🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2002

Product Code Identifier:

DOD-DAK-2002-FSRM

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Dakota occupied the compact to mid-size pickup truck segment, competing against vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, and Toyota Tacoma. It offered a balance of capability and size suitable for both work and personal use.

Competitors:

Key competitors for the 2002 model year included the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. The Dakota often differentiated itself with its available V8 engine option, which was a significant advantage in its class at the time.

Differentiating Features:

The 2002 Dakota was notable for being the first compact pickup to offer a V8 engine (4.7L Magnum), providing greater towing and hauling capacity than most competitors. It also featured a relatively car-like ride for a pickup, enhanced by its independent front suspension.

Audience:

Targeted at individuals and small businesses needing a versatile pickup for moderate hauling, towing, and general utility, often preferring a smaller footprint than full-size trucks.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the 2002 Dodge Dakota.

Engine Coverage:

2.5L Magnum (AMC 150), 3.9L Magnum V6 (3.9L MPI), 4.7L Magnum V8 (4.7L HO).

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed automatic (42RE, 45RFE), 5-speed manual (NV3500).

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), driveline, exhaust.

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, power distribution, lighting, instruments, accessories, body control modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Body Coverage:

Interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body repair, paint procedures.

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual.

Language:

English.

Format:

Digital (likely PDF) - provided as a .zip file.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine diagnostics, fuel delivery, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine mechanical (assembly/disassembly).

Drivetrain:

Transmission service (automatic and manual), clutch service (manual), transfer case (if applicable), axles, driveshafts, differentials.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf spring solid axle), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake system, hydraulic system diagnostics.

Electrical Electronic:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument cluster, gauges, fuses, relays, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Body Control Module (BCM) troubleshooting.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, climate control diagnostics and repair.

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior components, frame repair (if applicable), collision repair guidelines.

Basic Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.

Intermediate Repair:

Brake caliper replacement, water pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, exhaust system repair, suspension component replacement (shocks, ball joints, tie rods).

Advanced Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential service, steering rack replacement, complex electrical diagnostics, ABS system repair, HVAC system evacuation and recharge.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including symptom-to-cause troubleshooting, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanners).

Troubleshooting:

Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and guides for common and complex issues.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and easy-to-read wiring schematics for all vehicle circuits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content, allowing for quick access to information.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Type:

N/A (Digital format).

Type:

N/A (Digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L Magnum (AMC 150) Inline-4.

Engine 1 Power:

Approximately 120-135 horsepower, 150-160 lb-ft of torque.

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine 2:

3.9L Magnum V6 (MPI).

Engine 2 Power:

Approximately 175-190 horsepower, 225-240 lb-ft of torque.

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine 3:

4.7L Magnum V8 (MPI).

Engine 3 Power:

Approximately 230-235 horsepower, 295-305 lb-ft of torque.

Engine 3 Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine Cooling:

Pressurized coolant system with radiator, fan (mechanical or electric), and thermostat.

Engine Lubrication:

Wet sump lubrication system with oil pump, oil filter, and oil pan.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

NV3500 5-speed Manual Transmission.

Transmission 2:

42RE / 45RFE 4-speed Automatic Transmission.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

ATF+4 (for automatic transmissions), Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmission.

Drive Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or part-time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

111.9 inches (2842 mm) for standard cab, 124.9 inches (3172 mm) for club cab.

Overall Length:

Varies by configuration (approx. 194.4 inches for standard bed, 215.5 inches for long bed).

Overall Width:

Approx. 71.0 inches (1803 mm).

Overall Height:

Approx. 65.7 inches (1669 mm).

Bed Lengths:

6.25 ft (approx. 75 inches) and 8 ft (approx. 96 inches).

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and configuration (approx. 3500-4500 lbs).

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approximately 6,500 lbs (with 4.7L V8 and appropriate package).

Payload Capacity:

Up to approximately 1,600 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for 2002 as per current standards, but equipped with dual front airbags. Side airbags were optional.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard depending on trim.

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system available on some models.

Airbags:

Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts (where applicable).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Optional premium sound systems were available.

Display:

Basic digital or analog displays for radio and climate control. No integrated navigation or large touchscreens in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Power Ports:

12V power outlets for accessory charging.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional remote keyless entry system available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

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 specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type (e.g., platinum plugs up to 100,000 miles; copper plugs much sooner). Refer to manual for correct type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

API certified SAE 5W-30 for most engines, SAE 10W-30 for 2.5L at moderate temperatures. Check manual for exact specification.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for 42RE/45RFE. Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent for NV3500.

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically 50/50 mixture with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3.

Common Problem 1:

Cracked cylinder heads on the 4.7L Magnum V8 engine (though more prevalent in later models, early signs can appear).

Common Problem 2:

Transmission solenoid issues or torque converter problems in automatic transmissions (42RE/45RFE).

Common Problem 3:

desgaste de los componentes de la suspensión delantera, como rótulas y pivotes, debido al peso y uso del vehículo.

Common Problem 4:

Problemas con el sistema de aire acondicionado (fugas de refrigerante, compresor).

Common Problem 5:

Desgaste prematuro de los discos de freno delanteros en algunos modelos.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History Context:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler, has a long history in producing trucks, from the early Power Wagon to more modern pickups. The Dakota nameplate, introduced in 1987, established Dodge's presence in the compact/mid-size truck market.

Generation:

The 2002 model year represents the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (second generation ran from 1997-2004). This generation saw significant styling updates and the groundbreaking introduction of the V8 engine option.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily produced at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

1987-2011 (across all generations).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

While specific awards for the 2002 model are not widely publicized, the Dodge Dakota's introduction of the V8 engine in its class was a significant market achievement that garnered industry attention.