Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance, truck enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Vehicle Strengths During Era:
Strong V6 engine options, comfortable ride for a truck, often available with 4x4, distinctive styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level information essential for maintaining and repairing the Dodge Dakota, crucial for preserving its value and functionality.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500), Automatic transmission (42RE, 45RFE, 48RE) diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, transfer case (4x4 models), driveshafts, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (SLA), rear leaf spring suspension, power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), parking brake, hydraulic system.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wiper system, horns, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnostics, and repair, including refrigerant handling procedures.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, seals, and associated hardware.
Chassis:
Frame, body mounts, exhaust hangers, fuel tank, and skid plates (4x4 models).
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and component replacement, seat belt systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, component testing procedures.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step repair procedures for major and minor components, including engine disassembly/assembly, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul.
Installation Replacement:
Procedures for replacing common wear items and components such as spark plugs, belts, hoses, batteries, brake pads, and more.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, critical clearances, alignment angles, engine timing, and electrical resistance values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component locations and wire colors.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic owner maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures for electronic systems.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (NV3500)
Optional Transmission Auto:
4-speed automatic (42RE, 45RFE, 48RE - variants based on engine and year).
Optional Transmission Manual:
6-speed manual (NV4500 - typically for V8 or heavy-duty applications).
Transfer Case 4X4:
Command-Trac NV235 (part-time, 2-speed transfer case).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602), Mopar or equivalent (crucial for correct operation).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific NV transmission).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-Star (for certain configurations/years)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-Star (for certain configurations/years)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some earlier configurations.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, typically paired with ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point height-adjustable seat belts, rear 3-point seat belts (where applicable).
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type used (synthetic recommended for longer intervals).
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually, if equipped.
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years (Mopar OAT coolant recommended).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24-36 months (DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended, check manual).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Oil Capacity 3 7L:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter).
Engine Oil Capacity 4 7L:
Approx. 6.0 quarts (with filter).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology), typically Mopar OAT (Orange).
Common Complaint Transmission:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, torque converter shudder, and solenoid issues (especially in 45RFE/48RE).
Common Complaint Suspension:
Front suspension wear, including ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings. Squeaks and rattles from leaf springs or bushings.
Common Complaint Engine 4 7L:
Cylinder head gasket leaks, valve seat recession (in earlier versions), and occasional piston slap.
Common Complaint Electrical:
PCM capacitor failure (leading to erratic behavior), power window motor failures, and instrument cluster issues.
Common Complaint Body:
Rust issues, especially in the rocker panels, cab corners, and bed sides in areas with road salt.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable trucks, from the Ram series to smaller pickups.
Generation Introduction:
The second generation (NSG) of the Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 1997 model year and received a significant refresh for the 2000 model year, aligning with the product information.
Second Gen Updates 2000:
Revised exterior styling, updated interior, introduction of the 4.7L Magnum V8 engine, and optional multi-function tailgate.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
Production Years Total:
Second Generation: 1997-2004 (USA), continued with minor updates into 2005 for some markets/configurations before the third generation.