Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and Dodge Dakota owners seeking in-depth technical guidance.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Hilux/Tacoma.
Vehicle Appeal:
Affordability, V6 engine options, rear-wheel drive or optional 4WD, versatile cargo bed.
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining and repairing a reliable, yet aging, vehicle; covers all major mechanical and electrical systems.
Primary Coverage:
Complete workshop service and repair for Dodge Dakota
Specific Years Covered:
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/PCM diagnostics), manual transmissions, automatic transmissions.
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension (front and rear), braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc variations), drive shafts, axles, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster and gauges, power windows, power locks, wiper system, horn, basic wiring diagrams and troubleshooting.
Body And Frame:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, rust repair considerations.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gearbox repair.
Component Replacement:
Specific instructions for replacing components like alternators, water pumps, fuel pumps, starter motors, radiators, CV joints, shock absorbers.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and detailed component removal/installation procedures.
Base Engine:
2.5L (153 cu in) AMC/Jeep 4-Cylinder (2.5L I4 OHV)
Base Engine Power:
Approx. 105-118 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
Approx. 135-145 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm
Performance Engine:
3.9L (239 cu in) Dodge Magnum V6 (3.9L V6 OHV)
Performance Engine Power:
Approx. 125-170 hp @ 4000-4800 rpm (depending on year and specific engine tune)
Performance Engine Torque:
Approx. 170-220 lb-ft @ 2400-3200 rpm (depending on year and specific engine tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for early models, Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for later V6 models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20-23 gallons (depending on configuration)
Manual Transmission:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., A500, NV3500)
Automatic Transmission:
3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., A727, A518)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) optional.
Wheelbase:
112.1 inches (standard cab)
Length:
Varies by bed length (approx. 176-210 inches)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 65.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,000 - 4,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1,000 - 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not rated consistently across all years; generally considered average for its era.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models, particularly rear-wheel ABS.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear (if equipped).
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard around 1990/1991.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, optional CD player in later models. Factory speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most trims.
Auxiliary Ports:
Not available in the modern sense; aftermarket solutions required for USB/Bluetooth.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact spec).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type, generally 30,000 - 60,000 miles for conventional, longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions. Check manual for exact specification by engine and temperature.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to manual for specific transmission type).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 depending on transmission and temperature.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT coolant recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine V6:
Lifter noise, exhaust manifold leaks, potential head gasket issues on higher mileage units.
Transmission Automatic:
Hard shifting, torque converter issues, seal leaks.
Suspension:
Ball joint wear, worn control arm bushings, shock absorber fatigue.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, intermittent dash light issues, power window motor failure.
Frame And Body:
Frame rust (especially in salt-belt regions), rocker panel rust, bed floor corrosion.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the Ram line being a staple. The Dakota represented a move into the compact/mid-size pickup segment.
First Generation Introduction:
Launched in late 1986 for the 1987 model year, as Dodge's first compact pickup truck.
Facelifts And Updates:
Received a significant facelift in 1991, with revised exterior styling (grille, headlights, bumpers) and interior updates. Engine options also saw some revisions and power increases.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
Total Units Produced:
Significant production numbers, reflecting its popularity in the segment during its run.
Segment Recognition:
Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for compact trucks in 1994.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered a reliable truck for its era, particularly the V6 models, though maintenance is key.
Certification Type:
N/A (Manual provides technical specifications, not vehicle certifications).
