Dodge Dakota Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Dodge Dakota Ballast Resistor Replacement is $103 with $8 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1999 Dodge DakotaV6-3.9LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$936.92 - $1431.57
2001 Dodge DakotaL4-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
1996 Dodge DakotaV8-5.2LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.93 - $1411.60
2003 Dodge DakotaV6-3.9LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.91 - $1411.56
1987 Dodge DakotaV6-3.9LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$744.53Shop/Dealer Price$916.95 - $1411.63
1988 Dodge DakotaL4-2.2LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$111.65Shop/Dealer Price$125.83 - $145.84
1991 Dodge DakotaL4-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$116.65Shop/Dealer Price$130.70 - $150.60
1993 Dodge DakotaV8-5.2LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$116.65Shop/Dealer Price$131.07 - $151.26
Show example Dodge Dakota Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Meet some of our expert Dodge mechanics

Real customer reviews from Dodge owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(496)

Rating Summary
459
23
4
3
7
459
23
4
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Kenneth

20 years of experience
775 reviews
Kenneth
20 years of experience
Dodge Dakota V8-4.7L - Fuel Pump Replacement - Los Angeles, California
Great guy, super knowledgeable, friendly, arrived early, would definitely recommend and hire again. He replaced my fuel pump in no time and got my truck in condition to sell. You can tell he cares about not only the vehicles he repairs but also the people who drive them.

Kenneth

20 years of experience
775 reviews
Kenneth
20 years of experience
Dodge Dakota V8-4.7L - Car is not starting - Los Angeles, California
Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient would be how I would describe Kenneth. He took the time to explain to me (I’m not a car guy) why my truck was not starting, walked me thru what he did to fix it, and provided a recommended course of action for the long term. I would definitely call him again!!

Choeun

15 years of experience
181 reviews
Choeun
15 years of experience
Dodge Dakota V8-4.7L - Oxygen Sensor Replacement (Front/Upper/Upstream) - Elk Grove, California
Choeun was very thorough and was very meticulous in my repair.

Jose

15 years of experience
213 reviews
Jose
15 years of experience
Dodge Dakota L4-2.5L - Valve Cover Gasket - Alpharetta, Georgia
Jose arrived on time and had the valve cover gasket install in right at an hour. He rode with me to check out the pickup and made a few suggestions on other things to look at. I would gladly have him work on my vehicles again.

Excellent Rating

(496)

Rating Summary
459
23
4
3
7
459
23
4
3
7
Number of Dodge Dakota services completed
5456+
services done by our mechanics
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1400+
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