Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, mechanics
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/S-15, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
        
     
    
    
        
            Versatility:
        
        
            Offered in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Club Cab) and bed lengths, RWD and 4WD options
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Provided a range of engine choices to suit different needs and budgets
        
     
    
    
        
            Cost Savings:
        
        
            Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs, saving on labor costs
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            All engine mechanicals (2.5L I4, 3.9L V6, 4.7L V8), including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant, hoses, fan assembly
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), timing
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, oxygen sensors
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual and Automatic transmissions (42LE, NV3500), including removal, installation, and internal repair
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Driveshaft, U-joints, rear axle, differential, transfer case (4WD models)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brakes (disc/drum configurations), hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            12V system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components and service
        
     
    
        
            Body And Frame:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis, corrosion protection
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - airbags, seat belts
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
        
     
    
        
            Diagnosis:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component replacement
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
        
     
    
        
            Installation:
        
        
            Component installation and alignment procedures (e.g., suspension, exhaust)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Rebuild:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Includes detailed electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Lists necessary special tools for specific repair procedures
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Provides precise torque specifications for all fasteners
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Codes:
        
        
            Covers OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
        
     
    
        
            Tire Rotation Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (consult manual for driving conditions)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec 2.5L:
        
        
            API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec 3.9L/4.7L:
        
        
            API SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Radiator Leaks:
        
        
            Common on earlier models due to plastic end tanks.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Hard Shifting:
        
        
            Can occur with the 42LE automatic, often related to solenoid issues or fluid condition.
        
     
    
        
            Window Regulator Failure:
        
        
            Power window regulators can be a weak point.
        
     
    
        
            Rust On Frame And Body:
        
        
            Corrosion can affect wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame rails, especially in rust-belt regions.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Dodge Truck Legacy:
        
        
            Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, with the Dakota being introduced in 1987 as Chrysler's first mid-size pickup.
        
     
    
    
        
            Second Generation Introduction:
        
        
            The second generation (AN) debuted for the 1997 model year, receiving significant redesigns.
        
     
    
        
            2000 Model Updates:
        
        
            The 2000 model year saw the introduction of the more powerful 4.7L Magnum V8 engine, replacing the previous 5.2L V8.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA