with your ratchet and socket. Install the air cleaner duct onto the single module engine controller, and tighten the clamp snug.
7Install the negative battery cable and tighten it snug with your ratchet and socket.
