🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1992

Body Style:

Compact Pickup Truck

Generation:

First Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Dakota was Chrysler's entry into the compact/mid-size pickup truck market, aiming to bridge the gap between smaller Japanese trucks and larger American offerings. It was marketed as a capable and versatile vehicle for both work and personal use.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed primarily with the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Hardbody/Toyota Hilux. The Dakota differentiated itself with its available V6 and V8 engines, offering more power than many competitors in its class.

Key Features:

Available in Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations, with various bed lengths. Offered a more robust chassis than some competitors, and crucially, offered the first V8 engine option in the compact pickup segment.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All Models, All Engines, All Trim Levels, All Transmission Types

Page Count:

Comprehensive (Specific number not provided in product description, but typical for workshop manuals of this era exceeds 1000 pages)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive & 4x4), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Chassis Electrical, Body Electrical, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides

Exhaust System Details:

Covers exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, and hangers, with diagnostic and repair procedures.

Suspension Details:

Front: Independent Torsion Bar; Rear: Solid Axle with Leaf Springs. Manual covers component replacement, alignment, and troubleshooting.

Brake System Details:

Front: Power Assisted Disc Brakes; Rear: Power Assisted Drum Brakes. Includes ABS system coverage for applicable models.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Service, Repair Procedures, Component Overhaul, Troubleshooting and Diagnosis, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fluid and Filter Changes, Belt and Hose Replacement, Brake Service, Suspension and Steering Alignment, HVAC Servicing, Bodywork and Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Torque Specifications, Specifications and Data

Troubleshooting Methodology:

Systematic approach using diagnostic flowcharts, symptom identification, and component testing procedures.

Wiring Diagram Quality:

Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine controls, and accessories.

Technical Depth:

Expert Level: Covers detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components. Includes diagnostic charts, component testing procedures, and torque specifications for in-depth troubleshooting and repair beyond basic maintenance.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely Searchable Text (assuming professionally scanned/OCR'd)

Printability:

Printable (Allows users to print specific sections or the entire manual)

Resolution:

High Resolution Scans (Essential for clear diagrams and text)

Interactivity:

Likely non-interactive PDF, but contains hyperlinked table of contents if well-produced.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4

Base Engine Horsepower:

Approx. 123 hp @ 4800 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

Approx. 134 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Optional Engine 1:

3.9L (238 cu in) Chrysler LA V6

Optional Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 125-130 hp @ 4000 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 190-195 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Optional Engine 2:

5.2L (318 cu in) Chrysler LA V8

Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 170-175 hp @ 4000 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 270-280 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all engines

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based depending on specific engine and build date

ECU Type:

Chrysler SBEC (Single Board Engine Controller) or similar electronic engine control units.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission 1:

3-Speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A904/A999 variants)

Optional Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (42RH for 3.9L V6, 46RH for 5.2L V8)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) available

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler Mopar)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 112.1 inches for Regular Cab short bed)

Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 177.7 inches for Regular Cab short bed)

Width:

Approx. 71.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 64.7 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.0 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration, typically 3000-4000 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to ~7,000 lbs (with proper configuration and V8 engine)

Payload Capacity:

Varies by configuration, typically 1,200-2,000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Likely not rated or available for this model year

Passive Safety Features:

Three-point seat belts, energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced cab structure

Active Safety Features:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels for 2WD, optional on all wheels for 4WD.

Airbag Availability:

Driver-side airbag was standard or optional depending on build date/trim for 1992.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound system available. Analog gauges and controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on standard safety features and the optional ABS system.

Connectivity Options:

None (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or 7,500 miles/6 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact specification)

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type; distributor belt/rotor inspection/replacement as needed.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, change fluid and filter every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific engine and temperature range)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

Common Issues 1:

Rusty rocker panels and cab corners, differential pinion seal leaks, heater core failures, ignition coil failure on some V8 models, carburetor issues (if equipped with older versions), exhaust manifold leaks.

Common Issues 2:

Transmission cooler line leaks, worn U-joints, electrical gremlins in door switches and body harness, cooling fan clutch failure on V8 models.

Air Filter Example:

Mopar Part Number: 53006850 (Example for 3.9L V6, verify with manual)

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar Part Number: MO-349 (Example for 3.9L V6, verify with manual)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon. The brand is known for its bold styling and powerful engines.

Model Evolution:

The 1992 Dakota marked the introduction of the first generation (AN). It was a significant product for Dodge, aiming to capture a larger share of the growing compact pickup market. Key innovations included the availability of V6 and V8 engines, which were generally not offered by competitors at the time.

Production Years:

First Generation: 1987-1996

Manufacturing Locations:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 1992 model are not widely documented, the Dakota was recognized for its innovation in offering V8 power in the compact truck segment. It was often lauded for its capability and value proposition.