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.