Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-authorized information essential for accurate diagnosis and repair, ensuring proper maintenance and longevity of the Dodge Dakota.
Importance Of Manual:
Crucial for owners and technicians seeking detailed procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting guides specific to the 1987-1996 Dodge Dakota models.
Years Covered:
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Vehicle Types Covered:
Pickup Truck (Light Duty)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (comprehensive factory documentation)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control, engine diagnostics.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (A500, A535), Automatic transmission (A518, A618), transfer case (4WD models), clutch, drive axles, propeller shafts, CV joints.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent torsion bar), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, ABS (on applicable models), brake bleeding procedures.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrument panel, power distribution, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, body control modules, audio systems.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, bumpers, frame, corrosion protection, body repair procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Safety Features:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), supplemental restraint systems (SRS).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code identification and resolution.
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, calibration, rebuilding procedures for major components.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system operation, scan tool usage, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and basic repairs to advanced diagnostics and complete engine/transmission overhauls.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, wiring diagrams, and exploded views.
Base Engine:
2.2L (135ci) 4-Cylinder (Naturally Aspirated)
Base Engine Power:
Approx. 96-100 hp
Base Engine Torque:
Approx. 130-135 lb-ft
Optional Engine 1:
2.5L (150ci) 4-Cylinder (Naturally Aspirated)
Optional Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 105-125 hp
Optional Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 140-150 lb-ft
Optional Engine 2:
3.9L (238ci) V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Optional Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 125-170 hp
Optional Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 190-220 lb-ft
Optional Engine 3:
5.2L (318ci) V8 (Magnum) - Introduced later in the generation (e.g., 1998, but relevant for later context of Dakota engine evolution)
Optional Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 230 hp
Optional Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) depending on engine and year.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (typical, check manual for specific requirements)
Standard Transmission Type:
Manual Transmission
Standard Transmission Models:
A500 (4-speed manual), A535 (5-speed manual - later years)
Optional Transmission Type:
Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission Models:
A518 (3-speed automatic with overdrive), A618 (4-speed automatic with overdrive - later V6/V8 models).
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).
Transfer Case:
Manual shift or electronic shift transfer case (on 4WD models).
Wheelbase:
112.0 inches (Standard Cab)
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
124.0 inches (Extended Cab)
Bed Length Options:
6 ft (Standard Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed - less common)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,000 - 4,000 lbs (depending on configuration and engine).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,300 lbs.
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Limited data available for this era; generally considered average for its class at the time. Specific results vary by model year and configuration.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some later models and trims.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from 1990 onwards; passenger airbag not widely available in this generation.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts (lap and shoulder) for front occupants; lap belts for rear passengers (if equipped).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (automatic transmission fluid and filter).
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH rated. Viscosity typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine and temperature range).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) for 4-cylinder, 5-6 quarts (4.7-5.7 L) for V6 (check manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+2 or ATF+3 (or equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (typically green).
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, radiator, water pump.
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4-cylinders), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, potential for intake manifold gasket leaks on V6 engines.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, potential for torque converter shudder. Manual transmissions generally robust, but clutch wear is normal.
Electrical Issues:
Alternator failure, starter motor issues, intermittent wiring problems due to age, power window regulator failure.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in rocker panels, cab corners, and rear fender wells, particularly in areas with road salt usage.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the Dakota marking their entry into the compact/mid-size pickup segment. It was designed to bridge the gap between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.
Generation Introduction:
The first generation Dodge Dakota (AN platform) was introduced for the 1987 model year.
Design Philosophy:
It featured a more car-like ride and handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, utilizing a unibody construction with a separate frame structure (often described as a 'body-on-frame' though integrated).
Major Updates:
Minor styling updates occurred throughout its lifespan, including grille changes and interior refinements. The introduction of the V8 engine in 1998 (outside the scope of this manual but relevant to the model's trajectory) was a significant development.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
Production Years For Generation:
1987-1996.
