The service and repair manual for the 1996 Dodge Dakota — 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8 and 2.5L I4 and 2.5L I4 engines, 7 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 | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.9L V6 — 238 cu in, OHV 5.2L V8 — 318 cu in, OHV 2.5L I4 — 153 cu in, OHV 2.5L I4 — 153 cu in, SOHC |
| Trims | Base Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door · Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sport Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sport Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door · SLT Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door · WS Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door +1 |
| Federal record | 2 recalls · 250 complaints · 51 technical service bulletins (refreshed 2026-08-21) |
02 / InsideSample pages from the 1996 Dakota manual
03 / ContentsSections in the manual
- Quick Lookups 94
- General Information 1,439
- Accessories & Equipment 170
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 137
- Body & Frame 27
- Maintenance 88
- Brakes 610
- Restraints 101
- Drivelines & Axles 95
- Steering 313
- Electrical 177
- Suspension 42
- Engine Mechanical 108
- Transmission 371
- Engine Performance 1,347
- Axle Nut/Hub Nut 190
- Radiator Cap Pressure 16
04 / Known issuesRecalls on federal record for the 1996 Dakota
- Exterior Lighting · 06E049000Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicl.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — power assist · 95V199000A disconnected vacuum hose can cause an increase in engine idle speed and loss of brake power assist.
Owners have filed 250 complaints and Dodge has issued 51 technical service bulletins for the 1996 Dakota. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind these systems.
FAQQuestions about the 1996 Dakota manual
Is this manual specific to the 1996 Dakota?
Yes. It is the OEM manual matched to the 1996 model year, covering the 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8 and 2.5L I4 and 2.5L I4 across the Base Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door, Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door, Sport Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door, Sport Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door, SLT Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door, WS Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door, SLT Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door trims. Specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Dodge published for this year.
What 1996 Dakota problems does it help with?
2 recalls are on federal record for the 1996 Dakota, covering exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic. 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 1996 Dakota wiring diagrams?
Yes — the complete wiring diagrams for the 1996 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 1996 Dodge models
2002 Dakota · 2001 Dakota · 2000 Dakota · 1999 Dakota · 1998 Dakota · 1997 Dakota · 1995 Dakota · 1994 Dakota · 1993 Dakota · 1992 Dakota · 1991 Dakota · 1990 Dakota · all 26 years
1996 Dodge Avenger · 1996 Dodge B1500 · 1996 Dodge B2500 · 1996 Dodge B3500 · 1996 Dodge Caravan · 1996 Dodge Challenger · 1996 Dodge Charger · 1996 Dodge Dart · 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan · 1996 Dodge Intrepid · 1996 Dodge Magnum · 1996 Dodge Neon · every 1996 model