🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

AN

Market Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1996 Dodge Dakota was positioned as a capable and versatile compact pickup truck, often praised for its blend of car-like ride quality and truck utility.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, and Toyota Tacoma. The Dakota often offered competitive payload and towing capacities for its class.

Distinguishing Features:

Known for its independent front suspension, which contributed to a more comfortable ride compared to some competitors with solid front axles. Offered in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Club Cab) and bed lengths.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Original Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual

Page Count:

Approximately 1000+ pages (estimated for a comprehensive factory manual of this era)

Source:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants.

Engine Performance:

Diagnosis and troubleshooting for engine performance issues.

Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, injection systems, fuel pump, injectors, pressure testing, and diagnosis.

Emission Control:

Components, operation, diagnosis, and repair of emission control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, hoses, and diagnosis.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, lubrication passages, and maintenance.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, and diagnosis.

Starting Charging System:

Starter motor, battery, alternator, voltage regulator, and testing.

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, reassembly, inspection, and adjustment for manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Component identification, hydraulic control, torque converter, and diagnostic procedures for automatic transmissions.

Driveline Axles:

Driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints, axle shafts, differential, and associated components.

Suspension Front:

Control arms, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shock absorbers, and alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and suspension geometry.

Steering System:

Steering column, steering gear/rack, power steering pump, hoses, and diagnosis.

Brakes Front:

Disc brake components, calipers, pads, rotors, and inspection.

Brakes Rear:

Drum brake components (or disc if applicable), shoes, drums/rotors, wheel cylinders/calipers, and parking brake.

Brake Control:

Brake lines, master cylinder, vacuum booster, and hydraulic fluid specifications.

Wheels Tires:

Tire pressure recommendations, wheel torque specifications, and wheel bearing service.

Body Exterior:

Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, latches, hinges, and trim.

Body Interior:

Seat removal/installation, dashboard components, trim panels, and headliner.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant, and diagnosis.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types, and wiring diagrams.

Wiper Washer System:

Wiper motors, blades, linkage, washer pump, and fluid reservoir.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and associated motors/switches.

Electrical Chassis:

Fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, connectors, and component testing.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, speedometer, tachometer, and associated sensors.

Audio System:

Radio, speakers, antenna, and wiring.

Airbags:

Airbag system components, sensors, control module, and safety precautions.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and component inspections.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common issues.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Listing and interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if OBD-I or early OBD-II systems are present.

Component Testing:

Step-by-step instructions for testing the functionality of various electrical and mechanical components.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all vehicle systems.

Alignment Specifications:

Detailed front and rear wheel alignment angles and procedures.

Recalibration Procedures:

Procedures for recalibrating sensors or modules after component replacement (if applicable).

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including color codes and component locations.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive factory-level repair information covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostic Focus:

In-depth diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including electrical, fuel, and engine management.

Special Tools:

Identification of any special tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or spiral bound (typical for large service manuals)

Paper Type:

High-quality, durable paper designed for shop use, often with a glossy finish for diagrams.

Print Quality:

Clear, crisp printing with high-resolution diagrams and illustrations.

File Format:

N/A (This product is described as a printed manual)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L (148 cu in) I4, 3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6, 5.2L (318 cu in) Magnum V8

Horsepower 2 4L:

122 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2 4L:

145 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Horsepower 3 9L:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 3 9L:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 5 2L:

230 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 5 2L:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Control Module:

Chrysler's Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for engine management.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Standard on base models was a 5-speed manual transmission. Optional were a 5-speed manual (for V6/V8) and a 4-speed automatic transmission (A500/42RE).

Automatic Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (A500 / 42RE) was common with V6 and V8 engines.

Drive Type:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, with optional 4-wheel drive (4WD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

Approximately 111.9 inches (2842 mm)

Wheelbase Club Cab:

Approximately 124.9 inches (3172 mm)

Bed Lengths:

Typically 6 feet (approx. 72 inches) and 8 feet (approx. 96 inches)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and configuration, generally ranging from 3,300 to 4,200 lbs (1497 to 1905 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

While specific NHTSA ratings for 1996 models are not as readily available as modern vehicles, this era saw improvements in passive safety features.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was typically optional or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was standard. Passenger airbag availability varied by trim and market.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with shoulder belts for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Features:

Standard AM/FM radio, with optional cassette player, CD player, and premium speaker systems. Basic analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Cruise control was typically an optional feature.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Focus on core vehicle functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (4,800 to 12,000 km), depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity grades typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on ambient temperature (refer to manual for precise recommendations).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769 or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec MS-9224) or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear lubricant, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Some common issues reported for this generation include rear main seal leaks, alternator failures, and HVAC blend door actuator issues. Early models might experience dashboard cracking.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s, establishing a reputation for robust and utilitarian vehicles.

Second Generation Dakota:

The 1996 model year represents the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, which debuted for the 1997 model year and ran through 2004. The 1996 manual may cover the very tail end of the first generation or transition to early second-gen specifics, but the 'AN' chassis code strongly points to the second generation which started production in mid-1996 for the 1997 model year.

Manufacturing Plant:

Wartburg, Tennessee, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific major awards for the 1996 model might be limited, the Dakota was generally well-received for its value and capability in the compact truck segment.