Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Unique Selling Points:
Available V8 engine option (rare in its class at the time), comfortable ride for a truck, robust chassis
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, professional technicians
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring vehicle longevity
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Repair, adjustment, clutch system, driveline components
Transmission Automatic:
Disassembly, assembly, hydraulic control, torque converter service, adjustments
Brake System:
Front and rear brake service, ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system
Electrical Body:
Lighting system, power accessories, interior/exterior electrical components, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, frame straightening, door and latch mechanisms, interior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault diagnosis
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, diagnostic flowcharts, component testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographic illustrations
Digital Format:
Likely PDF with searchable text and bookmark functionality
Print Quality Digital:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages
Binding Type Physical:
Likely coil-bound or saddle-stitched for lay-flat use (if physical)
Paper Type Physical:
Durable, heavy-stock paper suitable for shop environments (if physical)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5L (150 cu in) Magnum 4-cylinder
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4
Engine 1 Horsepower:
122 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
151 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
4.7L (287 cu in) Magnum V8
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8
Engine 3 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR System
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (4-cyl & V6 models)
Optional Transmission Type 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE) (V6 models)
Optional Transmission Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic (44RE) (V8 models)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact spec)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 3 out of 5 stars (typical for trucks of this era)
ABS:
Standard on most models, rear-wheel anti-lock (RWAL) or 4-wheel ABS
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (check manual for specific engine/oil)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval based on engine type (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles for some V8 configurations)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual; typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SN or later)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (typically orange)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or specific Mopar power steering fluid
Common Issue 1:
Cracking exhaust manifolds (especially on V8 engines)
Common Issue 2:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends)
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks
Common Issue 4:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure on some models
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
Dakota Generation 2 Introduction:
The second generation Dakota (AN) was introduced for the 1997 model year and received a facelift in 2000.
Manufacturing Locations:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Years Generation 2:
1997-2004
