🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Applicable Years:

2000, 2001, 2003, 2005

Second Generation Codes:

AN

Vin Engine Code 2000 V6:

X

Vin Engine Code 2000 V8:

Y

Vin Engine Code 2001 V6:

X

Vin Engine Code 2001 V8:

Y

Vin Engine Code 2003 V6:

N

Vin Engine Code 2003 V8:

P

Vin Engine Code 2005 V6:

N

Vin Engine Code 2005 V8:

P

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a versatile, capable, and relatively affordable pickup truck for work and personal use.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/S-15, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed (6 ft), Long Bed (8 ft)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

📋 Manual Details

Documentation Type:

Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Primary Coverage:

Dodge Dakota 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005 Model Years

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels including Base, Sport, SLT, SXT, R/T (where applicable)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Airbag System (SRS)

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Restraints

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics

Repair:

Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, adjustments and alignments

Technical Specs:

Torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic data, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, component specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 3 9L V6 2000 2001:

3.9L OHV Magnum V6 (175 hp @ 4800 rpm, 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)

Engine 5 2L V8 2000 2001:

5.2L OHV Magnum V8 (230 hp @ 4800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)

Engine 4 7L V8 2003 2005:

4.7L OHV Magnum V8 (235 hp @ 4800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm - early 2003), revised to 240 hp and 300 lb-ft in later models.

Engine 3 7L V6 2003 2005:

3.7L OHV Magnum V6 (210 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)

R T Engine 2000 2001:

5.9L OHV Magnum V8 (245 hp @ 4500 rpm, 345 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)

Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor with Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine and year.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard 2000 2001:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE for V8, 45RFE for V6)

Transmission Standard 2003 2005:

4-Speed Automatic (45RFE)

Transmission Optional 2000 2001:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 for V6, NV4500 for V8)

Transmission Optional 2003 2005:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Electronic Part-Time 4WD System (NV235 or NV244)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec 42Re 45Rfe:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent GL-3/GL-4 rated fluid)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

124.2 inches

Overall Length Short Bed:

196.5 inches

Overall Length Long Bed:

217.5 inches

Width Without Mirrors:

71.5 inches

Height:

65.5 inches (approx.)

Bed Width Between Wheelwells:

40.5 inches

Curb Weight Range:

3,800 - 4,500 lbs (approx.)

Max Payload Capacity:

1,250 - 1,700 lbs (approx.)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,400 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger 2001:

5 Stars (based on 2001 data, may vary by specific model year and testing protocols)

NHTSA Rollover Resistance 2001:

4 Stars (4x2), 3 Stars (4x4) (based on 2001 data)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, especially 4WD.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

Seatbelts:

Front Seatbelt Pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player with optional premium sound systems, steering wheel mounted controls available on higher trims.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine, chassis, body, and accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil quality).

Engine Coolant Change:

Initial at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (or as per manual for specific coolant type).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type.

Spark Plug Replacement:

V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (depending on plug type). V8: Approx. 100,000 miles (if equipped with platinum plugs, check manual).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (check manual for viscosity based on temperature range). Synthetic recommended.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.0 Quarts (3.9L V6), 5.0 Quarts (5.2L V8), 5.0 Quarts (4.7L V8), 5.5 Quarts (5.9L V8) - with filter. Always verify with dipstick.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant. Do not mix OAT and HOAT coolants.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar) or equivalent

Typical Problems 2Nd Gen:

Radiator failure (plastic tanks cracking), intermittent ABS light, steering column clunk, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, rear main seal leaks (V8 engines), rust on rear wheel arches and cab corners.

Typical Problems 2003 Refresh:

Improved radiator designs, but still a common failure point. Some reports of PCM issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Dodge (division of Chrysler Corporation)

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation (AN platform) launched for the 1998 model year, featuring a significantly redesigned exterior and chassis. The manual covers the later iterations of this generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Saltillo, Mexico (primarily)

Model Year Changes 2003:

Significant refresh including new exterior styling (front fascia, grille, headlights, hood, fenders), updated interior, new engine options (3.7L V6, 4.7L V8), revised suspension, and improved HVAC.

Model Year Changes 2005:

Minor updates, continued from the 2003 refresh. Sport trim often included body-colored bumpers and grille.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Editors Choice Award:

The Dodge Dakota received an 'Editor's Choice Award' from Popular Mechanics for its performance and capability in its class around the time of its second-generation debut.

Consumer Guide Best Buy:

The Dakota was often cited as a 'Best Buy' in the compact/mid-size truck segment by publications like Consumer Guide for its value and performance, particularly in its early second-generation years.