Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck
Niche Appeal:
The Dakota often filled a gap for consumers who found compact trucks too small and full-size trucks too large or expensive. Its availability of a V8 engine was a significant differentiator.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/S-10, Nissan Frontier.
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of car-like comfort and truck utility, often at a more accessible price point than larger pickups. Known for its available V8 engines in later generations.
Primary Users:
DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance operations, owners seeking to perform their own repairs and maintenance.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbishment, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific year/configuration, typically 2000+ pages for a comprehensive manual set.
Type:
Factory-Authorized Service and Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (e.g., PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, emissions control.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, comfort and convenience features, infotainment system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and procedures.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body hardware.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnostics and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-to-cause analysis, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, use of scan tools.
Suspension Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rods, control arms, shocks/struts, steering gear/rack and pinion.
Brake System Repair:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake line replacement, master cylinder and booster replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics Repair:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse and relay identification and testing, component testing (alternator, starter, sensors), HVAC control module diagnostics.
Engine Mechanical Repair:
Timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head removal and reinstallation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, valve train overhaul.
Transmission Repair:
Removal and installation of transmissions, internal component repair, clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and component-level repair instructions.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners (engine, chassis, body).
Clearances Tolerances:
Engine bearing clearances, piston ring gap, valve lash specifications.
Diagnostic Charts:
Flowcharts and charts for diagnosing common symptoms and issues.
Engine Options:
2.5L I4, 3.7L V6, 3.9L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L V8 (varies by year and generation)
Horsepower Range:
120 hp to 360 hp (depending on engine and year)
Torque Range:
145 lb-ft to 400 lb-ft (depending on engine and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for most gasoline engines.
Emissions Control:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system (where applicable).
Common Engine Codes:
Example: EDB (3.7L V6), EKG (4.7L V8, for later models).
Early Engine Codes Example:
DSM (3.9L V6)
Wheelbase Options:
Standard Cab, Club Cab, and potentially Quad Cab configurations with varying wheelbases.
Bed Length Options:
Short bed, long bed configurations available.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Commonly 5x114.3mm (5x4.5 inches) or 6x139.7mm (6x5.5 inches) depending on year and drivetrain.
Tire Size Recommendations:
Range of common sizes like P235/75R15, P265/70R16, P265/60R18 (varies greatly by trim and year).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,600 lbs to 4,800 lbs (depending on configuration).
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000+ lbs for properly equipped models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommended service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or under severe usage.
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for specific weight (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service classification (e.g., API SN, SP).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically orange or pink.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual, typically ATF+4 or specific power steering fluid.
Differential Fluid Spec:
API GL-5 rated gear oil, specific weight depending on model (e.g., 75W-90, 80W-90).
Common Problems:
Varies by year and engine. Potential issues can include: transmission solenoid failures, exhaust manifold cracks (on V8 engines), ABS sensor issues, fuel pump failures, and some interior electrical glitches. The manual provides detailed troubleshooting for these.
Comprehensive Schedule:
Detailed preventative maintenance schedule for every 5,000 to 100,000 miles, covering all major systems.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable trucks, from the Ram line to more specialized models like the Dakota.
Generations:
First generation (1987-1996), Second generation (1997-2004), Third generation (2005-2011). This manual covers the second and third generations extensively.
Generation Key Changes:
Second gen: Introduced styling cues from Ram trucks, became available with V8 engines. Third gen: Completely redesigned chassis and body, enhanced interior, more powerful engine options including the 5.7L HEMI.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Warren, Michigan.
