🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Durango

Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000

Product Code Hint:

Manual Approved for 1998-2000 Models

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring utility and towing capability, off-road enthusiasts (with 4WD models).

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.

Versatility:

Offered with powerful V8 engines and optional 4WD, making it suitable for towing and varied terrain.

Interior Space:

Roomy cabin with available third-row seating in later iterations (though less common in early models).

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel & emissions, engine management, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, transmission (automatic), transfer case (4WD models).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, seats), audio system, HVAC controls, trailer wiring.

Body:

Exterior (doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass), interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC).

Maintenance:

Oil change, fluid checks and changes, filter replacement, tire rotation, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, battery maintenance.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, brake system anomalies, and steering/suspension noise.

Repair:

Engine repair (e.g., cylinder head removal, gasket replacement), transmission service, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), power steering pump replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, door lock actuator replacement.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations, wiring diagrams, exploded views, component identification.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Readability:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.

Digital Access:

Downloadable file for offline access on various devices.

Digital Media:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

4.7L Magnum V8 (Optional/Primary for later models)

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (287 cu. in.)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 230-235 hp

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft

Engine 2 Type:

5.2L Magnum V8 (Standard for early models)

Engine 2 Displacement:

5.2 Liters (318 cu. in.)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 220-230 hp

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 290-300 lb-ft

Engine 3 Type:

5.9L Magnum V8 (Optional for later models)

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.9 Liters (360 cu. in.)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

Approx. 245-250 hp

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 325-330 lb-ft

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., 46RE, 45RFE)

Transfer Case:

2-speed NV244 transfer case with electronic shifting (4WD models)

Overdrive:

Standard overdrive gear for improved fuel economy.

Tow Mode:

Some models may feature a tow/haul mode for enhanced towing performance.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.7 inches

Length:

Approx. 193.4 - 193.8 inches

Width:

Approx. 71.3 inches

Height:

Approx. 71.5 - 72.1 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 100-110 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 87.0 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 40.8 cu. ft.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4300 - 4700 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,000 lbs (with appropriate equipment and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Four-star (estimated based on period testing)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on select models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags were not standard during this period.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player (optional), cassette player (early models).

Speakers:

Up to 6 speakers depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity in this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (varies greatly; consult manual).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 100,000 miles for modern spark plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature and engine variant; refer to manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7L) for V8s.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid) or equivalent.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Engine Issues:

Head gasket leaks on early 4.7L V8s, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks.

Transmission Issues:

Early 45RFE transmission control module (TCM) issues, potential torque converter shudder, worn clutch packs.

Suspension Issues:

Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links due to vehicle weight and SUV usage.

Electrical Issues:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor failure, dashboard warning light intermittent operation.

Brake Issues:

Warped rotors, worn brake pads (common on heavier SUVs).

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles).

Generation:

First Generation Durango (1998-2003).

Platform:

Shared platform with the Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Facelifts:

Minor styling updates occurred during this generation, with more significant changes for the 2004 model year (second generation).

Assembly Plant:

Newark, Delaware, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998-2000 model year are not prominently recalled, the Durango generally performed well in comparisons for its class due to its V8 power and truck-based capability.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied, with some common issues noted but generally considered average for its segment during that era. The manual will detail how to address these.