1990 Dodge Dakota Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1990 Dodge Dakota spans three body styles, a two-door extended cab pickup, a two-door convertible and a two-door standard cab pickup, in Base, S, SE, LE and Sport trim. Under those bodies, buyers could pick a 2.5L single-overhead-cam inline-four, a 3.9L overhead-valve V6 or a 5.2L overhead-valve V8, at 153, 239 and 318 cubic inches, all naturally aspirated and gasoline-fueled. Body procedures accompany engine, fuel, cooling and steering specifications.

Engines covered

• 2.5L inline-four (153 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 3.9L V6 (239 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 5.2L V8 (318 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 2-door extended cab pickup
• 2-door convertible
• 2-door standard cab pickup

Trims covered

• Base
• LE
• S
• SE
• Sport

Known issues on the 1990 Dakota. The record shows 3 recalls. The steering gear mounting area was the concern in two: one covered certain two-wheel-drive V6 convertibles or Shelby-package trucks built within set windows, the other certain trucks with no such limit, and in both the frame could crack at the gear or its bolts could snap, so dealers reinforced the frame. Certain trucks also had a valve cover gasket that could slip out of place and let oil leak in the engine compartment, with a fire risk. Steering is the top area in the 63 complaints at 27, ahead of the power train at 14 and hydraulic brakes at 11; 5 reported a crash. Steering torque values apply.