Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Distinction:
Offered a V8 engine option in its class, known for its robust design and towing capacity
Utility:
Empowers DIY mechanics and professional technicians with detailed repair procedures
Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8
Transmission:
42RLE (4-speed automatic), NV3500 (5-speed manual), NV4500 (5-speed manual - HD)
Drivetrain:
2WD, 4WD, Transfer Case operation and repair
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum (standard), ABS system diagnosis and repair
Suspension:
Front independent torsion bar, Rear solid axle leaf spring
Steering:
Power rack and pinion
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, ignition system, lighting, body control modules, instrumentation, power accessories
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system service
Fuel:
Fuel pump, injectors, tank, lines, evaporative emissions system
Exhaust:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, emissions control components
Body:
Body and frame construction, exterior trim, doors, glass, interior components
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all systems, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and tests
Depth:
Vehicle-specific, technician-level detail
Accuracy:
Exact same information used by dealership technicians
File Type:
Likely digital (PDF) or printed book
Quality:
Professional print quality (for physical copies), high-resolution digital scans
Binding:
Perfect bound or spiral bound (for printed versions)
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper stock (for printed versions)
Displacement 1:
3701 cc (226 cu in)
Horsepower 1:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Displacement 2:
4701 cc (287 cu in)
Horsepower 2:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3:
5.9L Magnum V8 (Heavy Duty models)
Displacement 3:
5899 cc (360 cu in)
Horsepower 3:
240 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3:
330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Compression Ratio 3.7L:
9.6:1
Compression Ratio 4.7L:
9.0:1
Transmission 1:
42RLE 4-speed Automatic (standard on 3.7L and 4.7L)
Transmission 2:
NV3500 5-speed Manual (available on 3.7L)
Transmission 3:
NV4500 5-speed Manual (HD, typically with 5.9L V8)
Overdrive:
All transmissions feature overdrive
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (NV3500), SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (NV4500)
NHTSA Driver Front 2004:
5-star (likely, typical for segment)
NHTSA Passenger Front 2004:
5-star (likely, typical for segment)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (often part of stability or tow packages)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, or as specified by usage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on coolant type (e.g., HOAT).
Engine Oil 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil 5.9L V8:
SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (API certified)
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), or equivalent HOAT coolant
Ignition Coils:
Some models may experience premature ignition coil failure.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can develop leaks over time.
Rear Main Seal:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks can occur on higher mileage engines.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks are a common failure point requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the early 20th century.
Second Gen Intro:
The second generation of the Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 2000 model year, significantly larger and more powerful than its predecessor.
2004 Updates:
The 2004 model year saw minor cosmetic updates and potential package revisions, building upon the successful second-generation platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
