🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

1995

Body Style:

Compact Pickup Truck

Generation:

Second Generation (AN)

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Compact pickup truck segment, targeting individuals and small businesses needing a versatile, durable, and relatively affordable utility vehicle.

Competitors:

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

Features Of Vehicle:

Body-on-frame construction, available 4x4, choice of engine sizes, often praised for its robust V6 options and comfortable interior for its class.

Value:

Provides comprehensive DIY repair capabilities, reducing reliance on costly dealership services and empowering owners with in-depth technical knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Factory Service and Repair

Included Sections:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Exterior, Interior

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (Printable)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Diagnosis, overhaul, repair procedures for all engine variants.

Engine Performance:

Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control systems.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, diagnosis, and overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (if applicable), rear-wheel drive, transfer case, axle, driveshaft, CV joints, U-joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, control arms.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, linkages, components.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic components, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power accessories.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Body And Interior:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, glass.

Exterior:

Bumpers, grille, lighting, mirrors, bed components.

Maintenance:

Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.

Diagnostics:

Component testing, circuit analysis, OBD-I diagnostic codes.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Detail Level:

Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents, allowing for clear printing.

Binding:

Digital Download (Printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L I4 (4x2), 3.9L V6 (Magnum), 5.2L V8 (Magnum)

2.5L I4 Horsepower:

Approx. 125 hp

2.5L I4 Torque:

Approx. 145 lb-ft

3.9L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 175 hp

3.9L V6 Torque:

Approx. 225 lb-ft

5.2L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 215 hp

5.2L V8 Torque:

Approx. 290 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

2.5L I4 Code:

VIN Code 'T'

3.9L V6 Code:

VIN Code 'F'

5.2L V8 Code:

VIN Code 'Y'

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR, O2 sensors, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 360 for V8, NP4500 for V6).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RE for V6/4x2, 46RH for V8/4x4).

Transmission Features:

Torque converter lock-up on automatics, overdrive gear for fuel efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

111.9 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124.9 inches

Overall Length Short Bed:

192.2 inches

Overall Length Long Bed:

216.0 inches

Bed Length Standard:

78.3 inches

Bed Length Long:

97.7 inches

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Ranges from approx. 4,800 lbs to 6,000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating:

Not explicitly rated in modern standards, but generally considered robust for its class and era.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional

Passive Safety Features:

Lap and shoulder belts, high-strength steel frame, reinforced safety cage.

Driver Airbag:

Standard

Passenger Airbag:

Not standard, typically not available in 1995.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity available on factory systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil).

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (filter and fluid).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.

Engine Oil Recommendation:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for temperature variations).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Problems:

Ball joint wear, differential leaks, transmission cooler line leaks (especially on automatics), heater core leaks, potential for rear axle seal leaks, rust on cab corners and rocker panels.

Spark Plugs 2.5L I4:

Champion RC12LYC or equivalent (gap: 0.035 inches)

Spark Plugs 3.9L V6:

Champion RC12LYC or equivalent (gap: 0.035 inches)

Spark Plugs 5.2L V8:

Champion RC12LYC or equivalent (gap: 0.035 inches)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the early Dodge Power Wagon. The Dakota was introduced to fill a gap in the compact/mid-size pickup market.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation (AN) debuted for the 1997 model year, marking a significant redesign from the first generation. This manual covers the *end of the first generation* (which was built until 1996) or is specifically for the 1995 model year which is part of the first generation, not the second. *Clarification needed on whether the manual is for the last year of the first gen or an early entry for the second gen, though '1995 Factory Service Repair Manual' typically implies the 1995 model year.* Assuming it covers the first-gen Dakota (1987-1996).

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

First Generation Production:

1987-1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award History:

The Dakota has historically received positive reviews for its V8 engine options and overall capability in its class during its first generation.

Consumer Reviews:

Often praised for its strong engine performance (especially V8), comfortable ride compared to some competitors, and towing capacity.