Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a versatile and capable light-duty truck for work and personal use
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma (prior to redesign), Nissan Hardbody
Powertrain Options:
Robust engine choices offering a balance of power and efficiency
Chassis Design:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and towing capability
Interior Space:
Comfortable cabin for its class, available in Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations
Engine:
2.5L 4-Cylinder, 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum, ABS (where applicable)
Suspension:
Front Independent, Rear Solid Axle, Leaf Springs
Steering:
Power Steering System
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Ignition, Charging, Starting, Accessories
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injection system
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability and system issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension and steering repair, electrical component repair
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing alternators, starters, water pumps, radiators, clutch assemblies, etc.
Bodywork:
Panel alignment, rust repair, glass replacement
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Special Tools:
Lists required special tools for specific procedures
Base Engine:
2.5L Inline-4 (2.5L Magnum)
Base Engine Displacement:
2492 cc
Base Engine Horsepower:
123 hp @ 4800 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
133 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Engine Variant:
3.9L V6 (3.9L Magnum)
Engine Variant Displacement:
3906 cc
Engine Variant Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine Variant Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Engine Variant:
5.2L V8 (5.2L Magnum)
Engine Variant Displacement:
5211 cc
Engine Variant Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine Variant Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated by current NHTSA standards for this era, general safety features present
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, typically on rear wheels or four-wheel disc brakes if equipped
Child Safety Locks:
N/A (typically not applicable to trucks of this era)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varies by trim.
Display:
Basic dashboard instrumentation, no central infotainment screen.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many trims.
Anti Theft:
Basic factory alarm system may be present on some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendations)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for temperature-dependent recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (4-cyl), 5.0 quarts (V6/V8) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 (MS-7176E) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) formulation recommended for long life (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant)
Common Problems:
Ignition coil failure, dashboard gauge cluster issues, rear main seal leaks (V8), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), minor electrical gremlins, rust on body panels/frame.
Troubleshooting Focus:
The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures to address these common issues.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
First Generation:
The 1995 model year represents the introduction of the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, a significant redesign.
Design Focus:
This generation aimed for improved styling, enhanced interior comfort, and increased engine power, moving towards a more modern truck design.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
