🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2003

Generation:

Second Generation (AN)

Generation Years:

1997-2004

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Dakota 2003 was a mid-size pickup truck known for its comfortable ride, versatile configurations, and available V8 engines, competing with the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, and Nissan Frontier.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma

Value Proposition:

This manual empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to professional shop labor. Its factory-level detail ensures accuracy and safety.

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, small repair shops, and Dodge Dakota owners seeking to maintain their vehicles in optimal condition.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Repair and Maintenance

System Coverage Summary:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Authorized Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF for modern distribution)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, rebuilding, timing belt service, engine performance tuning, firing orders

Engine Electrical And Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, wiring diagrams

Transmission:

Removal and installation, in-car servicing, specifications

Suspension And Steering:

Front end alignment procedures and specifications, suspension system servicing

Brakes:

Brake servicing procedures, component specifications

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

Air conditioning service, component capacities

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams

Body And Chassis:

General repair procedures, component illustrations

Maintenance:

Fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) analysis, flowcharts

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for a wide range of mechanical and electrical repairs

Rebuilding:

Engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures

Installation:

Transmission removal and installation

Calibration:

Front end alignment procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics

Illustrations Diagrams:

Detailed illustrations, diagrams, depth illustrations

Understanding Level:

Suitable for individuals with basic mechanical knowledge, allowing for DIY repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF (Portable Document Format) for digital delivery, optimized for searchability and printability.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L Magnum L4, 3.9L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8

2 5L Magnum L4 Hp:

Approx. 120 hp @ 4800 rpm

2 5L Magnum L4 Torque:

Approx. 155 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

3 9L Magnum V6 Hp:

Approx. 175 hp @ 4800 rpm

3 9L Magnum V6 Torque:

Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

4 7L Magnum V8 Hp:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4800 rpm

4 7L Magnum V8 Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Management System:

Proprietary Chrysler/Dodge electronic engine control (EEC) system, OBD-II compliant.

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (Getrag 238 for V6/V8, possibly New Venture Gear for L4)

Optional Transmission:

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

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab

Bed Lengths:

6.0 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,000 lbs (with appropriate engine and towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Likely 4-star for driver, 4-star for passenger (based on similar vehicles of the era)

IIHS Side Impact:

Not rated (IIHS testing for trucks was less prevalent for this generation)

ABS:

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

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, primarily on V8 4x4 versions.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with optional premium sound systems. Auxiliary inputs were rare for this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Trailer Tow Prep:

Optional trailer tow package often included heavier-duty cooling, wiring for trailer lights, and a tow hitch receiver.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions - consult manual for specific recommendations)

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and driving conditions)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type: conventional, platinum, iridium)

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service classification.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Chrysler ATF+4 (477420) is typical for 45RFE; check manual for exact spec for 42RE.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity and rating to be confirmed in manual).

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolant, typically ethylene glycol based.

Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially 4.7L V8), intake manifold gasket leaks, ABS sensor failures, rust on frame rails, transmission solenoid issues.

Common Fixes:

Proactive inspection and repair of potential rust spots, replacement of faulty sensors and gaskets, transmission fluid and filter changes.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long-standing history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon in the 1940s, evolving through the Ram series.

Second Gen Dakota:

The second-generation Dakota (AN) introduced a more modern, rounded design compared to its predecessor and offered more powerful V8 engine options, including the 4.7L Magnum, which was a significant upgrade.

Manufacturing Locations:

Warrren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

Not a winner, but was a contender in its class during its production run.

Jd Power Dependability:

Variable ratings depending on the specific model year and configuration; the 2003 model generally received average to slightly below average ratings for its class.