Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Unique Selling Points:
V8 engine option in its class, comfortable ride for a pickup, competitive pricing.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level technical information for efficient and accurate repairs and maintenance.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV1500), automatic transmission (42LE, 45RFE), transfer case (2WD, 4WD), driveline components, clutches, torque converters.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (independent front suspension, solid rear axle), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms.
Electrical Chassis:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, locks, mirrors, body control module (BCM).
Body Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, door mechanisms, glass, exterior trim, bumpers.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, diagnostic tool usage.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repairs, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, electrical circuit tracing, mechanical fault diagnosis.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, alignment angles, engine timing parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Base Engine Displacement:
2.4L (2429 cc)
Base Engine Configuration:
Inline-4 (I4)
Base Engine Power:
122 hp @ 5200 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
139 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Optional Engine Displacement:
3.7L (3701 cc)
Optional Engine Configuration:
V6 (Magnum)
Optional Engine Power:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Optional Engine Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Optional Engine Displacement:
4.7L (4701 cc)
Optional Engine Configuration:
V8 (Magnum)
Optional Engine Power:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm
Optional Engine Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) based systems
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual (NV1500 / NV3500)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (42LE / 45RFE)
Transfer Case Options:
2WD, 4WD part-time electronic shift on the fly
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Wheelbase:
111.9 inches (Standard Cab), 124.2 inches (Club Cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 197.5 inches for standard cab short bed)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab
Bed Lengths:
6.25 ft (75 inches), 8.0 ft (96 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,700 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Up to 6,000 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,500 lbs (with appropriate engine and towing package)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,700 lbs
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (severe service may require more frequent changes)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles for V8, 60,000-100,000 miles for V6 and I4 (refer to manual for specific types)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN, SAE 5W-30 (for 3.7L and 4.7L engines), SAE 10W-30 (for 2.4L engine). Check manual for exact viscosity and certification.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problems:
Some reports of intermittent stalling due to issues with the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) or ignition coils.
Dodge Truck Lineage:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation Dakota, including the 2003 model, debuted for the 1997 model year, bringing a larger, more substantial design than its predecessor.
Key Updates For 2003:
Minor styling tweaks, improved interior materials, and potential updates to powertrain management for emissions and performance.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
