🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota Sport

Year:

2001

Body Style:

Compact Pickup Truck

Generation Name:

Second Generation (AN)

Platform Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Individuals and businesses seeking a versatile and capable light-duty pickup truck for work and personal use.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, available V8 engine (though less common in Sport trims), good towing capacity for its class, strong aftermarket support.

Value For Buyer:

Enables comprehensive DIY maintenance and repair, reducing reliance on costly dealership services and extending vehicle lifespan.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams, Exploded Views

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical, Body, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Emissions Control

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, power control module (PCM)

Transmission:

Manual transmission (NV1500, NV3500), Automatic transmission (42RE, 44RE), clutch system, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid services

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, differential, four-wheel-drive system (if applicable)

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent torsion bar or coil spring), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, wheel bearings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, steering linkage

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on configuration), anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake, brake hydraulic system, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, diagnostic connectors

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, interior trim, locks, latches, exterior trim, bumpers

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation

Component Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and installation of all major components

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system, scan tool usage, live data interpretation, specific diagnostic procedures for various systems

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, component locations, wire colors, connector pinouts

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (OCR processed)

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, clear for diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.5L MAGNUM (AMC) I4

Displacement Ci 1:

150

Horsepower 1:

120 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Lb Ft 1:

145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Option 2:

3.9L MAGNUM (LA) V6

Displacement Ci 2:

239

Horsepower 2:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Lb Ft 2:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Option 3:

5.2L MAGNUM (LA) V8

Displacement Ci 3:

318

Horsepower 3:

230 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Lb Ft 3:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500/NV3500)

Optional Transmission 1:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE)

Optional Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (44RE) - Typically with V8/4WD

Overdrive:

Provided on all transmissions

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (refer to manual for specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short:

109.6 inches

Wheelbase Long:

124.6 inches

Bed Length Short:

71.7 inches

Bed Length Long:

95.7 inches

Curb Weight Approx Start:

3,500 lbs

Curb Weight Approx End:

4,200 lbs

Max Payload Approx:

1,350 - 1,800 lbs (Varies by configuration)

Max Towing Capacity Approx:

Up to 7,000 lbs (Varies by configuration and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not Available / Insufficient Data

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Not Available / Insufficient Data

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Acceptable

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on others

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations (2 or 4 speakers).

Climate Control:

Manual climate control (heater and A/C) with rotary knobs and fan speed selector.

Cruise Control:

Available

Antilock Brakes:

Available/Standard depending on trim and configuration

OBD Ii Port:

Standard, located under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific guidance on synthetic vs. conventional).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (V8), 30,000 miles (I4/V6 - refer to manual for specific plug type)

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on towing/heavy use)

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles

Coolant Flush Replace:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Brake Fluid Flush Replace:

Every 2-3 years

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 for most engines, 10W-30 for certain conditions (verify with manual/oil cap)

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

5 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

4.5 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity I4:

4.5 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent (e.g., Zerex G-05)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901)

Common Problem 1:

Brake caliper seizing/sticking (especially rear drums)

Common Problem 2:

Radiator and heater core leaks

Common Problem 3:

Ball joint and tie rod end wear (front suspension)

Common Problem 4:

Clutch wear (manual transmissions)

Common Problem 5:

Power window motor failure

Common Problem 6:

Rear main seal leaks (V8 engines)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building rugged and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.

Dakota Introduction:

The Dodge Dakota was introduced in 1987 as Chrysler's first compact pickup truck, bridging the gap between smaller compacts and larger full-size pickups.

Second Gen Introduction:

The second generation (AN) was introduced for the 1997 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic and substantial appearance, and importantly, the introduction of the V8 engine option, a first in its class.

Sport Trim:

The 'Sport' designation typically indicated a more appearance-focused trim level, often with unique badging, wheels, and interior accents, but shared the same mechanical underpinnings as other Dakota models.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

Production Years An Platform:

1997-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

The Dakota has historically received positive reviews and awards, though specific accolades for the 2001 model year might be less prominent than for newer or entirely redesigned models.

Customer Satisfaction Indices:

Generally received moderate to good ratings for reliability and performance for its class and era.