2001 dodge dakota 4x4 has difficulty starting. The interior lights did not go off when I shut the door. I had to get a jump the last time this happened. It takes a long time before it starts up.

SOURCE: Service 4x4 warning light on.

you need to take it to a dealer or reputable independant and have the 4wd system check...the transfer case controller is detecting some fault in the system

SOURCE: dodge dakota 2001 has no headlights, running, dome or turn lighs

Have your alternator checked...

SOURCE: 01 Dodge Dakota lights will start flashing on and off

ground wire at the bottem of dash on driverside kicker panel next to em-brake handle

SOURCE: 2001 dodge dakota crank no start

Just had that problem w/ my 01 Dekota, it was the resistor that used to be mounted on the firewall and easy to get to but that is now mounted low on the back of the engine jammed into a bey tight position. I couldn't get to it myself, so ended up taking it to neighborhood garage. Cost me about $150

SOURCE: is front drivers side wheel

depends on what you mean by "hard" if your mechanically inclined no, if you aren't, yes. You will need to remove the tire, the brake assembly and then get a large (32 or 34mm probably) socket to take off the spindle nut, I think on the dakota you have to remove the ball joint with a ball joint separator, remove the bearing assembly from the half shaft. (standard procedure on most vehicles) Hope this helps!