🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1990

Product Name:

Dodge Dakota 1990 Repair Service Manual

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians, dealership service departments, and experienced DIY mechanics.

Key Competitors:

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

Distinctive Features:

The 1990 Dakota offered a blend of compact truck maneuverability with available V6 power and was known for its comfortable ride for the era.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair data, essential for accurate and efficient servicing of the 1990 Dodge Dakota.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle repair, service, maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

Secondary Coverage:

General vehicle information, specifications, and component identification.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, and emission control systems.

Transmission:

Coverage for manual and automatic transmission systems, including internal components, operation, removal, installation, and adjustments.

Drivetrain:

Includes driveline components such as driveshafts, universal joints, differentials, axles, and hub assemblies.

Suspension:

Comprehensive information on front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, and steering linkage.

Brakes:

Detailed sections on hydraulic brake systems, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, drums, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped).

Steering:

Coverage of the steering system, including steering column, steering gear, power steering pump, hoses, and tie rod ends.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, and accessories.

Body And Frame:

Information on body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, and chassis/frame structure.

HVAC:

Includes details on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, and components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance procedures, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, and lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic charts and troubleshooting guides for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Overhaul:

Complete overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical components.

Adjustment:

Procedures for adjusting various systems such as brakes, clutch, parking brake, and engine timing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, crucial for electrical diagnostics and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed component specifications, torque values, tolerances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-site work.

Quality:

High-resolution scans, ensuring clarity of diagrams, schematics, and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L (150 cu in) Chrysler Slant-4 (Technically a Inline-4 based on OHV design)

Engine 1 Code:

AMC 150 (Shared with Jeep vehicles)

Engine 1 Cylinders:

4

Engine 1 Aspirated:

Naturally Aspirated

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 100-110 hp

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 130-140 lb-ft

Engine 2:

3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6

Engine 2 Code:

LA360 (Modified design for V6)

Engine 2 Cylinders:

6 (V6)

Engine 2 Aspirated:

Naturally Aspirated

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 125-130 hp

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 190-200 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for both engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)

Cooling Method:

Water-cooled, pressurized system with thermostat.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

Getrag 5-speed Manual Transmission (for 2.5L engine)

Transmission Optional 1:

Chrysler A500 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive, for both engines)

Transmission Optional 2:

Chrysler A518 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive, Heavy Duty version, likely for 3.9L V6)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate, diaphragm spring (for manual transmission).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific SAE grade (likely GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+2 (or equivalent specification)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches (Standard Bed) / 124.1 inches (Long Bed)

Overall Length:

Varies by bed length (e.g., ~190 inches for Standard Bed)

Body Styles:

Regular Cab with Standard Bed and Long Bed configurations.

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and configuration (typically 3,000 - 3,600 lbs).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration (GVWR).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

No specific NHTSA frontal/side impact ratings publicly available for 1990 models in the same detail as modern vehicles. Focus on passive safety features of the era.

Braking System:

Power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RWAL) were an option on some models.

Steering Assist:

Power steering standard on V6 models, optional or manual on some 4-cylinder models.

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for passengers (if equipped).

Frame Construction:

Body-on-frame construction, typical for trucks of this era, offering a robust chassis.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analog controls.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter.

ABS:

Rear-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (RWAL) was an optional feature.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Connectivity Features:

None (vehicle predates modern connectivity standards like Bluetooth, USB).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise recommendation).

Transmission Service:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, manual transmission gear oil check/change per manual.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and wires typically every 30,000-60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 (refer to manual for seasonal variations and specific engine).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts with filter for 2.5L, Approx. 4.5 quarts with filter for 3.9L V6 (verify in manual).

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid (verify in manual).

Engine 2.5L:

Valve stem seals, oil leaks, distributor issues, exhaust manifold cracks.

Engine 3.9L V6:

Head gasket failures, intake manifold gasket leaks, lifter noise, exhaust manifold issues.

Transmission Auto:

Torque converter shudder, solenoid issues, internal seal wear.

Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, alternator issues, headlight switch problems.

Suspension Steering:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, power steering pump leaks, shock absorber failure.

Body Rust:

Common rust areas include rocker panels, cab corners, bed floor, and wheel wells.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing pickup trucks, dating back to the 1930s, known for their durability and utility.

First Generation:

The Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 1987 model year, filling a gap between compact and full-size trucks. The 1990 model represents the early iteration of the first generation.

1990 Updates:

Minor styling updates and potential feature packaging adjustments for 1990, building on the initial success of the platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Warrren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, USA.

Production Period:

First Generation: 1987-1996.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Pickup Truck Awards:

While specific major awards for the 1990 model are not extensively documented, the Dakota was generally well-received as a capable and stylish compact truck of its era, contributing to Dodge's strong truck market presence.