🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2005

Internal Model Code:

AN

Third Generation Start Year:

2005

Third Generation End Year:

2011

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Key Differentiator:

Unique for its time with a coil-spring rear suspension across all trims (though variations exist), offering a more refined ride than some competitors.

Primary Competitors 2005:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Powertrain Options:

Available V6 and V8 engines, RWD and 4WD configurations.

Cab Configurations:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab)

Suspension Design:

Independent front suspension, coil-spring rear suspension (unique for this segment at the time).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

~2500-3000

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (WinRAR/PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control

Drivetrain:

Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Transfer Case (4WD models), Differential, Driveline Components, Axles, Driveshafts

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & ABS), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Power Distribution, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition Control, Lighting (Exterior & Interior), Instrumentation, Audio/Video Systems, Chime/Buzzer, Message Systems, Horn, Speed Control, Vehicle Theft Security System, Navigation/Telecommunication

Body:

Body Structure, Frame, Bumpers, Doors, Windows, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Wipers & Washers

Safety Systems:

Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Component Testing

Repair:

Component Removal & Installation, Adjustment Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Torque Specifications

Troubleshooting:

Fault Isolation Charts, Electrical Schematics, Mechanical Troubleshooting Guides

Technical Specs:

Torque Values, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Compression:

WinRAR

Document Format:

PDF

Quality Description:

High-resolution, searchable PDF suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Description:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3701 cc (3.7 L)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 90.9 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.9:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug ignition

Engine 1 Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine 1 Oil Capacity:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter

Engine 1 Cooling System Capacity:

Approx. 11.0 US quarts (10.4 Liters)

Engine 2 Description:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4701 cc (4.7 L)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 86.7 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug ignition

Engine 2 Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine 2 Oil Capacity:

6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter

Engine 2 Cooling System Capacity:

Approx. 12.0 US quarts (11.4 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

42RLE Automatic Transmission

Transmission 1 Gears:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission 1 Rwd Model Availability:

Available with 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8

Transmission 1 4Wd Model Availability:

Available with 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8

Transmission 1 Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission 1 Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 US quarts (7.6 Liters) for refill

Transmission 2 Type:

NV3500 Manual Transmission

Transmission 2 Gears:

5-speed Manual

Transmission 2 Availability:

Available primarily with the 3.7L V6 and RWD

Transmission 2 Fluid Type:

MS-9224, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant

Transmission 2 Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.6 US quarts (2.5 Liters)

Transfer Case Type:

NV243/NV243HD (4WD models)

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

MS-9224, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant

Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.0 US quarts (1.9 Liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

121.9 inches (3096 mm)

Wheelbase Long Bed:

131.3 inches (3335 mm)

Overall Length Short Bed:

200.5 inches (5093 mm)

Overall Length Long Bed:

213.1 inches (5413 mm)

Overall Width:

79.2 inches (2012 mm)

Overall Height:

72.3 inches (1836 mm)

Bed Length Short Bed:

6.1 feet (1.86 m)

Bed Length Long Bed:

8.0 feet (2.44 m)

Curb Weight V6 Rwd:

Approx. 4,250 lbs (1928 kg)

Curb Weight V8 4Wd:

Approx. 4,600 lbs (2087 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,300 lbs (2858 kg) (V8, properly equipped)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,480 lbs (671 kg) (V8, properly equipped)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Standard Tire Size Base:

P235/75R15

Optional Tire Size Sport:

LT265/70R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for models with side airbags)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (for models with side airbags)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Acceptable (Good in later years)

ABS:

Standard on all models

Traction Control:

Optional

Electronic Stability Control:

Not widely available for 2005

Airbags Standard:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Airbags Optional:

Side Curtain Airbags (available on some trims)

Seatbelts:

Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts, rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity speaker system, optional satellite radio readiness.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard feature across most trims

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions required for most models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Severe:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months

Oil Change Interval Normal:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with OE-type spark plugs

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with OE-type spark plugs

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (automatic), Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (manual)

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Mopar OAT (Orange)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Common Issue 1:

Death Wobble (front suspension components, often ball joints or tie rod ends)

Common Issue 2:

Brake Rotor Warping

Common Issue 3:

Rear Differential Seals/Leaks

Common Issue 4:

Spark Plug Blow-out (early 4.7L V8 models, less common on 2005)

Common Issue 5:

Coolant Leaks (heater core, radiator)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Dakota was introduced in 1987 as a mid-size pickup, bridging the gap between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.

First Generation:

1987-1996

Second Generation:

1997-2004

Third Generation Introduction:

2005

Third Generation Redesign:

The 2005 model year marked a significant redesign for the Dakota, introducing a larger, more aggressive styling, a more powerful engine option (the 4.7L V8), and a revised chassis with a coil-spring rear suspension. This generation was also built on the new Dodge Ram's platform, sharing some architectural elements.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reviews:

Received positive reviews for its powerful V8 engine, improved ride quality (due to rear coil springs), and aggressive styling compared to its predecessor. Competitively priced.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by year and specific components; typically rated average to below average for its class in earlier years of this generation.

Epa Fuel Economy V6 Rwd Auto:

Approx. 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Highway

Epa Fuel Economy V8 Rwd Auto:

Approx. 14 MPG City / 19 MPG Highway

Epa Fuel Economy V6 4Wd Auto:

Approx. 14 MPG City / 19 MPG Highway