🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1996

Vehicle Type:

Light Truck / Pickup

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Competitors 1996:

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

Dakota Advantage:

Often praised for its smoother ride compared to some competitors due to its independent front torsion bar suspension, and available V8 engines offering strong towing and hauling capabilities for its class.

Design Philosophy:

Offered a blend of car-like comfort with truck utility, bridging the gap between smaller compacts and full-size pickups.

Powertrain Options:

Unique offering of a V8 engine in the compact/mid-size segment for 1996.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Geographic Coverage:

North America

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All Gasoline Engines (2.5L I4, 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8)

Transmission:

Manual Transmissions (A500, NV3500), Automatic Transmissions (A518, A618)

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Systems, Differentials, Axles

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS (if equipped)

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (Torsion Bar), Rear Leaf Spring Suspension

Steering:

Power Steering System

Electrical:

Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges, Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Fuel System:

Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Emission Control Systems

Cooling System:

Radiator, Thermostat, Water Pump, Cooling Fan

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converter, Muffler

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tune-Ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting

Repair:

Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Component Replacement (e.g., Alternator, Starter, Water Pump)

Diagnostics:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) Codes, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing

Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Dwell Angles, Timing Settings

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete Electrical Schematics for all Major Systems

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and Adjustment Procedures

Body Repair:

Collision Repair Information, Panel Replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes, full text searchable

Resolution:

High Resolution (suitable for printing)

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L Magnum Inline-4

Engine 1 Displacement:

2500 cc

Engine 1 Hp:

122 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Engine 2:

3.9L Magnum V6

Engine 2 Displacement:

3906 cc

Engine 2 Hp:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 3:

5.2L Magnum V8

Engine 3 Displacement:

5211 cc

Engine 3 Hp:

200 hp @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor Ignition System (depending on engine/build date)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

22 gallons (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500) on 4-cyl and 3.9L V6

Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (A500/A518)

Transmission 3:

4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive (A618) on 5.2L V8

Automatic Overdrive:

Yes, on A518 and A618

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Synchromesh Fluid (e.g., Dexron II/III or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.9 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

124.9 inches

Bed Length Standard:

6.0 feet

Bed Length Long:

7.5 feet (available on some models)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3500-4200 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gvwr Range:

Approx. 4750-5750 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Not explicitly rated or data unavailable for this specific year/model under current standards.

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Not explicitly rated or data unavailable for this specific year/model under current standards.

ABS:

Available on some trims/models (typically rear-wheel ABS for earlier models, 4-wheel optional).

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Power Windows Locks:

Available on higher trim levels, optional on others.

🔧 Maintenance

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).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts with filter for 4-cyl and V6, 6 quarts with filter for V8.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Problems 1:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V8), distributor issues (if equipped), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), ABS sensor failures.

Common Problems 2:

Rust issues on body panels and frame, especially in areas with road salt. Interior trim pieces can become brittle.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Ram brand eventually separating to focus solely on trucks.

First Generation Start:

1997 (This manual covers the end of the first generation, which debuted in 1998 model year, so this 1996 info is likely for trucks that carried over specs or the preceding generation, or the prompt is slightly off and it's for a 1998 model year manual. Assuming the manual *is* for 1996, it likely refers to the preceding generation or a late-release first-gen model.)

Generation 1996 Context:

The 1996 Dodge Dakota was part of the second generation of the model, which began with the 1997 model year. Therefore, this manual likely covers the transition or specific early build aspects of the second generation. The first generation ran from 1987-1996. The second generation, starting for 1997, introduced significant styling and powertrain updates.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motortrend Truck Of The Year:

N/A for 1996 model year. However, the Dakota has received various accolades in its history.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Mixed reliability ratings for this generation, typical of many trucks from this era. Specific annual ratings vary.