🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 1991 Codes Vehicle Code Name: AN Generation First Generation Start Year: 1987 First Generation End Year: 1996 Current Generation Model Year: 1991 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Pickup Truck Key Selling Point: Compact size with car-like ride quality and available V6 power Competitive Analysis Direct Competitors: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma (first generation was later), Nissan Hardbody Key Features Body Styles: Regular Cab, Extended Cab Drivetrain Options: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Powertrain Variety: Offered a range of engine options including efficient 4-cylinders and powerful V6s. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: All models and all repairs A-Z Diagnostic Coverage: Comprehensive diagnostic procedures Maintenance Coverage: Routine maintenance and preventative care Repair Coverage: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions Specifications Coverage: Vehicle-specific technical specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Origin Of Manual: Factory-authorized technician manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine overhaul, component replacement, timing, seals, gaskets Engine Fuel System: Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, emissions control Engine Ignition System: Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor, timing control Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear ratios, shifting mechanisms Transmission Automatic: Transmission overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control, valve body Drivetrain: Driveshafts, U-joints, differential, axles Suspension: Front and rear suspension, springs, shocks, control arms, bushings Steering: Power steering system, steering gear, linkage, column Brakes: Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams Body And Frame: Body panel removal, repair, structural components, chassis HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair Dashboard And Instruments: Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, switchgear Restraint Systems: Seat belts, airbags (if applicable for the year, though less common for 1991) Procedures Included General Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication Engine Diagnostics: Troubleshooting engine performance issues, misfires, starting problems Transmission Repair: Complete rebuild procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions Brake Service: Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing, hydraulic system bleeding Electrical Troubleshooting: Using wiring diagrams to diagnose electrical faults Engine Rebuild: Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly Suspension Component Replacement: Ball joints, tie rods, control arms, shock absorbers HVAC System Repair: Component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser), refrigerant handling (with caution for era's refrigerants) Wheel Alignment: Specifications for caster, camber, and toe angles Body Repair: Dent repair, panel replacement, rust treatment Technical Depth Depth Level: Complete vehicle overhaul and repair Diagnostic Capability: Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting trees Torque Specifications: Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners Clearances And Tolerances: Specifications for engine internal clearances, bearing play, etc. Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive, high-quality electrical wiring diagrams for all systems 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Printed Document Print Quality Print Quality: Professional printer quality with clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding Type: Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use in a workshop setting Paper Type Paper Type: Durable paper stock designed for workshop environments ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine 1991: 2.5L 8-valve OHV Inline-4 (4-250) Base Engine Horsepower 1991: ~100 hp @ 4400 rpm Base Engine Torque 1991: ~135 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm Performance Optional Engine 1991: 3.0L 12-valve OHV V6 (6G72) Optional Engine Horsepower 1991: ~143-150 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm Optional Engine Torque 1991: ~160-170 lb-ft @ 2400-3000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual) Engine Management ECU Type: Chrysler's proprietary engine control unit (ECU) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Optional Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed Automatic (A500/42RH) or 4-speed Automatic (A518/46RH) on some V6 models Features Transfer Case 4Wd: Part-time 4WD transfer case with manual or automatic (NP231/NP236 variants) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Regular Cab: ~109.6 inches Wheelbase Extended Cab: ~124.5 inches Bed Lengths: Short bed (~6.5 ft), Long bed (~8 ft) Weights Curb Weight Range: ~3000-3700 lbs depending on configuration Towing Capacity Range: ~2000-4500 lbs depending on engine and configuration 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results 1991: Limited public data available for this era; NHTSA ratings not as comprehensive as modern standards. Active Features Braking System: Front disc, rear drum brakes. Optional rear ABS on some models. Passive Features Seat Belts: Standard lap and shoulder belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Speakers: Basic speaker configurations, typically 2 or 4 speakers. Driver Assistance ABS: Rear Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models/trims. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None (pre-dates modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months (as per original recommendation for this...
Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting trees
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for engine internal clearances, bearing play, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-quality electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Printed Document
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Professional printer quality with clear diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use in a workshop setting
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock designed for workshop environments
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Base Engine 1991:
2.5L 8-valve OHV Inline-4 (4-250)
Base Engine Horsepower 1991:
~100 hp @ 4400 rpm
Base Engine Torque 1991:
~135 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Performance
Optional Engine 1991:
3.0L 12-valve OHV V6 (6G72)
Optional Engine Horsepower 1991:
~143-150 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm
Optional Engine Torque 1991:
~160-170 lb-ft @ 2400-3000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Chrysler's proprietary engine control unit (ECU)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic (A500/42RH) or 4-speed Automatic (A518/46RH) on some V6 models
Features
Transfer Case 4Wd:
Part-time 4WD transfer case with manual or automatic (NP231/NP236 variants)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
~109.6 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
~124.5 inches
Bed Lengths:
Short bed (~6.5 ft), Long bed (~8 ft)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
~3000-3700 lbs depending on configuration
Towing Capacity Range:
~2000-4500 lbs depending on engine and configuration
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results 1991:
Limited public data available for this era; NHTSA ratings not as comprehensive as modern standards.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes. Optional rear ABS on some models.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speakers:
Basic speaker configurations, typically 2 or 4 speakers.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Rear Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models/trims.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-dates modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months (as per original recommendation for this era).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use and transmission type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; generally around 30,000 miles for conventional plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 for the 4-cylinder, 10W-30 for the V6 (check manual for precise spec).
Engine Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant) - check capacity in manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent power steering fluid (check manual).
Known Issues
Common Issues 1991:
Rust (especially wheel wells and frame), potential for ignition system issues (e.g., distributor cap/rotor), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, minor electrical gremlins.
Engine Performance Notes:
4-cylinder can feel underpowered when loaded or at altitude. V6 offers significantly better performance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing robust vehicles, including trucks and performance cars.
Model Evolution
First Generation Intro:
The Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 1987 model year, designed to fill a gap between smaller Japanese compact trucks and larger American full-size pickups.
1991 Update Significance:
The 1991 model represents a mid-cycle refresh for the first generation, featuring updated styling, interior refinements, and powertrain improvements.
While specific 'awards' for the 1991 model are not prominently documented, the Dakota line was recognized for its utility and the introduction of a V6 in a compact truck segment.