🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Model Years Covered:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Chassis Codes:

AN (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair knowledge for their Dakota.

Competitors:

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

Manual Value Proposition:

Comprehensive, A-Z coverage for mechanical and electrical systems, detailed illustrations, covering a long production span.

📋 Manual Details

All Models:

Yes

Repair Scope:

A-Z Mechanical and Electrical

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printable Pages (likely PDF or similar digital format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, teardown, assembly, diagnosis, timing, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, evaporative emissions (EVAP)

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition systems (DIS), spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition timing

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch service, gearshift linkages

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, fluid service, diagnostic procedures, shift control systems

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, rear axle service, differential overhaul

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, steering knuckles

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnosis and repair (where applicable), brake lines, master cylinder, power booster

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems, horn, wiper system, power windows, power door locks

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, HVAC controls

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, frame straightening (basic procedures)

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), diagnostic flowcharts

Routine Maintenance:

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

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild, transmission replacement, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis

Component Replacement:

Detailed steps for replacing various parts (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, fuel pump)

Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon problems

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.

Detail Level:

High, with step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and diagnostic parameters.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, allowing for searchable text and high-quality printing.

Image Quality:

High quality, with detailed pictures and diagrams as stated in the description.

Physical Binding:

N/A (digital product, printable)

Physical Paper Type:

N/A (digital product, printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1987-1991:

2.5L (150 cu in) AMC/Chrysler I4 (Technically a Dodge-badged AMC engine inherited from Jeep)

Base Engine 1992-1997:

2.5L (150 cu in) Chrysler Magnum I4

Optional Engine 1987-1996:

3.9L (239 cu in) Chrysler Magnum V6

Optional Engine 1991-1997:

5.2L (318 cu in) Chrysler Magnum V8 (Introduced mid-1991 model year)

2.5L I4 Horsepower:

Approx. 105-116 hp (varies by year and specific tune)

3.9L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 125-170 hp (varies by year and specific tune)

5.2L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 200-230 hp (varies by year and specific tune)

2.5L I4 Torque:

Approx. 130-145 lb-ft

3.9L V6 Torque:

Approx. 180-210 lb-ft

5.2L V8 Torque:

Approx. 290-320 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag/Chrysler 5-speed manual (e.g., NV3500 for later models)

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed TorqueFlite A904 (early years, V6) / 4-speed A500/A518/42RH/46RH (later years, V6 and V8)

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) available

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab)

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed, Long Bed (varies by cab style and model year)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,200 - 4,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Limited data available for this era; typical for the time would be basic safety features without extensive crash testing reports as we know them today.

Active Safety Standard:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - often optional or standard on higher trims/later years.

Passive Safety Standard:

Seat belts, basic interior padding.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Base AM/FM stereo, optional cassette player, optional CD player, optional premium sound systems.

Adas Features:

Limited to ABS. No modern driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Features:

Primarily basic electrical systems. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports in earlier models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage and fluid type.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-4 years, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for exact year/engine specifics).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler standard, depending on transmission type and year).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90, refer to manual for specifics).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically green)

Common Problems:

Head gasket failures (especially on early V6 engines), exhaust manifold cracks (V8), ABS sensor failures, transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder in automatics), body rust (especially in certain climates), radiator leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks, establishing a reputation for durability and utility.

Generation Introduction:

The second generation (AN chassis) debuted for the 1997 model year. This manual covers the tail end of the first generation and the entire second generation.

Styling Changes:

The second generation (1997 onwards) featured a significantly updated exterior design, including more aerodynamic lines and a new grille, contrasting with the boxier first generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily assembled in the United States (e.g., Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While the Dakota itself might not have garnered numerous specific 'Truck of the Year' awards from major publications during this exact span, it was generally well-regarded as a capable and practical compact/mid-size pickup, often competing effectively against segment leaders.