🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Market:

Consumers seeking a versatile, capable, and relatively affordable pickup truck for work and recreational use.

Key Competitors 1995:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab

Powertrain Options:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional Four-wheel drive (4WD)

Value Proposition:

Robust construction, proven Dodge reliability, and a good balance of capability and everyday drivability.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Repair and Service

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants, including torque specifications, clearances, and component testing.

Engine Management:

Covers ignition system, fuel injection system, emission controls, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing, and wiring diagrams.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for the manual transmission, including clutch operation, gear selection, and internal component replacement.

Transmission Automatic:

Detailed diagnostic and repair information for the automatic transmission, including hydraulic systems, torque converter, and electronic controls.

Drivetrain:

Covers rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, including driveshafts, universal joints, differentials, and axle assemblies.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, repair, and replacement, including ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, springs, and shock absorbers.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement, including steering gear, pump, hoses, and linkage.

Brakes:

Service and repair for front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, including hydraulic system components, parking brake, and ABS diagnostics (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, component testing, fuse and relay identification, lighting, and accessory circuits.

Body And Frame:

Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and basic structural repair guidance.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting.

Emissions Control:

Detailed information on emission control systems, including catalytic converters, EGR systems, and evaporative emission controls.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and spark plug replacement instructions.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common problems, including symptom-based diagnosis and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for virtually every system on the vehicle.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive guides for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.

Adjustment Procedures:

Alignment specifications, belt tension adjustments, and other necessary calibration procedures.

Depth:

Expert-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on required diagnostic tools and equipment, including specific scan tools and measurement devices.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Searchable PDF

Resolution:

High Resolution (suitable for printing)

Printability:

Printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L (150 cu in) I4 'Magnum'

Engine 1 Horsepower:

125 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Engine 2:

3.9L (238 cu in) V6 'Magnum'

Engine 2 Horsepower:

170 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based system depending on engine variant and build date.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (A500/42RH)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124.7 inches

Bed Length Standard:

75.3 inches

Bed Length Long:

92.8 inches

Curb Weight Est Min:

3,500 lbs

Curb Weight Est Max:

4,200 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:

5,300 - 5,800 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating:

Not extensively tested by NHTSA for this model year, but generally considered robust for its class.

IIHS Offset Crash Rating:

Not typically available for this era of pickup trucks.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS on certain higher trims/configurations.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or not available on all trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, with lap belts in the rear for extended cabs.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Trailer Tow Package:

Available for increased towing capacity, often includes upgraded cooling and wiring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation based on oil usage).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (if applicable).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature and engine).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 qts (2.5L I4), 5.0 qts (3.9L V6) with filter (consult manual for exact capacity).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based, compatible with Mopar coolant or equivalent (e.g., green conventional).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Issues:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V6), intake manifold gasket leaks, premature ball joint wear, rust on fenders and rocker panels, occasional transmission synchro issues in manuals.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Building on Dodge's long history of producing durable and capable trucks.

First Generation Start:

1997 (This manual covers the AN platform, which debuted in 1997, indicating potential for slight discrepancies if the manual is for a later revision of the 1995 model year, though the product name clearly states 1995. We will assume it covers the model as it existed for 1995.)

1995 Update:

The 1995 Dodge Dakota received a significant redesign, marking the start of its second generation, often referred to as the 'AN' platform.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The Dodge Dakota consistently received praise for its V8 engine option (though not in 1995), strong towing capacity for its class, and comfortable ride.