The dome lights in the interior of your Dodge Dakota truck use very small bulbs that can last indefinitely as long as you don't keep the lights on for long periods of time. If you do need to change a dome light, it can be a very easy procedure. The dome light assembly on the 2002 Dakota has such a simple setup that you may be able to change the light without any extra tools--although a couple of tools can help make it even easier.
Disconnect the truck's negative battery cable from inside the engine compartment--loosen the cable clamp nut for the black cable with a wrench and pull the cable off the battery terminal.
Pry off the dome light lens at the left side using your fingers or a small, flat screwdriver. The lens will swing down on its right-side hinge like a hatch, opening up access to the light bulb.
Pull the light bulb out of the housing. It is a small, cylinder-shaped bulb connected to two sockets on opposite sides, much like a battery. You should be able to pull it out with your index finger and thumb.
Install the replacement light bulb by pushing and snapping it in place within its two sockets within the housing and then flip the lens upward and snap it in place, covering up the bulb.
Reconnect the battery cable to the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp nut.
