🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 1996 Codes Platform: NS 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Pickup Truck Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, truck owners Competitive Analysis Competitors 1996: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody Key Features Unique Selling Point: Robust truck offering with a range of engine options, known for its V8 power in a compact package Manual Advantage: Provides in-depth, factory-level repair information essential for proper maintenance and repair 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine: 2.5L I4, 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8 Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (A500/42RE, A518/46RE), 5-speed Manual Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Body Style: Regular Cab, Club Cab Suspension: Front: Independent Torsion Bar, Rear: Solid Axle with Leaf Springs Brakes: Front: Disc, Rear: Drum Electrical: All 1996 Dakota models Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete engine overhaul, internal components, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, rings, bearings Engine Performance: Fuel delivery, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP) Ignition System: Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition control module (ICM) Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, oil passages Exhaust System: Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes Transmission Automatic: Internal components, valve body, torque converter, clutch packs, seals, fluid service Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox, shift linkage, fluid service Drivetrain Components: Driveshafts, universal joints, axle shafts, differential (rear) Suspension Front: Torsion bars, control arms, ball joints, steering knuckles, sway bar Suspension Rear: Leaf springs, shock absorbers, axle housing Steering System: Steering gear, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods Brake System: Master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, brake pads, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, parking brake Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams Body And Frame: Body panels, chassis components, doors, glass, interior trim, upholstery HVAC System: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls Safety Systems: Airbags (if equipped), seat belts, body structure integrity Procedures Included Preventive Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, belt inspections, tire rotations Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based diagnosis Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair Component Rebuild: Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions Electrical Diagnostics: Interpreting wiring diagrams, testing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults Wheel Alignment: Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment Brake Service: Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures HVAC Service: Refrigerant charging, component replacement, leak detection Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls Diagnostic Tools: Information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and specialized tools Specifications: Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, electrical tolerances 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable (OCR processed) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 2.5L Magnum Inline-4 (JTEC) Engine 2: 3.9L Magnum V6 (JTEC) Engine 3: 5.2L Magnum V8 (JTEC) Performance 2 5L Displacement 2 5L: 2492 cc (152 cu in) Horsepower 2 5L: 122 hp @ 4800 rpm Torque 2 5L: 137 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Performance 3 9L Displacement 3 9L: 3906 cc (238 cu in) Horsepower 3 9L: 175 hp @ 4800 rpm Torque 3 9L: 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Performance 5 2L Displacement 5 2L: 5211 cc (318 cu in) Horsepower 5 2L: 220 hp @ 4400 rpm Torque 5 2L: 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Management ECM: JTEC (Jeep Truck Engine Controller) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard: 5-speed manual (NV3500) Optional Transmission Optional 1: 4-speed automatic (A500/42RE) - RWD Transmission Optional 2: 4-speed automatic (A518/46RE) - Heavy Duty/V8 Features Automatic Features: Overdrive gear, electronically controlled Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity) Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 111.9 inches (Regular Cab), 124.9 inches (Club Cab) Length: Varies by bed length (e.g., approx. 197.0 inches for standard bed) Width: Approx. 71.7 inches Height: Approx. 65.0 inches Cargo Bed Lengths: Short Bed (approx. 70.5 inches), Long Bed (approx. 83.5 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Varies by configuration (approx. 3500-4500 lbs) Towing Capacity: Up to 7000 lbs (with appropriate engine and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact: Not rated (vehicles from this era often lacked standardized testing) NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact: Not rated Active Features ABS: Available on...