🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2003 Onwards

Platform:

NSG (Northstar Global)

Chassis Code:

2nd Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.

Vehicle Selling Points:

Robust construction, available V8 engine (in later models), comfortable ride for its class, practical for light-duty work and everyday use.

Manual Selling Points:

Comprehensive coverage, factory-accurate information, detailed diagrams and illustrations, covers all major systems and repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Market:

North America

Geography:

USA, Canada, Mexico

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU/PCM), torque converter, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, axles, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear discs, ABS, EBD), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC controls, power windows, power door locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, audio system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, seats, airbags, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks, battery maintenance.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) retrieval and interpretation, component testing (sensors, actuators, modules), circuit testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, vacuum testing, electrical troubleshooting charts.

Repair:

Engine overhaul and rebuild, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, transmission repair and overhaul, differential repair, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, control arms), steering rack replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, power steering pump replacement, radiator and cooling fan replacement, alternator and starter replacement, fuel injector replacement, catalytic converter replacement, exhaust system repair, body panel repair and replacement, interior component repair.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications (bore, stroke, compression ratio), transmission gear ratios, differential gear ratios, wheel bolt patterns, tire pressure recommendations, fluid capacities, electrical specifications (voltages, resistances).

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth troubleshooting, component removal/installation, and complete system overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and repair techniques.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, clear text, easily searchable, printable pages.

Quality:

Printable at high quality, retaining clarity of diagrams and schematics.

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.4L Inline-4 (2351 cc)

Engine 1 Code:

2.4L (4G64)

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 122-134 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 139-145 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2:

3.7L V6 (3701 cc)

Engine 2 Code:

3.7L Magnum (PowerTech)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 210-230 hp @ 5200-5400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 235-245 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 3:

4.7L V8 Magnum (PowerTech)

Engine 3 Code:

4.7L Magnum

Engine 3 Power:

Approx. 230-240 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 295-305 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Engine 3 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), O2 sensors, evaporative emission control system.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20.6 gallons (78 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 360)

Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RE)

Transmission 3:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (45RFE/48RE for V8 models)

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) with electronic transfer case.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approx. 7.0-8.0 quarts (6.6-7.6 L) for 42RE/45RFE

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches (2837 mm)

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

124.9 inches (3172 mm)

Length Regular Cab:

191.5 inches (4864 mm)

Length Extended Cab:

204.7 inches (5200 mm)

Width:

71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

65.6 inches (1666 mm)

Bed Length Standard:

6.1 feet (1.86 m)

Bed Length Long:

7.4 feet (2.26 m)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3,700 lbs (1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Max:

Approx. 5,500-6,000 lbs (2495-2722 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2Wd:

4 out of 5 stars

NHTSA Rollover Rating 4Wd:

4 out of 5 stars

ABS:

Standard on most trims (Anti-lock Braking System)

Ebd:

Optional (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, auxiliary input jack (on later models), optional premium audio system.

Navigation:

Not typically available from the factory for this model year range.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Rear Parking Assist:

Optional on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Available on select models, often as an aftermarket addition for earlier models.

Bluetooth:

Not factory standard for this era; requires aftermarket integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-5 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 2.4L I4, Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for V6, Approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) for V8.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Pink).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4.

Common Problems:

Radiator leaks (especially plastic tanks), water pump failures, ignition coil failures (on some V8 models), power steering pump leaks, differential pinion seal leaks, minor electrical gremlins in body control modules.

Transmission Issues:

Some reports of torque converter shudder or transmission slippage in higher mileage automatic transmissions, especially with improper fluid maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the early Dodge Power Wagon. The Dakota aimed to fill a niche between compact and full-size pickups.

First Generation Start:

1987

Second Generation Start:

1997

Second Generation Facelift:

2000

Introduction Of V8:

The 4.7L V8 engine was introduced in 2000, significantly boosting performance and market appeal.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois.

Production End Date:

2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While not a recipient of major 'Truck of the Year' awards in the same vein as larger pickups during its primary production run, the Dakota was generally well-regarded for its blend of size and capability in the compact/mid-size segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Variable depending on the model year and engine, often scoring average to above average for predicted reliability in earlier years, with some variations in later years.