Four problems related to underhood wiring have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Radio was popping during drive from seattle to montana. After a dinner break in idaho, engine died after driving across bridge to get back on freeway. Smoke was issuing from hood (rear drivers side of hood) before coasting to a stop. Vehicle engine compartment and engine were completely destroyed - vehicile totalled. Fire chief (shoshone county, idaho) said it looked like the fire started either in or under the fuse box under hood. Dodge sent a fire engineer to inspect vehicled but won't share the results.
While traveling on highway noticed radio pop. Then, white smoke started coming from vent. Vehicle was on fire. Fire started from engine.
As I was driving along, the vehicle shut off, and smoke came out of the hood. I opened the hood, and all the wiring in the engine bay was on fire. The truck was a complete loss due to fire damage.
Vehicle gave no warning to fire operated fine until shut down to investigate smoke. Dealership is not wanting me to know cause of failty wire at power distribution center.