🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Durango Years Covered: 1998, 1999, 2000 Codes Product Code Hint: Manual Approved for 1998-2000 Models 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). Target Audience: Families, individuals requiring utility and towing capability, off-road enthusiasts (with 4WD models). Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder. Key Features Versatility: Offered with powerful V8 engines and optional 4WD, making it suitable for towing and varied terrain. Interior Space: Roomy cabin with available third-row seating in later iterations (though less common in early models). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital (PDF) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel & emissions, engine management, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, transmission (automatic), transfer case (4WD models). Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear), wheels and tires. Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, seats), audio system, HVAC controls, trailer wiring. Body: Exterior (doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass), interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC). Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, fluid checks and changes, filter replacement, tire rotation, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, battery maintenance. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, brake system anomalies, and steering/suspension noise. Repair: Engine repair (e.g., cylinder head removal, gasket replacement), transmission service, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), power steering pump replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, door lock actuator replacement. Technical Specifications: Torque specifications for critical fasteners, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations, wiring diagrams, exploded views, component identification. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Readability: High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing. Binding Type Digital Access: Downloadable file for offline access on various devices. Paper Type Digital Media: N/A (Digital Product) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Type: 4.7L Magnum V8 (Optional/Primary for later models) Engine 1 Displacement: 4.7 Liters (287 cu. in.) Engine 1 Horsepower: Approx. 230-235 hp Engine 1 Torque: Approx. 295-300 lb-ft Engine 2 Type: 5.2L Magnum V8 (Standard for early models) Engine 2 Displacement: 5.2 Liters (318 cu. in.) Engine 2 Horsepower: Approx. 220-230 hp Engine 2 Torque: Approx. 290-300 lb-ft Engine 3 Type: 5.9L Magnum V8 (Optional for later models) Engine 3 Displacement: 5.9 Liters (360 cu. in.) Engine 3 Horsepower: Approx. 245-250 hp Engine 3 Torque: Approx. 325-330 lb-ft Performance Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., 46RE, 45RFE) Optional Transfer Case: 2-speed NV244 transfer case with electronic shifting (4WD models) Features Overdrive: Standard overdrive gear for improved fuel economy. Tow Mode: Some models may feature a tow/haul mode for enhanced towing performance. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 116.7 inches Length: Approx. 193.4 - 193.8 inches Width: Approx. 71.3 inches Height: Approx. 71.5 - 72.1 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 100-110 cu. ft. Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row: Approx. 87.0 cu. ft. Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: Approx. 40.8 cu. ft. Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4300 - 4700 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain) Towing Capacity: Up to 7,000 lbs (with appropriate equipment and engine) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Rating: Four-star (estimated based on period testing) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on select models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags were not standard during this period. Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player (optional), cassette player (early models). Speakers: Up to 6 speakers depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Connectivity Phone Integration: No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity in this generation. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics). Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-100,000 miles (varies greatly; consult manual). Coolant Change Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Spark Plug Replacement: Around 100,000 miles for modern spark plugs. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature and engine variant; refer to manual). Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 5 quarts (4.7L) for V8s. Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid) or equivalent. Coolant Type: Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3. Known Issues Engine Issues: Head gasket leaks on early 4.7L V8s, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks. Transmission...
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.
Key Features
Versatility:
Offered with powerful V8 engines and optional 4WD, making it suitable for towing and varied terrain.
Interior Space:
Roomy cabin with available third-row seating in later iterations (though less common in early models).
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Digital (PDF)
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1500+
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel & emissions, engine management, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, transmission (automatic), transfer case (4WD models).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, seats), audio system, HVAC controls, trailer wiring.
Body:
Exterior (doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass), interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC).
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil change, fluid checks and changes, filter replacement, tire rotation, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, battery maintenance.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, brake system anomalies, and steering/suspension noise.
Repair:
Engine repair (e.g., cylinder head removal, gasket replacement), transmission service, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), power steering pump replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, door lock actuator replacement.
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Readability:
High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.
Binding Type
Digital Access:
Downloadable file for offline access on various devices.
Paper Type
Digital Media:
N/A (Digital Product)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Type:
4.7L Magnum V8 (Optional/Primary for later models)
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cu. in.)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-235 hp
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft
Engine 2 Type:
5.2L Magnum V8 (Standard for early models)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.2 Liters (318 cu. in.)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 220-230 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 290-300 lb-ft
Engine 3 Type:
5.9L Magnum V8 (Optional for later models)
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.9 Liters (360 cu. in.)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 245-250 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 325-330 lb-ft
Performance
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., 46RE, 45RFE)
Optional
Transfer Case:
2-speed NV244 transfer case with electronic shifting (4WD models)
Features
Overdrive:
Standard overdrive gear for improved fuel economy.
Tow Mode:
Some models may feature a tow/haul mode for enhanced towing performance.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 116.7 inches
Length:
Approx. 193.4 - 193.8 inches
Width:
Approx. 71.3 inches
Height:
Approx. 71.5 - 72.1 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 100-110 cu. ft.
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 87.0 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 40.8 cu. ft.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4300 - 4700 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,000 lbs (with appropriate equipment and engine)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Four-star (estimated based on period testing)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on select models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags were not standard during this period.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player (optional), cassette player (early models).
Speakers:
Up to 6 speakers depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity in this generation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (varies greatly; consult manual).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles for modern spark plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature and engine variant; refer to manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7L) for V8s.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid) or equivalent.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3.
Known Issues
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks on early 4.7L V8s, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks.
Transmission Issues:
Early 45RFE transmission control module (TCM) issues, potential torque converter shudder, worn clutch packs.
Suspension Issues:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links due to vehicle weight and SUV usage.
Electrical Issues:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor failure, dashboard warning light intermittent operation.
Brake Issues:
Warped rotors, worn brake pads (common on heavier SUVs).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles).
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation Durango (1998-2003).
Platform:
Shared platform with the Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Facelifts:
Minor styling updates occurred during this generation, with more significant changes for the 2004 model year (second generation).
Production
Assembly Plant:
Newark, Delaware, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motor Trend Awards:
While specific awards for the 1998-2000 model year are not prominently recalled, the Durango generally performed well in comparisons for its class due to its V8 power and truck-based capability.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied, with some common issues noted but generally considered average for its segment during that era. The manual will detail how to address these.