Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
        
     
    
        
            Competitive Set:
        
        
            Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Offered with a range of V6 and V8 engines, distinguishing it in its class.
        
     
    
        
            Cab Configurations:
        
        
            Available in Regular Cab and Quad Cab (extended cab with rear doors).
        
     
    
        
            Bed Lengths:
        
        
            Offered in standard and long bed configurations.
        
     
    
        
            Performance Variant:
        
        
            The R/T (Road/Track) performance trim featured the Magnum V8 engine.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Coverage Scope:
        
        
            Comprehensive repair, service, maintenance, and diagnostics for the 2001 Dodge Dakota.
        
     
    
        
            Trim Levels Covered:
        
        
            All trim levels including SLT, Sport, and R/T.
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            1500+
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual (FSM)
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, and specifications for all 2001 Dakota engine options.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Complete coverage for both automatic and manual transmissions, including overhaul and adjustments.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Four-wheel drive (4WD) system, transfer case, axles, and driveshafts.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures, and shock absorber replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brake component diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, and linkage.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all electrical systems.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, and structural repair.
        
     
    
        
            Emissions:
        
        
            Emission control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and evaporative emission (EVAP) system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, and fluid checks.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability and electrical issues.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for specific symptoms.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Factory-level technical data, including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic parameters.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Tools:
        
        
            Information on using diagnostic scan tools (e.g., DRBIII) and interpreting OBD-II codes.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional 1:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (42RE)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional 2:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (46RE) - With 5.2L and 5.9L V8 engines
        
     
    
    
        
            Transfer Case:
        
        
            NV235 (Part-time 4WD) or NV244 (Full-time 4WD) for 4x4 models
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
        
        
            ATF+4 (MS-9224 or equivalent)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
        
        
            MS-90328 or equivalent (SAE 75W-90 API GL-5)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
        
        
            Not rated (vehicles of this era often did not have standardized NHTSA ratings)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Offset Crash Test:
        
        
            Acceptable (for some models)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on all models
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional on some models, especially V8 variants
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and passenger front airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point front and rear seatbelts
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (every 30,000 miles recommended).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs:
        
        
            Replace every 100,000 miles (Long-Life Platinum or equivalent recommended).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Inspect every 30,000 miles, change every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on use.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 50,000 miles or 5 years with recommended coolant.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec V6:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec V8:
        
        
            SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity V6:
        
        
            5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity V8:
        
        
            6 Quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Common Issue 1:
        
        
            Brake component wear (rotors, pads) due to weight and duty cycle.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 2:
        
        
            Power steering system leaks (pump, hoses).
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 3:
        
        
            Cooling system issues (thermostat, water pump leaks, radiator).
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 4:
        
        
            Ball joint and tie rod end wear, especially on 4x4 models.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 5:
        
        
            Transmission solenoid issues in automatic transmissions (especially 42RE).
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 6:
        
        
            Cracking dashboard plastic due to UV exposure/age.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Dodge Truck Legacy:
        
        
            Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Dakota:
        
        
            Introduced in 1987 as a direct competitor to smaller Japanese pickups, offering a more powerful V8 option. The 2001 model is part of the second generation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Newark, Delaware, USA; Warren, Michigan, USA.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Pickup Truck Of The Year:
        
        
            The Dakota platform has received various accolades throughout its generations, though specific awards for the 2001 model year are less prominent in readily available historical data.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Reliability ratings for this generation varied, with some years and powertrains performing better than others. The manual provides insights into potential weak points.