1996 Dodge Dakota Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 1996 Codes Platform: NS 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Pickup Truck Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, truck owners...

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Type: Truck

Vendor:

Sku: 525814

Tags: 1996 Cars Dakota Dodge Misc Truck

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

Codes

Platform:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, truck owners

Competitive Analysis

Competitors 1996:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody

Key Features

Unique Selling Point:

Robust truck offering with a range of engine options, known for its V8 power in a compact package

Manual Advantage:

Provides in-depth, factory-level repair information essential for proper maintenance and repair

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Engine:

2.5L I4, 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (A500/42RE, A518/46RE), 5-speed Manual

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Body Style:

Regular Cab, Club Cab

Suspension:

Front: Independent Torsion Bar, Rear: Solid Axle with Leaf Springs

Brakes:

Front: Disc, Rear: Drum

Electrical:

All 1996 Dakota models

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, internal components, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, rings, bearings

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP)

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition control module (ICM)

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, oil passages

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes

Transmission Automatic:

Internal components, valve body, torque converter, clutch packs, seals, fluid service

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, shift linkage, fluid service

Drivetrain Components:

Driveshafts, universal joints, axle shafts, differential (rear)

Suspension Front:

Torsion bars, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, sway bar

Suspension Rear:

Leaf springs, shock absorbers, axle housing

Steering System:

Steering gear, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods

Brake System:

Master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, brake pads, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body And Frame:

Body panels, chassis components, doors, glass, interior trim, upholstery

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls

Safety Systems:

Airbags (if equipped), seat belts, body structure integrity

Procedures Included

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, belt inspections, tire rotations

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based diagnosis

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair

Component Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions

Electrical Diagnostics:

Interpreting wiring diagrams, testing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment

Brake Service:

Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant charging, component replacement, leak detection

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and specialized tools

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, electrical tolerances

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

Text-searchable (OCR processed)

Print Quality

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine 1:

2.5L Magnum Inline-4 (JTEC)

Engine 2:

3.9L Magnum V6 (JTEC)

Engine 3:

5.2L Magnum V8 (JTEC)

Performance 2 5L

Displacement 2 5L:

2492 cc (152 cu in)

Horsepower 2 5L:

122 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 2 5L:

137 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Performance 3 9L

Displacement 3 9L:

3906 cc (238 cu in)

Horsepower 3 9L:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 3 9L:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Performance 5 2L

Displacement 5 2L:

5211 cc (318 cu in)

Horsepower 5 2L:

220 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque 5 2L:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Management

JTEC (Jeep Truck Engine Controller)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Standard:

5-speed manual (NV3500)

Optional

Transmission Optional 1:

4-speed automatic (A500/42RE) - RWD

Transmission Optional 2:

4-speed automatic (A518/46RE) - Heavy Duty/V8

Features

Automatic Features:

Overdrive gear, electronically controlled

Fluid Specifications

Manual Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

111.9 inches (Regular Cab), 124.9 inches (Club Cab)

Length:

Varies by bed length (e.g., approx. 197.0 inches for standard bed)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 65.0 inches

Cargo

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (approx. 70.5 inches), Long Bed (approx. 83.5 inches)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Varies by configuration (approx. 3500-4500 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7000 lbs (with appropriate engine and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:

Not rated (vehicles from this era often lacked standardized testing)

NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:

Not rated

Active Features

Available on some models

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers (Club Cab)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player

Speaker Configuration:

Standard 2-speaker, optional 4-speaker or 6-speaker systems

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims

Connectivity

Interior Features:

Power windows and locks available on higher trims

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe duty), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty) - consult manual for specifics

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approx. 60,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage (consult manual)

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific engine and temperature ranges)

Coolant Spec:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 or equivalent (check manual)

Known Issues

Common Issue 1:

Head gasket leaks (especially on 5.2L V8)

Common Issue 2:

Rust and corrosion, particularly on rear wheel wells and frame rails

Common Issue 3:

EGR valve issues causing rough idle or stalling

Common Issue 4:

Cracked exhaust manifolds on V8 engines

Common Issue 5:

Transmission solenoid issues (42RE/46RE)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Dodge Truck Legacy:

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

Model Evolution

First Generation Start:

1997 (Second Generation)

1996 Model Year Context:

The 1996 model is part of the first generation of the Dodge Dakota, introduced in 1986. It received a significant refresh in 1991.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:

The 1996 Dodge Dakota was recognized by some automotive publications for its value and capability in its segment.