Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, auto repair shops, fleet maintenance managers.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
Manual Advantage:
Provides detailed, OEM-level repair and maintenance information crucial for accurate and efficient servicing of the Dakota.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance themselves, saving time and money.
Years Covered:
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Regions Covered:
North America (USA, Canada)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Power Distribution, Instrumentation, Body Electrical
Body And Frame:
Body Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Frame Components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks
Repair:
Engine Overhauls, Transmission Rebuilds, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Component Resistance
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complex engine and transmission diagnostics and overhauls.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations.
Engine Option 1:
3.7L Magnum V6
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
3701 cc
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
210-230 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm (varies by year/tune)
Engine Option 1 Torque:
235-245 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by year/tune)
Engine Option 2:
4.7L Magnum V8 (introduced later in generation)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
4701 cc
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
230-302 hp @ 4700-5000 rpm (varies by year/tune)
Engine Option 2 Torque:
290-334 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (varies by year/tune)
Engine Option 3:
5.7L HEMI V8 (SRT-10 variant)
Engine Option 3 Displacement:
5654 cc
Engine Option 3 Horsepower:
500 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine Option 3 Torque:
525 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine Technology:
Overhead Valve (OHV) for Magnum engines, Overhead Cam (OHC) for HEMI.
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6/V8, premium for SRT-10)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (NV3500 for V6, Getrag for SRT-10)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE for V6)
Optional Transmission 2:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (W5A580 for 4.7L V8)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with electronic transfer case.
Transmission Fluid Spec V6 Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar Part # 05013457AA)
Transmission Fluid Spec V8 Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar Part # 05013457AA)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 2005:
4 out of 5 stars (Four-Wheel Drive models)
IIHS Crash Test Rating:
Good (Frontal Offset) in some configurations, Mixed (Side Impact) depending on equipment.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags standard; optional side curtain airbags available on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Base AM/FM radio, optional CD player, optional CD/MP3 player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Not commonly available on this generation; aftermarket solutions are prevalent.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Every 6,000 - 7,500 miles (9,656 - 12,070 km) or 6 months, using synthetic oil.
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,828 - 8,047 km) or 3 months, using conventional oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,140 - 48,280 km), or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,934 km) with Iridium spark plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,934 km) with Iridium spark plugs (specific type may vary).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for 3.7L and 4.7L), SAE 5W-20 for some HEMI applications. Check owner's manual for exact spec.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.0 - 14.0 US quarts (11.4 - 13.3 Liters) depending on engine and configuration.
Common Issue 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on early 4.7L V8 models).
Common Issue 2:
Brake rotor warping and premature pad wear.
Common Issue 3:
Rear differential pinion seal leaks.
Common Issue 4:
Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends).
Common Issue 5:
Actuator issues for HVAC blend doors.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, often positioned as workhorses with a focus on power and utility.
Previous Generation:
Second Generation (1998-2004 Dodge Dakota)
Third Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign and sharing its platform with the Mitsubishi Raider.
Key Updates:
Introduction of the 4.7L V8 and later the 5.7L HEMI V8, updated interior and exterior styling, improved safety features.
Production Period:
2005-2011
Assembly Locations:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Truck Of The Year Nomination:
Often considered in comparisons for mid-size trucks, though specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for this generation are less prominent than some competitors.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Mixed to Below Average ratings in reliability surveys from publications like Consumer Reports during its production run.
