Target Audience:
Families and owners needing 7-passenger SUV capability with truck-based towing capacity
Market Segment:
Mid-size body-on-frame SUV, based on the Dodge Dakota pickup platform
Competitive Advantage:
Larger cabin and third-row seating compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, stronger towing than most car-based rivals
Standard Engine:
5.2L V8 with standard 4-speed automatic
Optional Engine:
5.9L Magnum V8
Seating:
Up to 8 passengers with optional third-row seat
Towing:
Rated up to approximately 7,000 lbs when properly equipped
Manual Type:
Workshop service repair manual
Coverage Areas:
Full vehicle: engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical, body, and HVAC systems
Page Count:
Thousands of pages of factory procedures, diagrams, and specifications
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Engine:
Complete disassembly, inspection, machining specs, and reassembly for 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8
Fuel and Emissions:
Multi-port fuel injection, fuel delivery, evaporative and emission controls
Ignition:
Distributor, coil, sensor testing and timing procedures
Cooling and Lubrication:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, oil pump service
Automatic Transmission:
44RE / 46RE transmission service, adjustment, and overhaul
Transfer Case and Driveline:
NP231 / NP242 transfer case, driveshafts, U-joints, axle shafts
Front and Rear Axles:
Dana and Chrysler axle differential service and setup
Suspension:
Front torsion bar and coil systems, rear leaf springs, shock replacement
Steering:
Power recirculating-ball steering gear, pump, and linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, anti-lock brake system, disc and drum service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting, charging, lighting, and instrument systems
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning diagnosis and service
Body and Frame:
Panels, doors, tailgate, bumpers, trim, and frame dimensions
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnostics and seat belt service precautions
Wheels and Tires:
Specifications, balancing, and alignment procedures
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail: torque specs, tolerances, diagnostic charts, and step-by-step repair procedures
Diagnostics:
Onboard diagnostic trouble code retrieval and troubleshooting charts
Parts Information:
Exploded views and part identification throughout illustrations
Special Tools:
Factory special tool listings and substitute tool guidance
Schematics:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams and vacuum diagrams
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8
Optional Engine:
5.9L (360 cu in) Magnum V8
Configuration:
90-degree OHV V8, sequential multi-port fuel injection
Performance and Fuel System
5.2L Output:
Approximately 230 hp / 300 lb-ft of torque
5.9L Output:
Approximately 245 hp / 335 lb-ft of torque
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection with return-style fuel delivery
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Firing Order:
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (44RE) with 5.2L engine
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (46RE) with 5.9L engine
Features:
Electronic governor pressure control on later designs, overdrive fourth gear
Transfer Case:
New Process shift-on-the-fly 4WD transfer case (part-time)
NHTSA Crash Test Rating:
Four-star driver and front-passenger frontal ratings in government testing; verify current NHTSA records
Active Features:
4-wheel anti-lock brakes (rear-wheel ABS on some configurations)
Passive Features:
Dual front airbags, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seat belts
Child Safety:
Rear-door child-protection locks and child seat tether anchors
Convenience and Electronics
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; optional CD player and premium Infinity speakers
Driver Assistance:
None - no modern driver-assistance systems offered in this era
Instrumentation:
Electronic gauge cluster with trip odometer
Climate Control:
Front air conditioning standard, optional rear HVAC
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months under severe service
Engine Oil:
API-rated SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 per factory chart
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol antifreeze, inspect at every service
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3 (ATF+4 acceptable per factory guidance), service approx. every 30,000 miles severe duty
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 gear lubricant; limited-slip requires friction modifier
Spark Plugs:
Replace at approximately 30,000-mile intervals
Air Filter:
Inspect every oil change, replace as needed
Known Issues and Wear Items
Common Issue:
Transmission governor pressure sensor/solenoid wear causing shift complaints
Common Issue:
Crankshaft position sensor and pickup coil failures
Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and U-joints on high-mileage trucks
Wear Items:
Front brake rotors and rear drum brakes require regular inspection
Watch For:
Plenum gasket leaks on Magnum V8 engines causing rough idle and oil consumption
Manufacturer:
Dodge, a division of the Chrysler Corporation
Model Introduction:
Introduced for the 1998 model year as Dodge's first mid-size SUV
Platform:
Derived from the Dodge Dakota pickup, designated DN generation
Production Location:
Newark Assembly Plant, Delaware
Model Evolution:
1998 was the debut year; the first generation continued through 2003 before the second-generation redesign
