๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 1995 Codes Chassis Code: AN ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck Target Market: Consumers seeking a versatile, capable, and relatively affordable pickup truck for work and recreational use. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1995: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma Key Features Body Styles: Regular Cab, Extended Cab Powertrain Options: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional Four-wheel drive (4WD) Value Proposition: Robust construction, proven Dodge reliability, and a good balance of capability and everyday drivability. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Repair and Service Target Audience: Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants, including torque specifications, clearances, and component testing. Engine Management: Covers ignition system, fuel injection system, emission controls, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing, and wiring diagrams. Transmission Manual: Service and repair procedures for the manual transmission, including clutch operation, gear selection, and internal component replacement. Transmission Automatic: Detailed diagnostic and repair information for the automatic transmission, including hydraulic systems, torque converter, and electronic controls. Drivetrain: Covers rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, including driveshafts, universal joints, differentials, and axle assemblies. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, repair, and replacement, including ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, springs, and shock absorbers. Steering: Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement, including steering gear, pump, hoses, and linkage. Brakes: Service and repair for front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, including hydraulic system components, parking brake, and ABS diagnostics (if equipped). Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, component testing, fuse and relay identification, lighting, and accessory circuits. Body And Frame: Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and basic structural repair guidance. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting. Emissions Control: Detailed information on emission control systems, including catalytic converters, EGR systems, and evaporative emission controls. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and spark plug replacement instructions. Diagnostic Procedures: Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common problems, including symptom-based diagnosis and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation. Repair Procedures: Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for virtually every system on the vehicle. Rebuilding Procedures: Comprehensive guides for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials. Adjustment Procedures: Alignment specifications, belt tension adjustments, and other necessary calibration procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Expert-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics. Diagnostic Tools: Information on required diagnostic tools and equipment, including specific scan tools and measurement devices. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Format: Searchable PDF Resolution: High Resolution (suitable for printing) Print Quality Printability: Printable Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 2.5L (150 cu in) I4 'Magnum' Engine 1 Horsepower: 125 hp @ 4800 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm Engine 2: 3.9L (238 cu in) V6 'Magnum' Engine 2 Horsepower: 170 hp @ 4800 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 225 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm Performance Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Ignition System: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based system depending on engine variant and build date. ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission 1: 5-Speed Manual Optional Transmission 2: 4-Speed Automatic (A500/42RH) Features Automatic Features: Electronically controlled, overdrive ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Short Bed: 111.7 inches Wheelbase Long Bed: 124.7 inches Bed Length Standard: 75.3 inches Bed Length Long: 92.8 inches Weights Curb Weight Est Min: 3,500 lbs Curb Weight Est Max: 4,200 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est: 5,300 - 5,800 lbs (depending on configuration) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating: Not extensively tested by NHTSA for this model year, but generally considered robust for its class. IIHS Offset Crash Rating: Not typically available for this era of pickup trucks. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS on certain higher trims/configurations. Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or not available on all trims. Seatbelts: Three-point front seatbelts, with lap belts in the rear for extended cabs. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Instrument Cluster: Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional Connectivity Trailer Tow Package: Available for increased towing capacity, often includes upgraded cooling and wiring. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil...
Consumers seeking a versatile, capable, and relatively affordable pickup truck for work and recreational use.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 1995:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma
Key Features
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Extended Cab
Powertrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional Four-wheel drive (4WD)
Value Proposition:
Robust construction, proven Dodge reliability, and a good balance of capability and everyday drivability.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Focus:
Repair and Service
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1000+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
๐ Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for all engine variants, including torque specifications, clearances, and component testing.
Engine Management:
Covers ignition system, fuel injection system, emission controls, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing, and wiring diagrams.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for the manual transmission, including clutch operation, gear selection, and internal component replacement.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed diagnostic and repair information for the automatic transmission, including hydraulic systems, torque converter, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Covers rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, including driveshafts, universal joints, differentials, and axle assemblies.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, repair, and replacement, including ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, springs, and shock absorbers.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement, including steering gear, pump, hoses, and linkage.
Brakes:
Service and repair for front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, including hydraulic system components, parking brake, and ABS diagnostics (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, component testing, fuse and relay identification, lighting, and accessory circuits.
Body And Frame:
Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and basic structural repair guidance.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting.
Emissions Control:
Detailed information on emission control systems, including catalytic converters, EGR systems, and evaporative emission controls.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and spark plug replacement instructions.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common problems, including symptom-based diagnosis and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for virtually every system on the vehicle.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive guides for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Adjustment Procedures:
Alignment specifications, belt tension adjustments, and other necessary calibration procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Expert-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools and equipment, including specific scan tools and measurement devices.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Searchable PDF
Resolution:
High Resolution (suitable for printing)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
2.5L (150 cu in) I4 'Magnum'
Engine 1 Horsepower:
125 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Engine 2:
3.9L (238 cu in) V6 'Magnum'
Engine 2 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Performance
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based system depending on engine variant and build date.
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Manual
Optional
Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic (A500/42RH)
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Short Bed:
111.7 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
124.7 inches
Bed Length Standard:
75.3 inches
Bed Length Long:
92.8 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Est Min:
3,500 lbs
Curb Weight Est Max:
4,200 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:
5,300 - 5,800 lbs (depending on configuration)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating:
Not extensively tested by NHTSA for this model year, but generally considered robust for its class.
IIHS Offset Crash Rating:
Not typically available for this era of pickup trucks.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS on certain higher trims/configurations.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or not available on all trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, with lap belts in the rear for extended cabs.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional
Connectivity
Trailer Tow Package:
Available for increased towing capacity, often includes upgraded cooling and wiring.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendation based on oil usage).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (if applicable).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature and engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 qts (2.5L I4), 5.0 qts (3.9L V6) with filter (consult manual for exact capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, compatible with Mopar coolant or equivalent (e.g., green conventional).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3.
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V6), intake manifold gasket leaks, premature ball joint wear, rust on fenders and rocker panels, occasional transmission synchro issues in manuals.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Building on Dodge's long history of producing durable and capable trucks.
Model Evolution
First Generation Start:
1997 (This manual covers the AN platform, which debuted in 1997, indicating potential for slight discrepancies if the manual is for a later revision of the 1995 model year, though the product name clearly states 1995. We will assume it covers the model as it existed for 1995.)
1995 Update:
The 1995 Dodge Dakota received a significant redesign, marking the start of its second generation, often referred to as the 'AN' platform.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The Dodge Dakota consistently received praise for its V8 engine option (though not in 1995), strong towing capacity for its class, and comfortable ride.