Vehicle Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust platform, available V8 engine option (4.7L Magnum), strong towing and hauling capacity for its class
Engine:
All gasoline engines (e.g., 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8)
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual Transmissions (e.g., 42RLE, NV3500)
Drivetrain:
2WD and 4WD systems, Transfer Case (e.g., NV231, NV244)
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems, Steering Components
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brake Systems, ABS Components
Electrical:
Lighting, Power Accessories, Instrumentation, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Chassis:
Frame, Exhaust System, Fuel System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, differential rebuilds
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics
Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3701 cc (226 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 90.8 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 204 hp @ 5200 RPM (varies slightly by year)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (varies slightly by year)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Engine 1 Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Engine 2:
4.7L Magnum V8 (High Output)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc (287 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 86.5 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.1:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-235 hp @ 4800-5000 RPM (varies by year)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 RPM (varies by year)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Engine 2 Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Standard Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (NV3500)
Optional Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)
Optional Features:
Electronic Controls, Torque Converter Lock-up
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
New Venture Gear NV231 (Command-Trac) or NV244 (Vari-Lok QD)
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
Likely 4-star (based on general model performance for the era)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
Likely 4-star (based on general model performance for the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control (TC) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts, pretensioners
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), optional Infinity premium audio system
Speaker Configuration:
4-speaker base system, optional 6-speaker system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims
Towing Features:
Optional trailer tow package, integrated trailer brake controller (later models/aftermarket)
Bluetooth:
Not available on most models in this range; aftermarket solutions common
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check every 30,000 miles, change typically every 60,000-100,000 miles or as indicated by fluid condition
Coolant Flush:
Replace coolant typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years
Engine Oil 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher
Engine Oil 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher
Transmission Fluid 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Chrysler)
Transmission Fluid Nv3500:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Manual Transmission Fluid
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 5/150K Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler)
Common Problems 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 4.7L V8), EGR valve issues, ABS sensor failures, rear main seal leaks
Common Problems 2:
Fuel pump failures, rust on the frame rails or bed, occasional transmission solenoid issues (42RLE)
Common Problems 3:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (4.7L V8), power window motor failures
Manufacturer:
Dodge (a division of Chrysler Corporation, later DaimlerChrysler)
Generation:
Second Generation Dodge Dakota (1997-2004), Third Generation Dodge Dakota (2005-2011)
Significant Changes 2001:
Minor styling updates, improved interior features.
Significant Changes 2005:
Complete redesign for the third generation. Larger dimensions, new exterior styling, updated interior, introduction of the 4.7L High Output V8 as standard on some trims.
Assembly Locations:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico
