I have a 2002 dodge dakota. The dash lights and headlights are constantly flickering. Any idea why? Thanks for your help!

55

Asked by Barbie Jan 13, 2013 at 02:33 PM about the 2002 Dodge Dakota SXT Club Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

3 Answers

Headlights in cars have a circuit breaker, not a fuse, that will reset itself to prevent total failure. Sounds like a short somewhere, that unfortunately, can be a nightmare to chase, sounds like a mechanic, is called for on this one.. if you live in a relatively big city, find an electrical specialist shop. The other possibilities are the switch, and if it has automatic headlights turn them on manually instead of letting the light detector turn them and taillights on for you

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It depends on what you mean by "flickering". If they go off and stay off until the circuit breaker cools down, do what David suggested. If they are rapidly and briefly flashing, it could be a loss of a diode in the alternator. That would induce pulsating DC volts. Check the volts at the battery with the engine running. It should be around 13.5-14.5 VDC.

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