Purpose:
Essential reference for maintaining and repairing the 2000 Dodge Dakota
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level accuracy and detail for cost-effective DIY repairs and professional service
Alternatives:
Aftermarket repair manuals (e.g., Haynes, Chilton), online forums, unofficial repair guides
Advantage:
Official OEM specifications, comprehensive coverage, and accuracy unparalleled by aftermarket sources
Ease Of Use:
User-friendly language, step-by-step instructions, charts, and diagrams
Technical Content:
Includes OEM torque specs, fuel pressure charts, electrical data, compression ranges, tolerances, and paint codes
Visual Aids:
Exploded diagrams preceding disassembly sections for clarity
Primary Coverage:
Repair and Maintenance
Specific Tasks Covered:
Tune-ups, Lubrication, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Rebuilds, Inspections, Disassembly, Assembly, Electrical System Diagnostics, Bodywork Repair
Estimated Page Count:
Likely exceeds 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive FSMs)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
Printed Book (implied by description of charts, diagrams, photos)
Engine Mechanical:
Yes, including rebuild procedures, specifications, and diagnostics
Engine Performance:
Yes, including fuel pressure charts, timing, and emissions
Transmission Mechanical:
Yes, including rebuild and repair procedures for automatic and manual transmissions
Drivetrain:
Yes, including axles, differentials, and driveshafts
Suspension:
Yes, including front and rear suspension components and alignment
Steering:
Yes, including power steering system and components
Brakes:
Yes, including hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), and component replacement
Electrical System:
Yes, including wiring diagrams, connector data, component testing, and diagnostics
HVAC:
Yes, including system components, refrigerant, and diagnostics
Body And Frame:
Yes, including panel replacement, interior trim, and structural components
Heating And Cooling:
Yes, detailing engine cooling system and related components
Exhaust System:
Yes, including component identification and replacement
Fuel System:
Yes, including fuel pump, injectors, and lines
Cooling System:
Yes, including radiator, water pump, and thermostat
Ignition System:
Yes, including spark plugs, coils, and timing
Maintenance:
Yes, including tune-ups and lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Yes, with diagnostic procedures and flowcharts
Repair:
Yes, comprehensive step-by-step repair instructions
Rebuilds:
Yes, for major components like engine and transmission
Disassembly And Assembly:
Yes, detailed procedures with exploded diagrams
Inspection:
Yes, for various components and systems
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes, including wiring diagrams and connector data
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and rebuilds
Audience:
Professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts with basic mechanical knowledge
Data Accuracy:
OEM specifications including torque values, tolerances, and part numbers
Format Details:
Printed, bound book
Quality:
High-quality printing with clear diagrams and text (typical for OEM manuals)
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound, designed for workshop use
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock, often slightly thicker than typical book paper to withstand workshop conditions
Applicable Trims:
All trim levels of the 2000 Dodge Dakota (e.g., SLT, Sport, Base)
Engine Options 2000 Dakota:
2.5L Magnum I4, 4.7L Magnum V8
Engine Code 2 5L:
A5000 (typical for this generation)
Engine Displacement 2 5L:
2.5 Liters (150 ci)
Engine Type 2 5L:
Inline 4-Cylinder, SOHC
Engine Code 4 7L:
A5788 (typical for this generation)
Engine Displacement 4 7L:
4.7 Liters (287 ci)
Engine Type 4 7L:
V8, SOHC, 2 Valves per cylinder
Horsepower 2 5L Est:
~120-130 hp
Torque 2 5L Est:
~145-155 lb-ft
Horsepower 4 7L Est:
~220-235 hp
Torque 4 7L Est:
~290-300 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Pressure Chart Availability:
Yes, explicitly mentioned in product description
Engine Management:
OBD-II compliant systems
Compression Ranges:
Provided for both engine variants
Minimum Maximum Tolerances:
Provided for critical engine components
Transmission Options:
5-speed manual (NV3500 or similar), 4-speed automatic (42RE or 45RFE depending on engine)
Automatic Transmission V8:
45RFE 4-speed automatic (often paired with 4.7L V8)
Rebuild Coverage:
Detailed rebuild procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions
Fluid Specifications Automatic:
ATF+3 (Chrysler spec)
Fluid Specifications Manual:
Gear oil (specific viscosity to be detailed in manual)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - consult manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., Platinum) and replacement interval (typically 60,000-100,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type 2 5L:
5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Type 4 7L:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or higher), depending on climate
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a pink/orange color
Common Issues 2Nd Gen:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.7L), intake manifold gasket leaks, ball joint wear, rust on rear wheel arches and cab corners, heater core leaks
Diagnostic Tips:
Manual provides specific diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms related to known issues