Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet managers, and Dodge Dakota owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Manual Advantage:
Officially licensed, comprehensive coverage for all 1999 Dakota variants, digital format for quick access and searchability, detailed diagrams and troubleshooting steps.
Covered Countries:
North America (USA, Canada)
Trim Levels:
All (e.g., WS, SLT, Sport, R/T)
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emissions, engine performance diagnostics, engine control module (ECM) operation.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (e.g., 42RE, 45RFE), clutch, drivetrain, transfer case (4x4 models).
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped, brake hydraulics, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (torsion bar or coil spring depending on engine/drive), rear solid axle with leaf springs, steering system (power steering pump, steering gear), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, frame construction, exhaust system, fuel tank, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, cooling system (radiator, fan).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, lubrication points.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks/struts), brake caliper/wheel cylinder replacement, starter/alternator replacement, power steering pump replacement, exhaust system repair, HVAC component replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing, fuel system pressure testing, emissions system diagnostics.
Installation Procedures:
Component installation and removal guides for major systems, accessory installation where applicable.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications for all components.
Engine Options:
2.5L MAGNUM (AMC 150) I4, 3.9L MAGNUM (L-Engine) V6, 5.2L MAGNUM (LA Engine) V8 (R/T models)
Displacement 2.5L:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Displacement 3.9L:
3.9 Liters (238 cubic inches)
Displacement 5.2L:
5.2 Liters (318 cubic inches)
Horsepower 2.5L:
Approx. 120-122 hp @ 4400-4800 rpm
Torque 2.5L:
Approx. 145-148 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm
Horsepower 3.9L:
Approx. 175-177 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 3.9L:
Approx. 225-230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 5.2L:
Approx. 230 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 5.2L:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECM:
Various Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) variants depending on engine and transmission.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.5 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8.0 ft)
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically 3,500 - 4,500 lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 6,000-7,000 lbs depending on engine, configuration, and towing package.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not definitively rated by NHTSA in a way comparable to modern standards, but generally considered robust for its class.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS on some later models/trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers in Club Cab.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard. Optional CD player and premium sound systems available.
Display:
Basic instrument cluster with analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temp, oil pressure). No integrated infotainment screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Factory Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on transmission type and driving (towing, heavy use).
Engine Oil 2.5L/3.9L:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil 5.2L:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification like ATF+3 if ATF+4 is not specified for this year).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on transmission model, e.g., 75W-90).
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Transmission fluid leaks (especially the 42RE), fuel pump failures, power window regulator issues, ball joint wear, exhaust system rust/corrosion, heater core leaks, ABS sensor faults.
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil packs can experience coil failures or spark plug issues.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, from the early Ram series to its compact and mid-size offerings.
Second Generation An:
The 1999 Dakota belongs to the second generation (AN body, 1997-2004), which saw a significant redesign with a more modern, aerodynamic styling and the introduction of the powerful Magnum V8 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
Second Generation: 1997-2004.
