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Jack
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
20:23:36

Subject: 87 Dak help needed
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I've got a 1987 V6 automatic carburated California Dakota and I went to get smogged at Quality Tune-up and passed everything but the "System Malfunction Light/Indicator" test. I've owned the truck since it was new and never failed this part of the test. It seems there is a "Check EGR" indicator and a "Power Loss" indicator in the dash that were never hooked up at the factory. The "Power Loss" indicator did not have a bulb nor even a socket for a bulb nor a wire in the plug for the socket that should have been in the hole in the printed circuit board. The "Check EGR" indicator had a bulb with wiring that went to a plug that was hanging under the dash with no mate in the vicinity. This was how the truck came to me from the dealer.

In order to pass the "System Malfunction Light/Indicator" part of the smog test, which is just a visual performed by the tech, I had to tear into the dash, swipe the washer fluid socket and bulb and plug it into the "Power Loss" indicator hole in the printed circuit board and then hook both it and the "Check EGR" bulb up to the hot for the "Low Oil" bulb so that all three came on when the ignition was turned on and all three went off when the engine was started. This satisfied the tech and the truck was passed.

After it was passed, I asked the manager how it was determined which indicator lights should be required to pass this test for each make, model and year of each vehicle. Of course he could not give me a satisfactory answer, like, "It's all right here in this manual from the Smog Board." Apparently, it's determined by whatever the tech thinks it should be as I have never had this be a problem before.

I called Consumer Affairs and a field office dealing with auto repairs for California and no one could tell me how the tech is supposed to determine what is required for the "System Malfunction Light/Indicator" test for any given vehicle. They suggested I call the dealer.

I contacted Dodge thru email and I'm waiting to see how long it takes and what they have to say.

In the meantime, is there anyone out there with an 87 California Dakota, V6, carbureted, automatic that HAS these FUNCTIONING indicator lights? I assume that they were not hooked up because this year and model did not support these functions.

I appreciate any feedback,
Jack




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