The service and repair manual for the 1988 Dodge Dakota — 3.9L V6 and 2.2L I4 engines, 4 trims. Matched to this exact model year, so the specifications and sequences are the ones Dodge published for your car, not figures carried over from a neighbouring year.
01 / FitmentWhat this manual covers
| Model year | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.9L V6 — 238 cu in, OHV 2.2L I4 — SOHC |
| Trims | Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sport Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · LE Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · SE Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door |
| Federal record | 2 recalls · 65 complaints · 1 technical service bulletins (refreshed 2026-08-21) |
02 / InsideSample pages from the 1988 Dakota manual
03 / ContentsSections in the manual
- Quick Lookups 64
- Engine Performance 725
- Accessories & Equipment 119
- General Information 1,392
- Body & Frame 20
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 82
- Brakes 73
- Maintenance 92
- Drivelines & Axles 73
- Steering 142
- Electrical 185
- Suspension 53
- Engine Mechanical 124
- Transmission 182
- Steering Wheel Retaining Nut 45
04 / Known issuesRecalls on federal record for the 1988 Dakota
- Power Train — automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl) · 87V194000This condition could allow the vehicle to roll with thegear shift lever in park position.
- Wheels — lugs/nuts/bolts/studs · 88V074000Wheel studs could loosen, allowing wheel to separatefrom the truck.
Owners have filed 65 complaints and Dodge has issued 1 technical service bulletins for the 1988 Dakota. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind these systems.
FAQQuestions about the 1988 Dakota manual
Is this manual specific to the 1988 Dakota?
Yes. It is the OEM manual matched to the 1988 model year, covering the 3.9L V6 and 2.2L I4 across the Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door, Sport Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door, LE Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door, SE Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door trims. Specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Dodge published for this year.
What 1988 Dakota problems does it help with?
2 recalls are on federal record for the 1988 Dakota, covering power train, wheels. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures for those systems; the recall repairs themselves are done free by Dodge dealers.
Does it include 1988 Dakota wiring diagrams?
Yes — the complete wiring diagrams for the 1988 build, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostics.
Is it a subscription?
No. $29.99 once and the manual is yours. It is a digital manual — nothing ships; access details arrive by email after checkout and it works on any device.
RelatedOther Dakota years and 1988 Dodge models
1994 Dakota · 1993 Dakota · 1992 Dakota · 1991 Dakota · 1990 Dakota · 1989 Dakota · 1987 Dakota · all 26 years
1988 Dodge 600 · 1988 Dodge Aries · 1988 Dodge B150 · 1988 Dodge B250 · 1988 Dodge B350 · 1988 Dodge Caravan · 1988 Dodge Challenger · 1988 Dodge Charger · 1988 Dodge Colt · 1988 Dodge D100 · 1988 Dodge D150 · 1988 Dodge D250 · every 1988 model