Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Available V8 engine (5.7L HEMI), choice of 2WD/4WD, various cab and bed configurations, reputation for power.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, dealer-level repair information for DIYers and professional technicians, saving on labor costs.
Manual Illustrations:
Includes a 'Tons of Detailed Pictures & Diagrams' for clarity in repair procedures.
All Models:
Yes, covers all Dodge Dakota models for the specified years.
Repair Scope:
A-Z Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
Estimated Pages:
Comprehensive, typically 2000+ pages for a full workshop manual.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Printable (Digital Format implied, likely PDF)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, diagnostics, overhaul procedures.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmissions: overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter.
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear Axles, Driveshafts, CV joints, Differentials, Transfer Case (if applicable).
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brakes (Disc/Drum), ABS system, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension components (e.g., control arms, ball joints, struts, springs, shocks), alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power Steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack, tie rod ends.
Electrical:
Starting system, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), comfort systems.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: components, refrigerant, diagnostics.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, glass, bumpers, chassis and frame.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, common issues and their solutions.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Diagnostics Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component location charts, circuit testing procedures, diagnostic routines.
Installation:
Procedures for replacing or installing various components and systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and inspections to full component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Detail Level:
High: Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, torque specifications, tolerances, and technical notes.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
IIHS Small Overlap Frontal:
Not rated (vehicle pre-dates this specific test protocol).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Traction Control (ETC).
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags (model year dependent).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs 3.7L V6:
Typically 100,000 miles (long-life).
Spark Plugs 4.7L/5.7L V8:
Typically 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (refer to manual).
Engine Oil 3.7L/4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer).
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology), typically orange.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some owners report occasional hard shifting with automatic transmissions; often related to fluid or electronic control unit.
Heater Core Leaks:
Potential for heater core leaks, especially in older models, leading to coolant loss and defogging issues.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Some HEMI V8 engines can develop rear main seal leaks over time.
Ball Joint Wear:
Front ball joints can experience wear, particularly on models used for heavy-duty applications.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and powerful trucks, often with a focus on performance and value.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation Dakota was introduced for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign, larger size, and the availability of the HEMI V8 engine, which was a first for a compact/mid-size pickup.
Cab Configurations:
Club Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab (four-door extended cab).
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
