🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2003 Dodge Dakota was a compact pickup truck known for offering a V8 engine option, which was a significant differentiator in its class at the time. It competed with models like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, and Toyota Tacoma.

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Engine Options:

The availability of a robust V8 engine (the 4.7L Magnum V8) was a major selling point, providing superior towing and hauling capability compared to many competitors offering only inline-four or V6 engines.

Body Styles:

Available in Regular Cab and Club Cab (extended cab) configurations, with short and long bed options.

Drivetrain:

Offered in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts Catalog

Estimated Page Count:

Varies significantly based on specific sub-models and options, typically hundreds to over a thousand pages.

Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine assemblies, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission components (manual and automatic), transfer case (if applicable).

Chassis:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, braking system (front and rear), wheels and tires, frame and body structure components.

Electrical:

Wiring harnesses, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, sensors, actuators, body control modules, infotainment components.

Body:

Exterior panels (hood, fenders, doors, tailgate), bumpers, grille, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seating, HVAC components, body hardware.

Accessories:

Factory-installed accessories, optional equipment, towing components, bed liners, tonneau covers.

Part Identification:

Detailed diagrams and exploded views of all vehicle components, with corresponding part numbers for ordering.

Assembly Disassembly:

Illustrations demonstrating how various sub-assemblies are put together, aiding in part selection for repair or restoration.

Interchangeability:

Implied information for identifying correct parts for specific configurations, though direct interchangeability guides are not the primary focus of a parts catalog.

Depth:

Highly detailed for parts identification and selection. Does not provide repair procedures or diagnostic information, but is essential for acquiring correct parts for repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text for printing.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.7L Magnum V8 (SOHC)

Engine 2:

2.5L Magnum Inline-4 (OHV)

Engine 3:

3.9L Magnum V6 (OHV)

Displacement Engine 1:

4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)

Horsepower Engine 1:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Engine 1:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Displacement Engine 2:

2.5 Liters (152 cubic inches)

Horsepower Engine 2:

Approx. 120 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Engine 2:

Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Displacement Engine 3:

3.9 Liters (238 cubic inches)

Horsepower Engine 3:

Approx. 175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Engine 3:

Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

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

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green)

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual for specific part numbers (e.g., Champion, NGK) based on engine. Gap specification critical.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard Inline 4:

5-speed manual transmission (NV1500)

Transmission Standard V6:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RE)

Transmission Optional V8:

4-speed automatic transmission (45RFE / 48RE)

Transmission Optional Manual V6 V8:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RE for V6, 45RFE for V8)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

New Process Gear (NP) 231 (2WD or 4WD models) or NV244 (4WD with electronic shift on the fly for V8 models).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-90).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

124.7 inches

Bed Length Short:

6.3 feet

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet

Curb Weight:

Varies by configuration, typically 3,700 - 4,500 lbs.

Max Payload:

Up to approx. 1,400 - 1,600 lbs.

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 6,900 lbs. (with V8 and appropriate towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver 1:

Good (for driver in frontal offset crash)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger 1:

Good (for passenger in frontal offset crash)

NHTSA Side Driver 1:

Acceptable (for driver in side impact crash)

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger 1:

Acceptable (for rear passenger in side impact crash)

ABS:

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

Airbags Front:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants. Pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio options typically included AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player. Optional premium sound systems available.

Speakers:

Base models often had 4 speakers; higher trims could have 6 or 8 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trim levels.

Towing Features:

Factory tow packages often included trailer brake controller wiring, a heavier-duty alternator, and a transmission oil cooler.

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets in the dashboard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Frequency:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation based on oil quality.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with oil change. Common part numbers include Mopar MO-899, Fram PH3731, Wix 51515.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment. Common part numbers include Mopar 52080353AB, Fram CA8357, Wix 42748.

Spark Plug Replacement:

For 4.7L V8: Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs). For 3.9L V6 & 2.5L I4: Refer to manual, typically shorter intervals.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (ATF+4). Manual transmission fluid inspection/change at similar intervals.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

5.2 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.9L:

5.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

5.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 recommended for most conditions (check manual). 10W-30 may be acceptable in warmer climates.

Heater Core Leaks:

Can be prone to heater core leaks, especially in higher mileage vehicles, leading to coolant loss and fogging windows.

Oil Cooler Lines:

Potential for leaks in the automatic transmission oil cooler lines, especially at the transmission connection.

Front Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links can wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises and steering looseness.

Radiator Failure:

Plastic-tank radiators can develop leaks over time, particularly at the seams.

PCM Issues:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures or software glitches have been reported on some models.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Dakota, introduced in 1987, was Dodge's first mid-size pickup truck, designed to fill a gap between smaller Japanese imports and larger American trucks.

Second Generation:

The 2003 model year is part of the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, which ran from 1997 to 2004. This generation saw significant redesigns, including a larger overall size, a more robust frame, and the introduction of the powerful 4.7L Magnum V8 engine.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific individual awards for the 2003 model may vary, the Dodge Dakota line consistently received positive attention for its V8 power and capability within the compact truck segment.