O/T: '96 Dakota computer code

[Anonymous-0]

This truck(1996, V8 Magnum, auto, 4x4) is giving codes 12, 21 and 45. My Haynes lists 21 as the Oxygen sensor and 45 as "governor pressure solenoid circuit". I'm guessing this is why, sometimes when you stop, it acts like it's in Neutral(shifter still in Drive) and you have to tap the gas pedal to get it to go back into Drive. Other than this, the truck drives pretty well. Sometimes at moderate speeds(say 45 or so), it will downshift, then return to the next higher gear for no apparent reason(throttle position unchanged). Trans does not slip or anything like that.

I'm considering buying this truck and would like to know what I'm getting. How difficult is this to repair? Simply change an electrical part? Or more involved? Or am I going in the wrong direction entirely?

Opinions and suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you,
Anthony

 

[Anonymous-0]

I should add that this truck has not been driven regularly for 2 or 3 years. The problem did not seem to exist prior to this. Is it possibly a sticking solenoid, rather than a more serious mechanical problem?

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[Allan in NE]

The first order of business to diagnose one of these outfits is to clear all the codes. Then road test it and see what develops.

The codes do not tell you want is wrong with the vehicle; only what readings are out of the accepted range of parameters within the strategy.

It is up to the guy running the wrench to assess the codes and decide what is causing the difficulty.

Like I say, clear the codes and drive it again to get a fresh/current perspective.

Allan

 

[Bob]

WHY buy something with "known problems"?

With the track record of of Goat slushboxes of that era, the simplest solution MAY be an updated replacment tranny.

 

[tlak]

Why, I don't know, but on these sensored cars that sit, sensors just go bad. Replace one sensor, I would try Oxygen, and all the codes might go away. Have the owner fix it or buy it at a salvage price.