Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors 2002:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Unique Selling Proposition:
Known for its robust V8 engine option and comfortable ride in its class.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Power Distribution, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio, Security, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, HVAC System, Restraints (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical Schematics Interpretation
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Transmission Service, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Body Component Repair
Special Tools And Procedures:
Identification and use of specialized tools for specific repairs
Depth:
Complete Repair and Overhaul Procedures, Diagnostic Flowcharts, Wiring Diagrams, Component Specifications
Base Engine:
2.5L Magnum (AMC I4)
Optional Engine 1:
3.7L Magnum (Chrysler PowerTech V6)
Optional Engine 2:
4.7L Magnum (PowerTech V8)
2.5L Horsepower:
Approx. 120 hp @ 4800 rpm
3.7L Horsepower:
Approx. 210 hp @ 5200 rpm
4.7L Horsepower:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4800 rpm
4.7L Torque:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Regular Octane Recommended)
ECM Type:
Chrysler Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Standard Transmission 2.5L:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV3500)
Optional Transmission 3.7L 4.7L:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RE for V6, 45RFE for V8)
Transfer Case 4X4:
Part-time 4WD system with Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF)
Auto Trans Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Trans Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.7 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab:
124.9 inches
Bed Lengths:
6.25 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Optional with Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
3,700 - 4,500 lbs (approx.)
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 7,100 lbs (with proper V8 configuration and towing package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not Rated (as per available data for this year/model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not Rated (as per available data for this year/model)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum depending on configuration)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts (front and rear outboard where applicable)
Audio System Options:
Factory AM/FM/CD Player, Cassette Player, Premium Speaker Systems Available
User Interface:
Basic analog gauges, climate controls, and radio knobs. No advanced digital displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Phone Integration:
None natively integrated; aftermarket solutions required.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual, typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified for gasoline engines, check manual for specific viscosity for extreme temperatures)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 50/50 Ethylene Glycol mixture (Color: Orange)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends, Sway Bar Links, Brake Pads and Rotors, U-Joints
Engine V8 Tick:
Some 4.7L Magnum V8 engines experienced an exhaust manifold tick due to heat expansion/contraction or broken studs.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Occasional reports of hard shifting in the automatic transmission, potentially related to solenoid packs or fluid contamination.
Radiator Leaks:
Early models or units with significant mileage may develop leaks from the radiator end tanks.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mopar MO-899 / Wix 51515 / Fram PH16
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mopar PA041324AA / Wix WA10004 / Fram CA8755
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, from the early Ram series to compact pickups.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation (AN) of the Dodge Dakota debuted for the 1997 model year, significantly larger than its predecessor and the first compact truck to offer a V8 engine option.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Run Second Gen:
1997-2004
