🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

Second Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Mid-size pickup truck, competing with Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody.

Analysis:

The 1996 Dakota was part of the second generation, known for its bolder styling and the introduction of the Magnum V6 and V8 engines, offering competitive power and torque in its class. Its size positioned it between compact and full-size pickups.

Features:

Introduction of Magnum engines, improved interior comfort, enhanced safety features over the first generation, availability of 2WD and 4WD drivetrains, Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z, vehicle-specific

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual (likely original dealership format, or high-quality reproduction)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.9L V6 Magnum, 5.2L V8 Magnum (including diagnostics, component testing, overhaul, and emissions control systems)

Transmission:

42RE Automatic, NV3500 Manual (service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and shift control systems)

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Four Wheel Drive (4WD) system (transfer case, differentials, driveshafts, axles, hubs, and U-joints)

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (torsion bar), Rear Leaf Spring Suspension (including alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, and steering linkage)

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum (ABS system if equipped, hydraulic system, parking brake, rotor/drum specifications, pad/shoe replacement, bleeding procedures)

Steering:

Power Steering System (pump, gearbox, hoses, fluid, linkages, steering column, ignition interlock)

Electrical:

Full electrical schematics, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor, ignition switch), lighting, instruments, gauges, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, trailer wiring harness

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, seals, weatherstripping, chassis lubrication, body repair guidelines

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (AC system components, refrigerant, service, blower motor, controls, ducting)

Fuel:

Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank, lines, injectors, pressure regulator, emissions controls

Cooling:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, coolant specifications, pressure testing

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation, air filter replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring diagrams for diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair, HVAC system repair

Installation:

Component installation procedures (e.g., starter, alternator, fuel pump, sensors), accessory installation

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, piston/ring replacement, bearing inspection, cylinder head service, timing component replacement, lubrication system, cooling system overhaul.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete breakdown and reassembly of the 42RE automatic and NV3500 manual transmissions, including torque converter, clutch packs, valve body, and gearsets.

Fuel System Diagnosis:

Injector testing, fuel pressure testing, fuel pump flow rate, EVAP system diagnostics, oxygen sensor testing.

Brake System Repair:

Master cylinder replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake line replacement, ABS modulator diagnostics, parking brake adjustment and repair.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, component testing, and short/open circuit detection.

Suspension And Steering Alignment:

Detailed alignment specifications, procedures for adjusting camber, caster, toe, and steering wheel centering. Ball joint, tie rod end, and shock absorber replacement.

Body And Trim Repair:

Procedures for removing and installing body panels, interior trim components, glass, and seals. Paint and bodywork guidelines.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant handling (R134a), AC component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor service, temperature control system diagnostics.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission overhaul and electrical system diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

N/A (Assuming printed format as per description)

Print Quality:

High (professional dealership standard for clarity and durability)

Binding:

Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for factory service manuals)

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper stock designed for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.9L (239 cid) V6 Magnum MPI

Engine 1 Hp:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2:

5.2L (318 cid) V8 Magnum MPI

Engine 2 Hp:

200 hp @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

290 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Coolant Type:

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

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor Ignition System (DIS on some engines/early models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Manual:

NV3500 5-speed manual

Transmission Automatic:

42RE 4-speed automatic (with overdrive)

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+3 (or equivalent Mopar specification)

Manual Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent GL-4 specification)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Short Bed: 111.9 inches (2842 mm); Long Bed: 124.9 inches (3172 mm)

Length:

Short Bed: 191.3 inches (4859 mm); Long Bed: 204.3 inches (5189 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 65.8 inches (1671 mm) (unladen)

Bed Length:

Short Bed: 75.5 inches (1918 mm); Long Bed: 88.5 inches (2248 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg), varies by configuration

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1000-1500 lbs (454-680 kg), varies by configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,000 lbs (2722 kg), depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

NHTSA ratings vary; generally considered adequate for the era, but safety standards have advanced significantly.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on 4-wheel disc brake systems, often optional.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with shoulder belts, lap belts for rear passengers (Club Cab)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Optional CD player available. Speaker configurations vary by trim. Steering wheel mounted controls not common for this era.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Trailer Wiring:

Standard trailer wiring harness provision (4-pin or 7-pin connector depending on towing package).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (consult manual for severe vs. normal driving conditions).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.9L V6: 5 quarts (4.7L); 5.2L V8: 5 quarts (4.7L) with filter (consult manual for exact capacity)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual or manual for ambient temperature recommendations)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Common Problems:

Radiator leaks (plastic tanks), heater core failures, starter motor issues, transmission solenoid issues (42RE), exhaust manifold cracks (especially V8), ABS sensor failures, minor rust on fenders/rockers.

Diagnostic Pointers:

Check for vacuum leaks, inspect fuel injectors for proper spray pattern, verify battery voltage and charging system output, listen for abnormal transmission shifting patterns.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon. The Dakota was introduced to fill the gap between compact and full-size pickups.

Generation 2:

The 1996 model year marked the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (AN platform), which debuted for the 1997 model year, with 1996 being the final year of the first generation. This manual likely covers the transition or is for the beginning of the second generation, depending on specific release dates. The provided manual name is explicit for 1996, suggesting it details the end of the first generation's production run or early second gen. **Correction**: 1997 was the start of the second generation. This manual is for the *end* of the first generation of Dakota, often referred to as the 'long-wheelbase' first generation which bridged the gap to the second generation. The description 'COVERS ALL MODELS' is crucial here, indicating it covers the entirety of the first gen and its variants leading up to the 1997 redesign.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

Production Years 1St Gen:

1987–1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 1996 model are not widely publicized, the Dodge Dakota during its first generation received positive attention for its truck-like capabilities in a smaller package and its introduction of V6 and V8 power options not common in competitors at the time.