Vehicle Type:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and vehicle owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Manual Strength:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds
Manual Benefit:
Empowers users to perform repairs efficiently and accurately, saving time and money
Engine Service:
Complete engine rebuilding and repair procedures
Electrical Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all systems
Transmission Service:
Repair and overhaul procedures for all transmission types
Chassis And Suspension:
Steering, suspension, and drivetrain component service
Brakes And Wheel Bearings:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, and wheel bearing service
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, and frame diagnostics
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, and injection system service
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and fan service
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter, and pipe replacement and repair
Lighting And Accessories:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and accessory wiring
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and lubrication schedules
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Component Replacement:
Guidance on replacing all major and minor vehicle components
Wiring Repairs:
Detailed instructions for identifying, repairing, and re-wiring electrical circuits
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures and fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Comprehensive repair instructions for all vehicle systems
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and technical data
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Step-by-step diagrams and exploded views for clarity
Engine Options:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC 150 I4, 3.7L (226 cu in) Power-Tech V6, 4.7L (287 cu in) Magnum V8
Bore X Stroke 2 5L:
3.88 x 3.39 inches (98.5 x 86.1 mm)
Bore X Stroke 3 7L:
3.66 x 3.13 inches (93.0 x 79.5 mm)
Bore X Stroke 4 7L:
3.70 x 3.37 inches (94.0 x 85.5 mm)
Horsepower 2 5L:
Approx. 120-122 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm
Torque 2 5L:
Approx. 145-148 lb-ft @ 3200-3400 rpm
Horsepower 3 7L:
Approx. 210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3 7L:
Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 4 7L:
Approx. 230-235 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm
Torque 4 7L:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 octane minimum (higher recommended for 4.7L V8 under heavy load)
Transmission Options:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic (42RE), 5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)
Transmission Variations:
Availability of manual and automatic transmissions varied by engine and trim level
4X4 Transfer Case:
Available with part-time 4WD system (NV241DLD or NV243HD)
Gear Ratios Example 545Rfe:
First: 3.16, Second: 2.23, Third: 1.54, Fourth: 1.00, Fifth: 0.75, Reverse: 2.03
Transmission Fluid Spec 42Re:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9227 or MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Spec 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
Approx. 113.9 inches (2893 mm)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
Approx. 124.7 inches (3167 mm)
Overall Length Short Bed:
Approx. 192.4 inches (4887 mm)
Overall Length Long Bed:
Approx. 203.2 inches (5161 mm)
Bed Length Short Bed:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Bed Length Long Bed:
Approx. 82.1 inches (2085 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (1678 - 2041 kg) depending on configuration
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approx. 1,730 lbs (785 kg)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 6,500 lbs (2948 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Four Stars (for models with dual front airbags)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Four Stars (for models with dual front airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Five Stars (for models with side airbags, if equipped)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system available on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side curtain airbags on some later models
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; three-point rear seat belts
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound systems, satellite radio readiness on some models
Display Technology:
Basic digital displays for odometer, trip computer, and system warnings
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system
Anti Theft System:
Factory immobilizer system
Power Outlets:
12V accessory power outlets in the cabin
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with high-quality platinum or iridium plugs
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as specified in the manual
Engine Oil Viscosity 2 5L:
10W-30 (check manual for exact temperature ranges)
Engine Oil Viscosity 3 7L 4 7L:
5W-30 (check manual for exact temperature ranges)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (5/150)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can develop cracks over time.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Coil-on-plug ignition systems, particularly on V8 engines, can experience failures.
Ball Joint Wear:
Front suspension ball joints can wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Water Pump Leaks:
Water pumps may develop leaks, particularly around the shaft seal.
Window Regulator Failure:
Power window regulators can fail, making it difficult to raise or lower the windows.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.
Dakota Generation 2:
The 2003 model year marks the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, which debuted in 1997 and received a significant refresh for 2000.
Dakota Platform:
The second-generation Dakota utilized a unique ladder frame chassis, larger than typical compact trucks of its era, positioning it as a 'mid-size' compact.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Years 2Nd Gen:
1997-2004
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
N/A for this specific year/generation, but Dodge trucks have received various accolades over the years.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by year and specific components; generally mid-pack for its segment during this era.
