🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Model Generation:

Second Generation (AN)

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.

Vehicle Features:

Available in Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab); Short Bed and Long Bed configurations. Known for its strong Magnum V6 and V8 engines, and unique styling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1997-2000 Dodge Dakota Pickups

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, diagnostics for all applicable engines.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection, fuel pump, lines, tank, evaporative emissions control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, coolant specifications.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), timing specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, oxygen sensors.

Transmission Automatic:

Disassembly, assembly, repair, diagnostics, fluid specifications for Aisin AX-15, 42RE, 44RE.

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, assembly, repair, diagnostics for NV3500.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front independent suspension, rear solid axle, springs, shocks, control arms, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear/rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods.

Brakes System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc), ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, auxiliary lighting.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, instrument cluster removal and repair.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, trim, rust repair.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, climate control system.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, controls.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, ABS.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, sensor testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable

Printability:

Printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.5L (150 ci) Magnum 4-cylinder

Optional Engine 1:

3.9L (239 ci) Magnum V6

Optional Engine 2:

5.2L (318 ci) Magnum V8

Optional Engine 3:

5.9L (360 ci) Magnum V8 (introduced later in the generation, potentially 2000/2001 model years, manual should cover it if applicable)

2.5L Horsepower:

Approx. 120 hp @ 4800 rpm

2.5L Torque:

Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

3.9L Horsepower:

Approx. 175 hp @ 4800 rpm

3.9L Torque:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.2L Horsepower:

Approx. 220 hp @ 4400 rpm

5.2L Torque:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or PICO (Powertrain Integrated Control) based systems.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500) for 4-cyl and V6 models, potentially 4-speed Auto for V8.

Optional Transmission 1:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE) for 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8.

Optional Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (44RE) for 5.2L V8 and potentially 5.9L V8 models.

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification like Mercon V, but ATF+4 is preferred for these transmissions).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for NV3500.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab Short Bed:

Approx. 111.9 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab Short Bed:

Approx. 111.9 inches

Wheelbase Regular Cab Long Bed:

Approx. 124.9 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab Long Bed:

Approx. 124.9 inches

Bed Length Short:

Approx. 6.3 feet

Bed Length Long:

Approx. 7.3 feet

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,500 lbs (varies by configuration and engine)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 7,000 lbs (with V8 engine, proper equipment, and towing package)

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to 1,500 lbs (approximate, varies by configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this era of trucks, but generally considered stable for its class.

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels or 4-wheel ABS.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear (if equipped).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

ABS:

Available as noted in safety.

OBD Standard:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant from 1996 onwards.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (check manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, check manual for manual transmission.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years (initially with conventional coolant, extended life coolant if used).

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.5L I4: Approx. 100,000 miles (if platinum/iridium); 3.9L/5.2L V6/V8: Approx. 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type specified.

Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:

API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Type V6 V8:

API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity 3.9L:

Approx. 5 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 5.2L:

Approx. 5 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent HOAT).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Problems Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, minor piston slap on cold starts (especially with V8s), occasional ignition coil failures.

Common Problems Transmission:

Slipping in automatic transmissions (especially 42RE), torque converter issues, manual transmission clutch wear.

Common Problems Suspension:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, control arm bushing wear, front shock absorber leaks.

Common Problems Electrical:

Instrument cluster failures (odometer, gauges), power window motor issues, blower motor resistor failure.

Common Problems Body:

Radiator support rust, cab corner rust, tailgate rust, door hinge wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, known for their 'Ram' branding before it became a separate marque.

Generation Intro:

The second generation (AN) Dakota was introduced for the 1997 model year, featuring a significant redesign over the first generation.

Design Influence:

This generation was the first compact/mid-size pickup to offer V8 engine options, significantly differentiating it from competitors.

Facelift Updates:

Minor styling updates occurred, including front grille and bumper revisions for 1999.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While not specific awards for every model year, the Dodge Dakota received positive reviews for its V8 option and unique styling, often cited as a strong contender in the compact/mid-size truck segment during its run.