My wife's Dakota (1995, Extended Cab, 3.9L V6) has developed a strange problem.

Periodically, when the door is opened, the dash and parking lights will flash about 8 times. The flashes are always at a regular interval.

When this happens the engine will not crank using the key. I've had to connect a push button to the starter solenoid so it can be started when it happens.

I've searched the Internet but haven't been able to find an answer.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Duane