🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2009

Platform:

Chrysler SB-X platform (updated)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon.

Vehicle Characteristics:

Body-on-frame construction, available V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling cost-effective maintenance and accurate repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Models and All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, diagnostics, timing, lubrication, cooling, emissions controls.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, evaporative emissions (EVAP).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power distribution, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).

Powertrain Control:

Engine control module (ECM/PCM) diagnostics, sensors, actuators, programming.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (42RLE, 45RFE/545RFE) repair, diagnostics, fluid service, control systems.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, transfer case (4WD models), driveshafts, CV joints, universal joints.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (short/long arm), rear solid axle, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, power booster.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tilt wheel mechanisms.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant, diagnostics.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, headliner, structural components.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pretensioners, diagnostics.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, diagnostic flowcharts.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt replacement, spark plug replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for various symptoms (e.g., no-start, poor performance, electrical faults).

Diagnostic Tools:

Guidance on using scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring schematics with component identification.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

3.7L Magnum V6 (210 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)

Engine 2 Type:

4.7L Magnum V8 (2009: 290 hp @ 5600 rpm, 330 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm - updated for 2009)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.66 x 3.36 in (93.0 x 85.3 mm)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.92 x 3.31 in (99.5 x 84.0 mm)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating 87 recommended)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, secondary air injection (on some models), evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V6:

4-speed automatic (42RLE)

Transmission Type V8:

5-speed automatic (45RFE / 545RFE)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

NV233 HD (2-speed manual shift) or NV244 (2-speed electronic shift on demand)

Transmission Fluid Spec 42Rle:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Spec 45Rfe 545Rfe:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std Cab:

120.0 inches (3048 mm)

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

131.3 inches (3335 mm)

Bed Length Short:

75.2 inches (1910 mm)

Bed Length Long:

97.2 inches (2469 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,100 - 4,800 lbs (1860 - 2177 kg)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 7,450 lbs (3379 kg) depending on configuration

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to 1,930 lbs (875 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance Score:

3 stars (2009 model year typical for this class)

ABS:

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

Traction Control:

Electronic Traction Control (ETC) available on some trims, especially with 4WD.

Airbags:

Advanced front airbags for driver and passenger, available front-seat side airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, optional Infinity premium audio system.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors available.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack on most models for connecting external devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Champion Double Platinum spark plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Champion Double Platinum spark plugs.

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher (Chrysler MS-6395)

Engine Oil Type V8:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher (Chrysler MS-6395)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769 (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issue Cluster Gauge Lights:

Intermittent or complete failure of gauge cluster illumination due to failing bulbs or circuit board issues.

Common Issue Transmission Hard Shifting:

Some owners report rough or delayed shifting, particularly in the 42RLE transmission, which may require transmission control module (TCM) adjustments or internal repairs.

Common Issue Rust On Frame:

In areas with road salt, frame rust can be a concern, especially around suspension mounting points and the rear frame rails.

Common Issue Radiator Leaks:

Cracks in the plastic end tanks of the radiator can lead to coolant leaks.

Common Issue 4.7L V8 Oil Sludge:

The 4.7L V8 engine can be susceptible to oil sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected or if low-quality oil is used.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, known for their 'Ram' trucks.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation Dakota, introduced for the 2005 model year, was a significant redesign, becoming the first mid-size truck to offer a V8 engine and increasing in size and capability.

2009 Updates:

The 2009 model received styling updates, including a revised grille and front fascia. The 4.7L V8 was updated for increased horsepower and torque. New features like an integrated trailer brake controller were introduced.

Production Plants:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reviews:

Upon its second-generation launch, the Dakota was praised for its powerful V8 option and substantial size for the mid-size segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Varied over its production run, with some model years receiving average or below-average predicted reliability ratings.