🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

YJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup.

Vehicle Attributes:

Rugged utility, available V6 power, compact size suitable for urban use, rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive options.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Dodge Dakota owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital)

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Software nature means virtual page count; comprehensive coverage implies thousands of pages equivalent in content)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems (belts/chains), lubrication system.

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, throttle body, idle air control (IAC) valve, fuel pressure regulator.

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan, heater core.

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, ignition coils, spark plug wires, ignition control module (ICM).

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), EGR valve, PCV system, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system (disc, pressure plate, release bearing), manual transmission overhaul, shift linkage, transmission fluid.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, valve body, transmission fluid, cooler lines.

Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive:

Rear axle, differential, driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle bearings.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar, steering knuckles, springs, shock absorbers.

Suspension Rear:

Leaf spring rear suspension, U-bolts, axle housing, shock absorbers.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, steering wheel, power steering pump, power steering fluid.

Brakes Front:

Front disc brakes, calipers, brake pads, rotors, brake lines.

Brakes Rear:

Rear drum brakes, brake shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, brake lines.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, battery, voltage regulator, charging system diagnostics.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch, starting system diagnostics.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb replacement.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure), warning lights, instrument cluster removal and installation.

Comfort Controls:

HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, A/C compressor, refrigerant, cabin air filter (if applicable).

Body Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, tailgate), bumpers, grille, mirrors, glass replacement, door mechanisms, latch mechanisms.

Body Interior:

Seats, door panels, dashboard, headliner, carpeting, interior trim components.

Chassis Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power distribution, body control module (BCM) – basic functions.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems.

Repair:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul procedures for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I) system interpretation, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Includes detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, hydraulic circuits, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Platform:

Proprietary software, likely Windows-based.

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Software Interface:

Searchable, hyperlinked interface for quick navigation.

Digital Medium:

Digital download or CD-ROM/DVD-ROM (historically).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

2.5L OHV V6 (Internal designation may vary, commonly referred to as the "2.5L")

Displacement:

2496 cc (152.3 cu in)

Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower Gross:

105 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Gross:

138 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-Point Injection (MPI).

Bore X Stroke:

3.89 x 3.31 in (99.0 x 84.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)

Engine Code:

3.9L OHV V8 (Internal designation may vary, commonly referred to as the "3.9L" or "5.2L Magnum" variant - though this is incorrect for '90 Dakota, it's likely a typo in original prompt data. The correct V6 is the 3.9L.)

Engine Code Corrected:

3.9L OHV V6 (LA Series)

Displacement:

3906 cc (238.4 cu in)

Configuration:

V6, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower Gross:

125 hp @ 3600 rpm

Torque Gross:

200 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-Point Injection (MPI).

Bore X Stroke:

3.66 x 3.57 in (92.0 x 90.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 360)

Type:

3-Speed Automatic Transmission (A500)

Features:

Column shifter, overdrive (on later variants but not typically on the '90 A500).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil. Specific capacity varies by transmission type.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent Dexron II/III).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

109.1 in (2771 mm)

Length:

182.1 in (4625 mm) (Standard Bed)

Width:

71.6 in (1819 mm)

Height:

64.8 in (1646 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,700 lbs (1451 - 1678 kg), depending on configuration.

Bed Length:

6.5 ft (Standard Bed)

Payload Capacity:

Varies by configuration, typically 1,000 - 1,500 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not rated by NHTSA for this year.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Limited data available for this model year. Generally considered average for its era.

ABS:

Optional, typically available on higher trims or with specific engine/drivetrain combinations.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard for 1990 model year. Passenger airbag not available.

Seat Belts:

Front: 3-point lap and shoulder belts. Rear (if applicable): Lap belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo radio, optional cassette player, optional CD player (rare for this era), basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional (as noted in safety section).

🔧 Maintenance

Interval Miles:

3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.

Interval Km:

5,000 km or 3 months.

Automatic Interval Miles:

Check every 30,000 miles. Replace as needed based on condition or every 60,000 miles.

Manual Interval Miles:

Inspect annually. Replace every 100,000 miles or as needed.

Interval Miles:

30,000 miles (recommendation based on typical plugs of the era; consult manual for specific plug type and interval).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SAE 10W-30 (or 10W-40 for colder climates).

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.5L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter. 3.9L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 quarts (9.5-11.4 L), depending on engine and heater core.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (or compatible ATF).

Common Problems:

Rust on body panels (especially cab corners, fenders, rocker panels), potential for intake manifold gasket leaks (V6), catalytic converter failure, starter motor issues, power steering pump leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, from heavy-duty pickups to the Ram series.

First Generation:

The 1990 Dodge Dakota marked the introduction of Dodge's first compact pickup truck, designed to compete with established players like the Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10.

Manufacturing Plant:

Newark Assembly Plant, Newark, Delaware, USA.

Production Years:

First generation: 1987-1996.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1990 model are not widely documented, the Dakota's introduction was a significant market entry for Dodge in the compact truck segment.