🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1991

Generation:

First Generation (AN Body Style)

Body Style:

Compact Pickup Truck

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup

Distinguishing Features:

First compact pickup from a 'big three' American manufacturer, offering V8 engine option, available 4WD, and a range of cab and bed configurations.

Utility:

Essential for owners and technicians seeking accurate, factory-authorized repair information for the 1991 Dodge Dakota.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America (USA, Canada)

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific number not provided in product info, but indicates substantial content)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L Mag-Flex (4-cylinder), 3.9L LA (V6), 5.2L LA (V8)

Transmission:

Manual (Getrag 360), Automatic (A500, A518)

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum; ABS (optional)

Suspension:

Front independent, rear solid axle with leaf springs

Electrical:

Charging system, starting system, ignition, lighting, instruments, accessories, wiring diagrams

Steering:

Power steering system

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, evaporative emissions (EVAP)

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system components and service

Body:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, glass, bumpers

Chassis:

Frame, axles, driveshaft, universal joints

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common fault identification

Repair:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, and rebuild procedures

Diagnostics:

Engine diagnostics, ABS diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical system schematics

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head service, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed steps for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake System Service:

Front brake pad replacement, caliper service, rear drum brake adjustment and relining, ABS hydraulic unit service (if equipped).

Suspension And Steering Service:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end service, shock absorber replacement, steering gear inspection and adjustment.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, seat removal, glass replacement, bumper alignment and repair.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic approach to identifying and resolving common vehicle problems.

Depth:

Complete factory-level service and repair procedures, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, and detailed electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information relevant for basic OBD-I diagnostic code retrieval (if applicable for specific sensors) and general electronic system checks.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages

Type:

Digital Download (Printable)

Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L Mag-Flex (AMC I4)

Engine 2:

3.9L LA (Chrysler Mopar V6)

Engine 3:

5.2L LA (Chrysler Mopar V8)

2.5L Hp:

Approx. 100-116 hp (depending on specific tuning)

3.9L Hp:

Approx. 125-130 hp

5.2L Hp:

Approx. 170-180 hp

3.9L Torque:

Approx. 180-195 lb-ft

5.2L Torque:

Approx. 240-250 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Code 2.5L:

2.5L Mag-Flex

Engine Code 3.9L:

3.9L LA

Engine Code 5.2L:

5.2L LA

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Getrag 360 5-speed manual

Automatic Transmission:

Chrysler A500 4-speed automatic (with overdrive); A518 for V8 models

4Wd Transfer Case:

New Process NP231 (manual shift) or NP243 (electronic shift for later models, though less common in '91)

Manual Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+3 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

112.1 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

124.1 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.5 feet (standard), 8 feet (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,100 - 4,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity Range:

Varies significantly by engine and drivetrain, up to approx. 6,000-7,000 lbs for V8 models.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Limited data available for this era, generally basic for pickups.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels only for 1991.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was optional, not standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player (rare for this year).

Features:

Basic driver aids, primarily focused on mechanical systems rather than electronic assistance.

Features:

No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, etc.).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs and filters typically every 30,000-60,000 miles

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF+3 or equivalent for NP231/NP243

Common Problems:

Rust (especially in wheel wells, rocker panels), distributor gear wear (on older Mopar V6/V8), electrical connector corrosion, rear main seal leaks, carburetor issues (on very early models, though EFI is standard by '91).

Oil Filter Example:

Wix 51515, Fram PH8A (verify for specific engine)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge had a long history of truck production, but the Dakota was their first foray into the compact/mid-size pickup segment.

Introduction Year:

1987

First Generation Years:

1987-1996

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The first-generation Dakota was generally well-received for its size, capability, and available V8 power, filling a market gap.