1988 Dodge Dakota Repair Manual PDF

The 1988 Dodge Dakota Repair Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing the 1988 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. This manual covers engine systems (2.2L and 3.9L engines), transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical systems, and body components. Below are key sections for maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, specifications, and repair instructions.

1. General Information 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Technical Specifications 11. Wiring Diagrams

General Information

Overview of 1988 Dodge Dakota models, VIN decoding, vehicle identification, and manual organization.

Model	Engine	Transmission	Drive
Dakota Base	2.2L I4	5-speed manual	RWD
Dakota Sport	3.9L V6	4-speed automatic	RWD/4WD
Dakota LE	3.9L V6	5-speed manual	RWD/4WD

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures.

Oil and filter change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Brake inspection: Every 12,000 miles
Coolant flush: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Transmission fluid: Every 15,000 miles (manual), 30,000 miles (automatic)

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle. Wear safety glasses.

Engine Repair

Detailed procedures for 2.2L and 3.9L engine systems.

2.2L I4 Engine: Timing belt replacement, cylinder head removal, valve adjustment
3.9L V6 Engine: Timing chain service, intake manifold, exhaust system
Fuel System: Carburetor adjustment, fuel pump replacement, injector service
Cooling System: Radiator replacement, thermostat, water pump
Ignition System: Distributor timing, spark plug replacement, coil testing

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual and automatic transmission service procedures.

Manual Transmission: A465 5-speed overhaul, clutch replacement
Automatic Transmission: A904 3-speed service, fluid change procedures
Transfer Case: NP231 service for 4WD models
Drive Axles: Front and rear differential service
Driveshaft: U-joint replacement, balancing procedures

Suspension & Steering

Front and rear suspension components and steering system repair.

Component	Service Procedure	Torque Specs
Front Coil Springs	Removal and installation	85-105 ft-lbs
Shock Absorbers	Replacement procedure	45-65 ft-lbs
Ball Joints	Inspection and replacement	75-95 ft-lbs
Tie Rod Ends	Replacement and alignment	35-45 ft-lbs

Brake Systems

Front disc and rear drum brake service procedures.

Front Brakes: Disc pad replacement, caliper service, rotor machining
Rear Brakes: Drum removal, shoe replacement, wheel cylinder
Master Cylinder: Bench bleeding, installation
Brake Lines: Steel and rubber line replacement
Parking Brake: Cable adjustment and replacement

CAUTION! Always bleed brake system after service. Test brakes at low speed first.

Electrical Systems

Charging, starting, lighting, and accessory electrical systems.

Battery: Testing, replacement, cable service
Alternator: Output test, replacement procedure
Starter: Removal, bench testing, installation
Lighting: Headlight adjustment, bulb replacement
Instrument Cluster: Gauge testing, speedometer cable

Body & Interior

Body panel repair, interior components, and glass service.

Doors: Hinge adjustment, window regulator
Seats: Removal, track repair, upholstery
Dashboard: Component removal, instrument panel
Glass: Windshield replacement, door glass
Exterior Trim: Molding, emblems, bumpers

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems and diagnostic procedures.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Ignition, fuel, battery	Check spark, fuel delivery, battery voltage
Overheating	Cooling system	Check thermostat, water pump, radiator
Brake pull	Calipers, alignment	Inspect calipers, check front end alignment
Transmission slip	Fluid, bands	Check fluid level, adjust bands
Electrical issues	Grounds, fuses	Check grounds, test fuses and relays

Technical Specifications

Complete technical data and torque specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity: 2.2L - 4 quarts, 3.9L - 5 quarts
Coolant Capacity: 2.2L - 9 quarts, 3.9L - 13 quarts
Spark Plug Gap: 0.035 inches
Tire Pressure: 32 PSI (front and rear)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons
Wheel Lug Torque: 85-110 ft-lbs

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical schematics for all systems.

Includes: Starting and charging circuits, lighting systems, instrument panel wiring, engine control diagrams, accessory circuits, and color code identification.

Note: All wiring diagrams show wire colors, connector locations, and ground points.