🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 1994 Codes Vin Prefix: 1"B" Generation First Generation Years: 1987-1996 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Pickup Truck Target Audience: DIY mechanics, professional technicians, owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicle. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody. Key Features Vehicle Strengths 1994: Robust construction, available V6 power, capable off-road (especially 4x4 models), practical utility. Manual Value Proposition: Enables comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance, reduces reliance on expensive shop labor, preserves vehicle value. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Coverage: All 1994 Dodge Dakota engine options, including 2.5L I4 and 3.9L V6. Transmission Coverage: All 1994 Dodge Dakota transmission options, including manual and automatic. Chassis Coverage: Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, wheels, tires. Electrical Coverage: Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories. Body Coverage: Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, bumpers. Page Count Approximate Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Full Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, based on typical online manual offerings) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine overhaul and repair, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust systems, cooling system, lubrication system. Drivetrain: Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), drive shafts, differentials, axles. Suspension Steering: Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering gear, power steering. Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped). Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, ignition switch, fuse box, relays, lighting systems, gauges, power windows, power locks. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment. Rebuilding: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding. Diagnostics: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and testing procedures for various systems. Body Repair: Panel replacement, dent repair, rust remediation, glass replacement. Interior Trim Removal: Procedures for removing dashboard components, door panels, and seating. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed, factory-quality electrical schematics for all systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable: Likely text-searchable PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 2.5L (150 cu in) Magnum 4-Cylinder Engine 1 Horsepower: Approx. 125 hp @ 4800 rpm Engine 1 Torque: Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Optional Engine Engine 2: 3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6 Engine 2 Horsepower: Approx. 170 hp @ 4800 rpm Engine 2 Torque: Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Management ECU: Chrysler's 8-bit engine control unit (ECU) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 1: 5-Speed Manual (A500/NV3500 variants) Optional Transmission Type 2: 4-Speed Automatic (A500/A518 variants) Features Overdrive: Standard on all transmissions (4th gear on auto, 5th gear on manual). Fluid Specifications Automatic Fluid Type: ATF+3 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 7176) Manual Fluid Type: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Std: 111.9 inches Wheelbase Long: 124.9 inches Overall Length Std: 195.0 inches Overall Length Long: 212.0 inches Weights Curb Weight Min: Approx. 3,400 lbs Payload Capacity Max: Approx. 1,400-1,800 lbs (model dependent) Towing Capacity Max: Approx. 6,500 lbs (model dependent, with appropriate equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Resistance: Not rated for this model year during its production period. Active Features ABS: Available on certain trims/configurations Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard. Seatbelts: Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear belts (standard cab). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels. Connectivity Diagnostic Port: OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically located under the dashboard. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions) Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (preferred in most conditions) or SAE 10W-30 Coolant Type: Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green, ethylene glycol-based), 50/50 mix with distilled water. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid: Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3 Known Issues Rust Corrosion: Prone to rust in fender wells, rocker panels, and around wheel arches, especially in areas with road salt. Transmission Hard Shifts: Automatic transmissions may develop hard shifting due to worn solenoids or valve body issues. Ignition System: Distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires can degrade over time,...
Procedures for removing dashboard components, door panels, and seating.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, factory-quality electrical schematics for all systems.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchable:
Likely text-searchable PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
2.5L (150 cu in) Magnum 4-Cylinder
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine 2:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 170 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
ECU:
Chrysler's 8-bit engine control unit (ECU)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type 1:
5-Speed Manual (A500/NV3500 variants)
Optional
Transmission Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic (A500/A518 variants)
Features
Overdrive:
Standard on all transmissions (4th gear on auto, 5th gear on manual).
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 7176)
Manual Fluid Type:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Std:
111.9 inches
Wheelbase Long:
124.9 inches
Overall Length Std:
195.0 inches
Overall Length Long:
212.0 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3,400 lbs
Payload Capacity Max:
Approx. 1,400-1,800 lbs (model dependent)
Towing Capacity Max:
Approx. 6,500 lbs (model dependent, with appropriate equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Not rated for this model year during its production period.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on certain trims/configurations
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear belts (standard cab).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically located under the dashboard.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (preferred in most conditions) or SAE 10W-30
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green, ethylene glycol-based), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3
Known Issues
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in fender wells, rocker panels, and around wheel arches, especially in areas with road salt.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Automatic transmissions may develop hard shifting due to worn solenoids or valve body issues.
Ignition System:
Distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires can degrade over time, leading to misfires.
Exhaust Leaks:
Exhaust manifolds and pipes can develop leaks due to heat and vibration.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, from the Power Wagon to the Ram series.
Model Evolution
Dakota Launch:
The Dodge Dakota was introduced in 1987 as Chrysler's first compact pickup truck, filling a gap between smaller imports and full-size trucks.
1994 Updates:
The 1994 model year saw a significant styling refresh, including new front-end styling (grille, headlights, bumper), revised interior, and updated engines.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The Dodge Dakota was not awarded MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 1994.