🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2001-2005

Chassis Code:

Second Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance.

Competitors:

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

Vehicle Highlights:

Known for its coil-spring front suspension (a segment differentiator at the time), available V8 engine option, and robust truck capabilities.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authoritative, factory-level information for accurate and efficient maintenance and repair, crucial for preserving vehicle longevity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, and Maintenance

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book (as indicated by factory issued)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions (e.g., NV3500, 42RE, 45RFE, 48RE), clutch, transfer case (if applicable), drive shafts, axles, differentials, CV joints.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic lines and components, bleeding procedures.

Steering Suspension:

Power steering system, steering gear/rack and pinion, steering column, front and rear suspension components (control arms, springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rods), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting systems, ignition system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wiper/washer system, audio systems, trailer wiring, fuses, relays, and comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, frame, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis and repair.

Maintenance Routine:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and inspection.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic trees, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, identification of common failure modes, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., scan tools for OBD-II).

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation for major systems (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension).

Component Replacement:

Detailed procedures for replacing common wear items and failure-prone parts such as alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, oxygen sensors, mass air flow sensors, brake pads, rotors, and more.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, enabling accurate diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Media Type:

Physical Book

Print Quality:

High-quality, professional printing with clear text and detailed illustrations/diagrams.

Binding Type:

Durable Binding (e.g., perfect binding, spiral binding for ease of use in a workshop environment)

Paper Type:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper designed for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4L (147 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

DOHC Inline-4 (2.4L)

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 134-147 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 150-165 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.7L (226 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

SOHC V6 (3.7L)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 202-215 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 235-236 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

4.7L (287 cu in)

Engine 3 Configuration:

SOHC V8 (Magnum)

Engine 3 Power:

Approx. 230-245 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-speed Manual (NV3500) - Standard on 2.4L and some V6 models

Transmission 2:

4-speed Automatic (42RE) - Available on 3.7L V6

Transmission 3:

4-speed Automatic (45RFE/48RE) - Available on 4.7L V8 models

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) available with all engine options.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

111.8 inches (Regular Cab), 124.2 inches (Club Cab)

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration (approx. 198 - 227 inches)

Width:

Approx. 71.2 - 72.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 65.6 - 67.6 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (75.6 inches), 8.0 ft (96 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,800 lbs (with 4.7L V8, proper towing package, and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated or available for all configurations; general safety performance for the era.

IIHS Front Offset Cdot:

Marginal to Acceptable depending on model year and specific testing.

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on some earlier configurations.

Traction Control:

Optional on higher trims and V8 models.

Airbags Front:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional Infinity premium audio systems, cassette players on base models.

Display Technology:

Basic analog gauges and digital odometer. No advanced screen-based infotainment systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Other Features:

Keyless entry (optional), intermittent wipers.

Connectivity Options:

Basic audio auxiliary input (on some models later in the generation), trailer wiring harness preparation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual transmissions vary. Refer to manual for specific interval and fluid type.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium spark plugs typically have intervals of 100,000 miles. Check manual for specific plug type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on coolant type (conventional vs. HOAT/OAT). Manual specifies correct type and interval.

Engine Oil Type Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 is common for V6 and V8 engines. SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 for the 4-cylinder. Always check manual for specific API service classification.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) is common for 45RFE/48RE. Earlier automatics may use different ATF specifications. Refer to manual for definitive specification.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific GL rating and viscosity (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent, typically orange or pink. Check manual for specific Mopar part number or specification.

Common Problems Engine:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V8), oil filter adapter O-ring leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, cylinder head gasket issues (less common than some competitors).

Common Problems Transmission:

Overdrive clutch failure in automatic transmissions, potential for minor hard shifts or hesitation. Manual transmissions generally robust.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends (due to truck usage), occasional power steering pump whine or leaks.

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty blower motor resistor, intermittent wiper operation, power window motor failures, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) issues on some models.

Common Problems Body:

Rust in rear wheel wells and rocker panels, tailgate hinge wear, interior trim creaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, from the early Ram series to its compact and mid-size offerings.

Dakota Generation:

This manual covers the second generation (AN) of the Dodge Dakota, introduced for the 1997 model year and refreshed for 2000. Key features of this generation included the introduction of the optional V8 engine and improved styling.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

Model Production Years:

1997-2004 for the AN platform.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2001-2005 models are less common compared to modern vehicles, the Dakota was generally well-regarded for its V8 option and comfortable ride for a pickup truck of its era.