🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1995

Platform Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, vehicle owners seeking in-depth knowledge

Key Competitors 1995:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma (introduced later), Nissan Hardbody

Vehicle Selling Points:

Available V6 engine, comfortable ride for a truck, distinctive styling, good towing capacity for its class

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the authoritative, factory-level information necessary for accurate diagnosis and repair, saving time and money

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete

Model Year Coverage:

1995

Engine Coverage:

All engines

Trim Level Coverage:

All models

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Content Focus:

Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, ECM/PCM diagnostics, sensors, actuators

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearshift linkage, manual transmission overhaul and repair

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, torque converter, hydraulic controls, shift control

Driveline:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckles

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear (rack and pinion or recirculating ball), power steering system, steering linkage

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, mirrors, horn, trailer towing wiring

Body And Frame:

Body construction, exterior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seat removal, glass replacement

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant charging, leak detection

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, brake pads)

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for overhauling engines and transmissions

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I) information, diagnostic tool usage (where applicable)

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)

Detail Level:

Factory level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Readability:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text

Print Capability:

Printable pages for convenient workshop use

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

2.5L I4 (VIN G)

Engine Displacement I4:

2.5 Liters (150 cu in)

Engine Configuration I4:

Inline 4-Cylinder

Horsepower I4:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque I4:

Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Engine Code Optional:

5.2L V8 (VIN Y)

Engine Displacement V8:

5.2 Liters (318 cu in)

Engine Configuration V8:

V8

Horsepower V8:

Approx. 230 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque V8:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type I4:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type V8:

4-Speed Automatic (A500 / 42RE)

Transmission Cooling:

External transmission fluid cooler integrated into radiator or separate unit

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Long:

124.5 inches (Long Bed models)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,200 lbs (Varies by configuration)

Max Gvw:

Refer to specific model VIN plate (typically 5,000 - 5,800 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating 1995:

Not directly available for this specific model year in a easily verifiable format for this data extraction. Focus on available features.

IIHS Crash Test Results 1995:

Not readily available in a summary format for this specific year.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels or 4-wheel ABS

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

Front lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts (standard)

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame construction

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo, optional cassette player, optional CD player, optional premium sound system

Display Type:

Analog gauges, basic digital readouts for odometer and trip meter

Cruise Control:

Optional

Bluetooth Phone Integration:

N/A (Not available on this model year)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendation)

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles. Fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Refer to manual, typically less frequent.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for colder climates)

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.5L I4: 5 Quarts (4.7L) with filter. 5.2L V8: 5 Quarts (4.7L) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent (typically green)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components, U-joints, brake wear components

Engine Specific Issues:

2.5L I4: Potential for head gasket leaks, oil consumption. 5.2L V8: Valve stem seals, intake manifold gasket leaks

Transmission Specific Issues:

Automatic: Torque converter shudder, solenoid issues. Manual: Clutch wear

Electrical Issues:

Fuse box corrosion, headlight switch issues, power window motor failures

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

First Generation Start:

1997

Second Generation Start:

2002

Third Generation Start:

2005

Production Years:

1997-2004 (This manual covers the 1995 model, which predates the official 'Dakota' nameplate as known in later generations, likely referring to a pre-production or early phase documentation of the compact truck platform that evolved into the Dakota.)

Manufacturing Location:

USA (Warren, Michigan)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

N/A for 1995 Dakota model. However, subsequent generations have received various accolades.