🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2005

Vin Prefix:

1B7

Generation Code:

AN

Generation Years:

2005-2011

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2005 Dodge Dakota was a mid-size pickup truck known for offering V8 engine options typically found in full-size trucks, bridging the gap between compact and full-size segments. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier.

Strengths:

Powerful V8 engine options (especially the 4.7L and 5.7L HEMI), comfortable ride for a truck, unique styling.

Weaknesses:

Interior materials could be considered less premium than some competitors, fuel economy with V8s, some reported reliability concerns in specific areas.

Engine Options:

Availability of V8 engines including the then-new 5.7L HEMI. Multiple cab and bed configurations.

Platform:

Built on a body-on-frame chassis, offering robustness for truck applications. Second generation (AN) introduced for 2005 with significant redesign and powertrain updates.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, and diagnostics for the 2005 Dodge Dakota.

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1800 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 (including diagnosis, repair, disassembly, assembly, and specifications).

Transmission:

42RLE (4-speed automatic), NV3500 (5-speed manual), NV4500 (5-speed manual - less common for 2005).

Drivetrain:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (4x4) systems, transfer case, differentials, axles, driveshafts, CV joints.

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum/disc configurations, ABS, power assist, parking brake system.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (short/long arm), rear solid axle with leaf springs, shock absorbers, ball joints, bushings.

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion (2WD) / steering gear (4WD), steering column, linkages.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, interior/exterior accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis, component replacement, refrigerant handling.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, specific system troubleshooting trees.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, exhaust system repair.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptoms and causes, fault finding charts.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, performance data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format). Typically searchable and printable.

Quality Description:

High-resolution scans or digital originals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. May include color diagrams for electrical schematics and some repair procedures.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3701 cc (225.9 ci)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4701 cc (286.8 ci)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4500 rpm (early 2005), 260 hp @ 4800 rpm (late 2005)

Engine 2 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (early 2005), 325 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (late 2005)

Engine 3 Type:

5.7L HEMI V8 (R/T models)

Engine 3 Displacement:

5654 cc (345.1 ci)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for HEMI)

ECU Type:

Chrysler JTEC/NGC (Next Generation Controller) family.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic 42RLE (primarily with 3.7L V6, optional with 4.7L V8)

Optional Transmission 1:

5-speed manual NV3500 (primarily with 3.7L V6)

Optional Transmission 2:

5-speed manual NV4500 (less common, typically for heavy-duty applications or specific configurations)

Transmission Features:

Overdrive gear, torque converter lock-up (automatic), electronic transmission control (ETC) on some models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

124.5 inches (3162 mm)

Overall Length:

209.4 inches (5319 mm)

Overall Width:

79.1 inches (2009 mm)

Overall Height:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Cab Configurations:

Club Cab (extended cab), Quad Cab (crew cab)

Bed Lengths:

6.3 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed - less common)

Curb Weight Approx:

4,000 - 4,800 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 7,450 lbs (with 4.7L V8 and appropriate towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for the second generation, though 2005 specific ratings may vary slightly).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good

IIHS Moderatesmall Overlap Front:

Not Tested (vehicle predates widespread implementation of this test).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available traction control system (TCS).

Airbags Front:

Standard front airbags for driver and passenger.

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette, and premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).

Display:

Basic digital clock display and radio interface. No advanced touchscreens.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Not typically available on 2005 models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard. Aftermarket solutions may be available.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - refer to specific manual for exact recommendation).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (use of OE-specified plugs is crucial).

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approx. 100,000 miles (especially for 4.7L. HEMI may have different intervals. Verify with manual).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on engine and climate - consult manual). API Certified.

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

6.0 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter.

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:

7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Formula).

Transmission Fluid 42Rle:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602) - Mopar specification.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV244 / NV246 Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent spec like ATF+4 in some cases, verify with manual).

Rear Axle Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Lubricant. Limited slip additive may be required for certain differentials.

Common Issues Vibration:

Driveshaft imbalance or U-joint wear can cause vibrations, particularly at higher speeds.

Common Issues Cooling System:

Potential for radiator leaks or heater core issues. Ensure proper coolant type and level.

Common Issues Transmission Shifts:

Hesitation or hard shifts in the 42RLE automatic transmission can occur; often related to fluid level/condition or solenoid issues.

Common Issues Exhaust Manifold:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V8 engines) are a known issue leading to exhaust leaks and ticking sounds.

Common Issues Sensors:

Various sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, O2 sensors) can fail over time, leading to drivability issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, from the Power Wagon to the Ram series. The Dakota was introduced in 1987 as Dodge's first mid-size pickup, aiming to offer a smaller, more maneuverable truck than its full-size counterparts.

Generation 1 Years:

1987-1996

Generation 2 Years:

1997-2004

Generation 3 Years:

2005-2011

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

Production Period:

The 2005 model year represents the first year of the significantly redesigned third generation (AN), which brought larger dimensions, updated styling, and new powertrains, most notably the 5.7L HEMI V8.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Received mixed reviews. Praised for V8 power and ride comfort, criticized for interior quality and some reliability concerns by publications like MotorTrend and Car and Driver.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimates Approx:

V6 2WD Auto: ~16 MPG city / 21 MPG highway. V8 2WD Auto: ~14 MPG city / 19 MPG highway. (Actual mileage varies significantly).

Emission Standards:

Compliant with EPA and California emission standards for the model year.