Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicle
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma (early models), Nissan Hardbody
Vehicle Strengths:
Rear-wheel-drive capability, available 4x4, practical utility, relatively compact size for city maneuverability
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-authorized repair and maintenance information, saving significant costs associated with dealership service.
Maintenance:
All scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, common fault identification
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for engine, transmission, chassis, electrical, body
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, automatic transmission, manual transmission
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), driveline (rear-wheel drive, 4x4 transfer case)
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments and gauges, body electrical, power accessories, HVAC controls
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, theft-deterrent systems
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and procedures, filter replacement, spark plug service, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, specific system diagnostics
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine disassembly/assembly, cylinder head service, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, steering component replacement
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair operations
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete component overhaul and system diagnostics
Accuracy:
Factory-level accuracy, reflecting original engineering specifications and repair methods
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, wiring schematics, and photographic illustrations
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick access to information
Printability:
Printable pages for on-the-go reference
Resolution:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type 1:
2.5L Inline-4 (4J3)
Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters / 150.5 cubic inches
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 125 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System 1:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Engine Type 2:
3.9L V6 (3.9J)
Displacement 2:
3.9 Liters / 238 cubic inches
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 170-175 hp @ 4400-4800 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 215-220 lb-ft @ 2800-3200 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System 2:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Wheelbase Standard:
109.9 inches
Wheelbase Long:
124.9 inches (Extended Cab)
Length Standard:
180.1 inches
Length Long:
195.1 inches (Extended Cab)
Bed Length Short:
75.2 inches
Bed Length Long:
90.2 inches
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,800 lbs
Gvwr Range:
Approx. 4,500 - 5,000 lbs
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
Not extensively tested by NHTSA for this era; generally rated 'Acceptable' to 'Good' for its class.
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Not rated by IIHS for this specific generation/period.
ABS:
Available, typically on higher trims or as an option.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard; Passenger-side airbag not available on initial models of this generation.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with shoulder belt height adjustment, 2-point rear seat belts (bench seat).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced pillars and roof structure; Anti-roll bars standard on front suspension.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard; Optional CD player available on some trims.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, temperature, oil pressure. Digital clock.
Cruise Control:
Optional, typically available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Filter Replacement Interval:
Engine oil filter with every oil change; Air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles; Fuel filter every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles for conventional spark plugs; Platinum/iridium plugs may last longer.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or higher) - check manual for exact recommendations based on climate.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green) with appropriate corrosion inhibitors. Mopar specific coolant recommended if available.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+3 or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON. Manual specifies specific Mopar fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 for the 5-speed.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Issues Engine:
Lifter tick in V6 engines, intake manifold gasket leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (less common).
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Common Issues Chassis Suspension:
Ball joint wear, sway bar link wear, front wheel bearing noise.
Common Issues Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, instrument cluster issues, power window motor failure.
Common Issues Body:
Rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms, especially in regions with road salt.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks dating back to the 1930s, establishing a reputation for durability and utility.
First Generation Intro:
The Dodge Dakota was introduced in 1987 as a compact pickup truck, positioned between smaller Japanese imports and larger American full-size trucks.
Second Generation Intro:
The second generation (ND) began with the 1997 model year, representing a significant redesign. This manual covers the latter part of the *first* generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Period:
1987-1996 (First Generation)
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Not awarded for this specific generation/year range.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Mixed ratings during this period, generally considered average for its class in reliability and performance.
