Market Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Key Selling Points 1996:
Improved styling, more refined interior, increased towing capacity compared to previous generation
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma
Manual Advantage:
Official licensing ensures accuracy and completeness, digital format offers quick access and searchability
Vehicle Appeal:
Reputation for durability, availability of V6 engines, comfortable ride for a truck of its era
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all engines
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, driveshafts, differentials, 4WD system (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, hydraulic components
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, frame diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and repair
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic charts and procedures for common and uncommon issues
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Component Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions
Diagnostic Procedures:
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) lookup and interpretation, electrical circuit testing
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, ignition timing (if applicable), brake adjustments
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (factory-level detail)
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts for electrical and mechanical issues
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for required specialized tools
Engine Options:
2.5L Magnum (4-cylinder), 3.9L Magnum (V6), 5.2L Magnum (V8 - rare in 2WD, more common in 4x4)
2.5L Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp
3.9L Horsepower:
Approx. 175 hp
5.2L Horsepower:
Approx. 230 hp
Torque Figures:
Detailed torque figures for each engine variant available in the manual
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for all engines
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Spark Plug Type:
Specific recommendations provided in manual (e.g., Champion copper or platinum)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RE, 46RE)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Four-wheel drive (4WD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Mopar specification) or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended in manual)
Wheelbase:
111.9 inches (standard cab), 124.9 inches (club cab)
Bed Lengths:
6.5 feet (standard), 8 feet (long bed)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by configuration, typically 3,500 - 4,500 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,000+ lbs depending on engine and configuration
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, as specified in manual)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on temperature and engine, specified in manual)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (5/150) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Common Problem 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V8 models)
Common Problem 2:
Heater core leaks
Common Problem 3:
Rear main seal leaks (on some engine variants)
Common Problem 4:
Transmission shift issues (automatic transmission)
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable and rugged trucks, with the Dakota being their entry into the compact pickup market.
Second Generation Launch:
Introduced for the 1997 model year, but this manual covers the 1996 model year which may represent the final year of the first generation or a transition. (Clarification needed based on official model year breaks, but the software title is specific to '1996'). If this is indeed a 1996 model, it is the end of the first generation.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
