Dodge Dakota 1987–1996 Collection | 1995 Factory Service Manual (P/N 81-370-5110)

The model overview gives production and trim background for the first generation. The factory workshop procedures are specific to the 1995 model year.

Search, Bookmarks, and Wiring Detail

Text search and diagrams: The service manual has searchable workshop text, chapter bookmarks, and a linked contents page. Many wire codes and pin labels are embedded in the diagrams. Small labels are easier to read when zoomed in, and some fuel and ignition diagrams have faint lettering. The model overview has searchable text and no PDF bookmarks. Both PDFs restrict text copying.

The ZIP contains 1,435 pages across two printable PDFs. The total includes the service manual’s added cover and contents page and 36 pages with only a footer.

Engine, Drivetrain, and Chassis Service

This selection of workshop topics highlights the main repair and diagnostic sections. Other procedures include propeller-shaft universal joint replacement and evaporative emissions service.

• Engine repair: Step-by-step engine removal and installation, cylinder-head service, and timing-system work for the four-cylinder, V6, and V8.

• Fuel and cooling: Fuel-pressure checks, injector diagnosis, cooling-system leak testing, thermostat and water-pump service, radiator replacement, and fan diagnosis.

• Clutch and drivetrain: Hydraulic clutch service, AX 15 and NV3500 manual transmission repair, 42RH and 46RH automatic and overdrive overhaul, and NP231 transfer case disassembly and assembly.

• Front suspension: Coil-spring 2WD and torsion-bar 4WD procedures, with ball-joint inspection, front CV shaft service, and caster, camber, and toe adjustment.

• Brakes: Front disc and rear drum repair, rear-wheel antilock (RWAL) and all-wheel ABS diagnosis, wheel-speed sensor replacement, hydraulic valve service, and bleeding.

• Electrical diagnosis: Fuel and ignition diagrams, ground distribution, connector pinouts, splice references, and component-location views for tracing faults.

The manual is suited to technicians and experienced owners who are comfortable using test gauges and special service tools for diagnosis and overhaul.

Engine Inspection and Fuel Systems

Schedules A and B separate regular maintenance from service under more demanding conditions. Engine inspection includes compression testing, piston and connecting-rod checks, crankshaft bearing inspection, and oil-pump service. The four-cylinder uses a timing belt, while the V6 and V8 sections cover timing chains.

Fuel service distinguishes single-point throttle-body injection from V6 and V8 multiport injection. It covers idle-air-control and PCM-related component checks, with a separate fuel-pressure leak-down test for the V6 and V8. The VIN chart also identifies a CNG variant. The fuel-system repair chapters cover gasoline injection.

Transmission Diagnosis and Overhaul

The automatic transmission section covers hydraulic pressure tests, clutch and band air tests, converter stall testing, and valve body service. Its clutch and band application chart helps narrow a shift complaint by showing which friction elements operate in each gear.

The NV3500 chapter distinguishes the original and close-ratio gearsets and explains the revised shift mechanism. Its assembly cautions describe how forcing misaligned housings together can damage the shift forks and gears. The manual gives lubricant and fluid-service requirements by transmission and transfer case type. The hydraulic clutch linkage is serviced as a prefilled assembly.

Axle Setup and Steering

Axle chapters cover the 4WD front axle, both rear axle sizes, and the optional Trac-Loc differential. Bearing preload, backlash, pinion-depth measurement with Gauge Set C-3715-B, and gear tooth contact illustrations support differential setup. The rear axle procedure also flags the risk of damaging the RWAL sensor during differential removal.

Power steering diagnosis includes pump flow and pressure tests. The 2WD rack-and-pinion gear is serviced by complete-unit replacement, with separate boot service. The 4WD recirculating-ball steering gear has its own overhaul procedures.

Electrical Tests, Body, and Optional Equipment

Electrical sections include starting and charging tests, instrument diagnosis, power accessory service, and airbag-system procedures. Ignition-switch and selected wiring pages incorporate service bulletin revisions. General trouble-code information and component tests are included. Detailed DRB scan-tool diagnosis uses the separately referenced Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures manual, which is outside this download.

Body chapters cover frame measurement and straightening, doors, urethane-set glass, and cab components. The R-134a air-conditioning section covers leak testing, evacuation, charging, and SD7H15 compressor-clutch service.

Optional snowplow coverage includes hydraulic pump and power-angling cylinder service and solenoid testing. A blade-raise diagram shows the electrical feed and hydraulic flow together.

Fuel Pressure and NV3500 Ratio Examples

The V6 and V8 fuel-pressure test specifies approximately 241–310 kPa (35–45 psi) at idle. The separate leak-down test calls for pressure to stay at or above 24 psi for five minutes after shutdown from normal operating temperature.

The NV3500 ratio tables list a 4.01:1 first gear for the original gearset and 3.49:1 for the close-ratio version. Other service references include component torque tables, fluid capacities, runout and wear limits, bearing clearances, and electrical test specifications.

Safety note — Always support the vehicle securely on rated jack stands before starting undercarriage diagnostics.