Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, truck owners
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma
Manual Value:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information for a critical period in the Dakota's history
Coverage Scope:
Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems essential for keeping a Dakota in optimal condition
Applicable Years:
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Drivetrain:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Accessibility:
Instant Download
Licensing:
No Extra Fees, No Expiry Dates
Engine:
Complete engine mechanical, ignition system, fuel system, emission controls, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, shift linkage
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear Axle, Driveshafts, CV Joints, Transfer Case (4WD models)
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brake systems (disc and drum), ABS (where applicable), hydraulic systems, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system, ignition, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, interior/exterior lights
Body:
Body and frame repair, exterior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, HVAC system
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I for applicable years)
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment procedures for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, tire pressures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostics
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations
Engine 1:
2.2L (135 cu in) Chrysler slant-four (K engine)
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 96 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 129 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Engine 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 143-156 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 170-181 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm
Engine 3:
3.9L (238 cu in) Dodge Magnum V6
Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 170-180 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 220-230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 4:
5.2L (318 cu in) Dodge Magnum V8 (introduced 1991)
Engine 4 Power:
Approx. 205 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
Approx. 280 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) across most variants, Carburetor on some early 2.2L models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oem Service Manual Diagnostics:
Detailed procedures for diagnosing engine performance issues, misfires, and drivability problems
Transmission 1:
3-speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A-500/A-518 on V6/V8, A-904 on 4-cyl)
Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (42RH/44RH/46RH on V6/V8)
Transmission 3:
4-speed Manual (NP435/Getrag)
Transmission 4:
5-speed Manual (Getrag G360)
Fluid Type Automatic:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specifications)
Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity varies by transmission model)
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete transmission disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (later models)
Speakers:
Standard 2 or 4 speaker configuration
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trim levels
OBD Ii:
Not applicable, uses OBD-I diagnostic system for most of this generation's run.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity by temperature and engine)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (typically a green ethylene glycol based)
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in rocker panels, cab corners, and bed sides, especially in areas with road salt.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can occur with automatic transmissions, often due to vacuum leaks, solenoid issues, or low fluid.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
More prevalent on Magnum V8 engines due to heat cycles.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can lead to coolant leaks and fogging of the windshield.
Ball Joint Wear:
Front suspension wear can affect alignment and steering.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge had a history of pickup trucks, but the Dakota was its first true compact/mid-size pickup in the modern era.
First Generation Debut:
Introduced for the 1987 model year, replacing the Dodge Ram 50 (rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max).
Key Updates Generation 1:
Minor styling refreshes, introduction of Magnum V6 and V8 engines, improved interiors, availability of Club Cab.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
