🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Generation:

First Generation

Generation Years:

1987-1996

Vehicle Platform:

N

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians, fleet maintenance personnel.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Hilux/Tacoma (depending on market and year).

Unique Selling Points:

First compact pickup from Chrysler, offered a V6 engine option early in its segment, good towing and hauling capacity for its class.

Vehicle Type:

Pickup Truck

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Regions:

North America (primarily USA, Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engines. Includes cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing systems (belt/chain), lubrication, and cooling systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system, and fuel system diagnostics.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, and emissions control components. Includes oxygen sensors (O2 sensors).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (Getrag G360 5-speed) service, repair, and overhaul. Includes clutch assembly, gearbox components, shift linkages, and lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (Chrysler A500/A518/A618 4-speed) service, repair, and overhaul. Includes torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, clutch packs, seals, and transmission fluid cooling.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and selectable 4-wheel drive (4WD) systems. Includes driveshafts, universal joints (U-joints), rear axle assembly, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.

Suspension Front:

Independent front suspension (IFS) system. Includes control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, torsion bars (on some 4WD models), shock absorbers, coil springs (on some 2WD models), and stabilizer bars.

Suspension Rear:

Solid rear axle with leaf springs. Includes leaf springs, shackles, U-bolts, shock absorbers, and rear axle housing.

Steering:

Power steering system. Includes steering gear (rack and pinion on later models, steering box on earlier models), power steering pump, hoses, steering column, and wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes Front:

Front disc brakes. Includes brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors (discs), brake lines, and brake fluid.

Brakes Rear:

Rear drum brakes or rear disc brakes (depending on configuration and year). Includes brake drums, brake shoes, wheel cylinders, brake adjusters, brake lines, and brake fluid. Includes parking brake system.

Electrical System:

12-volt electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), and accessory circuits.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, mirrors, glass, seals, and paint repair information.

Body Interior:

Dashboard, instrument panel, seats, seat belts, interior trim panels, headliner, carpet, and HVAC controls.

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Includes A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, climate controls, and refrigerant handling (R12/R134a).

Powertrain Control Module:

Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) functions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and sensor data interpretation.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (early models), Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP), Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP), ignition timing adjustments, and ignition system diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), tire rotation, lubrication points, and general inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, and fault code interpretation.

Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guides for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Tests:

Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, electrical circuits, and mechanical components using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and scan tools.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic values for all major components.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.2L (135 cu in) Chrysler 4-cylinder (various iterations, e.g., Mitsubishi 4G53/4G54 based); 3.0L (181 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6; 3.9L (239 cu in) Dodge Magnum V6; 5.2L (318 cu in) Dodge Magnum V8 (introduced later in the generation).

2.2L I4 (Approx.):

Horsepower: 96-106 hp; Torque: 118-129 lb-ft

3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72) (Approx.):

Horsepower: 143-156 hp; Torque: 167-180 lb-ft

3.9L V6 (Magnum) (Approx.):

Horsepower: 170-180 hp; Torque: 220-230 lb-ft

5.2L V8 (Magnum) (Approx.):

Horsepower: 230 hp; Torque: 295 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) on early 4-cyl and some V6; Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) on later 4-cyl, V6, and V8 engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual (early models); 5-speed manual (Getrag G360)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite A904); 4-speed automatic (Chrysler A500/A518/A618)

4Wd Transfer Case:

Manual shift or electronic shift transfer case (depending on year and trim)

Axle Ratios:

Various ratios available (e.g., 3.55, 3.91, 4.10) depending on engine and transmission combination.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Standard Cab: 112 inches; Club Cab: 124 inches

Bed Lengths:

Short bed (approx. 6 feet); Long bed (approx. 7.5 feet)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly based on configuration, typically ranging from 3,100 to 4,200 lbs.

Payload Capacity:

Up to approx. 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 6,500 lbs (with appropriate engine, transmission, and towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Variable, depending on year and testing protocols of the era. Generally considered adequate for its time, but not comparable to modern safety standards.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels or all four wheels on later models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on most models from mid-generation onwards; passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for front occupants; lap belts for rear occupants (if applicable).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on later models. Speaker configurations varied by trim.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer (on V6/V8), fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system available on most trims.

Trailer Towing:

Factory trailer tow packages available, including wiring harness and hitch receiver provisions.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functionality and entertainment. No advanced Bluetooth or smartphone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for exact recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage (heavy towing may require more frequent changes).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines (verify with manual).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 or equivalent recommended for A500/A518/A618; earlier models may use Dexron II or equivalent (verify with manual).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, u-joints, radiator and hoses.

Electrical Problems:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, issues with blower motor resistor, faulty ignition switches, and minor sensor failures.

Transmission Issues:

Slipping or harsh shifting in automatic transmissions due to worn clutches or valve body issues; clutch wear in manual transmissions.

Engine Issues:

Head gasket leaks on some V6 engines, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks from seals and gaskets.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, including the Ram series, known for their robust build and utility.

First Generation Intro:

Introduced for the 1987 model year, replacing the Dodge Ram 50 (rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max). It was Chrysler's first entry into the compact pickup truck market.

Facelifts Updates:

Significant refresh in 1992, featuring a more aerodynamic front end, updated interior, and the introduction of the larger Magnum V6 and V8 engines.

Engine Updates:

Engine lineup evolved from Mitsubishi-sourced 4-cylinder and V6 to Chrysler's own Magnum V6 and V8 engines, significantly improving performance.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Coahuila, Mexico (for most of the first generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

While not a recipient of major awards like 'Truck of the Year' from prominent publications, the Dakota was generally well-regarded for its utility and the availability of a V6 engine in a compact class during its initial years.

Consumer Reports Historical:

Historical ratings from consumer publications would vary by model year and specific issues reported, often reflecting typical concerns for trucks of this era.