🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1991

Body Style:

Compact Pickup Truck

Generation:

First Generation (1987-1996)

Chassis Code:

ND (Second Gen chassis code, but ND is common for first gen too)

👋 Introduction

Description:

The Dodge Dakota was a pioneering compact/mid-size pickup truck, bridging the gap between smaller Japanese imports and full-size American trucks. It offered V6 and V8 engine options uncommon in its class at the time.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/S-15 Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup.

Vehicle Attributes:

Available in Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations, choice of bed lengths, powerful V8 option for a compact truck.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving money and ensuring vehicle longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Description:

Comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 1991 Dodge Dakota.

Estimated Pages:

Varies by publisher; typically 700-1000+ pages for a full service manual.

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Physical Book (likely)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine types, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission service, overhaul, and adjustment.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, and axle service.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment, and steering system.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic systems, and parking brake.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessories.

Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, fuel injection (if applicable), carburetor service (for older models), fuel tank, and lines.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, and cooling system maintenance.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, and chassis inspection.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, and routine inspections.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major unit rebuilds.

Torque Specifications:

Critical torque values for all fasteners and critical assemblies.

Alignment Specifications:

Wheel alignment angles and specifications.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Flowcharts and tables to diagnose problems based on symptoms.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

In-depth, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Typically yes for PDF versions; not applicable for printed.

Quality:

Professional printing with clear diagrams and text (for physical copies).

Type:

Perfect binding or spiral binding (for printed copies).

Type:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2.5L I4:

2.5L (153 cu in) Chrysler Slant-Four I4 (G-Engine)

Engine 3.9L V6:

3.9L (239 cu in) Chrysler Magnum V6

Engine 5.2L V8:

5.2L (318 cu in) Chrysler Magnum V8 (late in model year availability)

Horsepower 2.5L:

Approx. 100-114 hp (depending on configuration)

Torque 2.5L:

Approx. 130-145 lb-ft

Horsepower 3.9L:

Approx. 125-130 hp

Torque 3.9L:

Approx. 190-195 lb-ft

Horsepower 5.2L:

Approx. 170-175 hp

Torque 5.2L:

Approx. 250-255 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for V6/V8, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L I4.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECM:

Chrysler's reliable microcomputer engine control (MEC) systems.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 5 Speed Manual:

A500/A518 variants (for V6/V8), Getrag A500 (for 2.5L I4).

Transmission 3 Speed Automatic:

TorqueFlite A904 (primarily for 2.5L I4).

Transmission 4 Speed Automatic:

A500/A518 4-speed overdrive automatic (for V6/V8).

Overdrive:

Available on 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent specification like Dexron-III for older models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil (specific weight varies).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

112 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124 inches

Short Bed Length:

6 feet (72 inches)

Long Bed Length:

7.5 feet (90 inches)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,000 - 3,700 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

Towing Capacity:

Varies by engine and configuration, up to approximately 6,000 lbs for V8 models.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

The 1991 Dakota was not extensively crash-tested by NHTSA to modern standards; rollover resistance ratings are not readily available.

Brakes Type:

Front disc, rear drum brakes standard. Optional rear anti-lock brakes (RABS) on some models.

Seatbelts:

Lap and shoulder belts for front occupants; lap belts for center passenger and rear passengers (if equipped).

Driver Airbag:

Not standard on all trims; optional on some models, but not universally equipped.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems available.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models.

Early Features:

Limited by 1991 standards; primarily mechanical systems and basic electrical conveniences.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era).

Oil Filter Part Number:

Commonly Mopar equivalent to Fram PH5 or equivalent (consult manual for exact fitment).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (typical for this era; refer to manual for specific plugs per engine).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate; consult manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5-5.5 quarts (depending on engine; typically 5 quarts for V6/V8).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-4 specification).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Common Problems Engine Management:

Fuel pump issues, intermittent sensor failures (e.g., MAP, TPS), EGR valve issues.

Common Problems Transmission:

A500/A518 automatic transmission torque converter clutch issues, valve body problems.

Common Problems Rust:

Frame rust, especially in areas exposed to road salt. Cab corners and rocker panels are also susceptible.

Common Problems Electrical:

Aging wiring harness insulation, dashboard instrument cluster issues, blower motor resistors failing.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links due to age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, starting with the Dodge Power Wagon.

Dakota Introduction:

The Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 1987 model year as a groundbreaking compact pickup, designed to offer greater utility and power than other compacts of its era.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, and Saltillo Truck Plant, Saltillo, Mexico.

Updates For 1991:

Minor styling tweaks, potentially revised options or trim levels. Introduction of the 5.2L V8 engine option late in the model year for some configurations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Contemporary Reviews:

The Dakota was generally well-received for its innovative positioning and available V8 power, often earning praise for its V8 engine's performance in the compact truck segment.