Dodge Dakota 1987-1995 Workshop Service Repair Manual

Regular price: $16.99
Sale price: $16.99
Regular price
Unit price: per

🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Generation: First Generation (1987-1996) Covered Years: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact...

29 people are viewing this right now

Type: Truck

Vendor:

Sku: 413562

Tags: 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Cars Dakota Dodge Misc Truck

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Generation:

First Generation (1987-1996)

Covered Years:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet owners, service technicians.

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

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

Key Features

Vehicle Appeal:

One of the first compact pickups to offer V6 engines and sportier styling, offering a blend of utility and everyday drivability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Comprehensive Coverage:

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, often provided as printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

All gasoline engines, including V6 and V8 variants.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch service and drivetrain components.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (where applicable), drum and disc brake service, parking brake.

Suspension:

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

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starter, fuse/relay locations and functions, instrument cluster.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, bumpers, cooling system, exhaust system.

HVAC:

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

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacement, lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBDI era).

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.

Rebuild:

Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures with torque specifications and clearances.

Wiring:

Detailed wiring diagrams for various vehicle circuits.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Expert Level: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Digital Quality:

High-resolution, printable, searchable PDF (typical)

Print Quality

Physical Quality:

N/A (assuming digital product, but describes ideal printed equivalent)

Binding Type

Physical Binding:

N/A (assuming digital product, but describes ideal printed equivalent: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use)

Paper Type

Physical Paper:

N/A (assuming digital product, but describes ideal printed equivalent: Durable, glossy or matte paper stock suitable for workshop environments)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Base Engine:

2.2L (135 ci) 4-cylinder (Chrysler 147)

Mid Engine Option:

3.0L (181 ci) V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72, later Chrysler design)

Performance Engine:

3.9L (239 ci) V8 (LA-series, optional in later years, notably 1991-1993)

Performance

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 100 hp (2.2L) to 180+ hp (3.9L V8).

Torque Range:

Approximately 125 lb-ft (2.2L) to 225+ lb-ft (3.9L V8).

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel injection (multi-port for V6/V8, throttle-body injection for early 2.2L)

Engine Code Examples

4 Cylinder:

V6 3.0L:

V8 3.9L:

LA390

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Base Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission.

Optional

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed automatic (A500), later 4-speed automatic (42RE/44RE).

Performance Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission available with V6 and V8 models.

Features

Drive Type:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112 inches (standard cab).

Length:

Approx. 178-195 inches depending on cab and bed configuration.

Width:

Approx. 70 inches.

Cargo

Bed Length:

Short bed (approx. 6 feet) and long bed (approx. 7.5 feet) configurations.

Weights

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,800 lbs depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Ratings:

Limited official data available from this era. Refer to individual year/model for specific tests.

Active Features

Brakes:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional rear ABS on some models.

Passive Features

Seatbelts:

Front lap and shoulder belts.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became standard in later model years (around 1994).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, later models may have CD players. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.

Speakers:

Typically 2 or 4 speakers depending on trim level.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models.

Connectivity

Power Windows Locks:

Optional on higher trim levels, manual operation standard on base models.

Trailer Tow Package:

Available option including heavy-duty cooling, trailer wiring harness, and hitch receiver.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, change every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on usage).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to specific transmission type for correct fluid).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).

Coolant:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), typically Ethylene Glycol based.

Known Issues

Rust And Corrosion:

Common issue in areas with road salt, particularly on cab corners, rocker panels, and rear wheel arches.

Interior Wear:

Dashboard cracks, worn seat upholstery, and door panel degradation are common due to age.

Electrical Gremlins:

Flickering lights, intermittent power to accessories, and issues with the gauge cluster can occur due to aging wiring and connections.

Suspension Wear:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering looseness and premature tire wear.

Engine Cooling:

Radiator leaks, water pump failures, and thermostat issues are not uncommon on vehicles of this age.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, known for their robustness and performance-oriented offerings.

Model Evolution

Dakota Launch:

The Dakota was introduced for the 1987 model year as a response to the growing compact truck market, offering a larger size and more powerful engine options than competitors.

Mid Generation Updates:

Received minor styling updates and powertrain enhancements throughout its first generation. The V8 engine was a significant addition for 1991.

Production

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Truck Of The Year:

While the first generation didn't win major 'Truck of the Year' awards in its launch year, it was recognized for its innovation and capability in the compact truck segment.

Popular Mechanics Test:

Often featured in automotive reviews of the time for its V8 option and comfortable ride compared to rivals.