🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2003

Platform:

Second Generation (AN)

Vin Decoder Start Year:

2003

Vin Decoder Model Code:

N

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Key Competitors:

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

Differentiation:

Known for its bold styling, V8 engine option in this generation, and comfortable ride for a truck.

Vehicle Features:

Available in 2WD and 4WD, various bed lengths, V6 and V8 engine options, available Quad Cab for increased passenger capacity.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

All gasoline engines

Transmission Variants:

All automatic and manual transmissions

Body Styles:

All body styles (Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab)

Trim Levels:

All trim levels (e.g., ST, SLT, Sport, R/T)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Complete Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Transmission (automatic & manual), clutch, driveshaft, differentials, axle shafts, transfer case (if applicable)

Chassis:

Suspension system (front & rear), steering system, brake system (front & rear discs, ABS)

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls

Body And Frame:

Frame, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II system, troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tune-ups, belt inspections and replacement

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension and steering repair, electrical component repair

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostics, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Disassembly And Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and schematics

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for offline use

Quality:

High-resolution scans for clarity of text and images

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5L

Engine 1 Code:

425

Engine 1 Cylinders:

4

Engine 1 Horsepower:

120 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.7L

Engine 2 Code:

3.7L Magnum

Engine 2 Cylinders:

6

Engine 2 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

4.7L

Engine 3 Code:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 3 Cylinders:

8

Engine 3 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (standard on some configurations)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 45RFE)

Overdrive:

Yes (on automatic transmissions)

Transfer Case:

Available 2-speed transfer case for 4WD models (NV235 or NV244)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

111.2 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124.6 inches

Bed Length Standard:

71.8 inches

Bed Length Optional:

83.2 inches

Curb Weight Approx:

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

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 6,850 lbs (with proper equipment and V8 engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3/5 stars (typical for trucks of this era)

ABS:

Standard on most models

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts, rear seat belts (where applicable)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player (optional cassette player), 4-6 speaker systems available

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims

Keyless Entry:

Optional

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles

Spark Plug Replacement:

4.7L V8: 100,000 miles (platinum plugs); 3.7L V6: 100,000 miles (platinum plugs); 2.5L I4: ~30,000 miles (standard plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depends on usage and fluid type)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on climate and engine, refer to manual)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 4)

Common Problems:

Heater core failure, catalytic converter issues, ABS sensor failures, some transmission hard shifting/failure on earlier models, rear axle seal leaks.

Recommended Checks:

Regularly inspect for exhaust leaks, listen for abnormal transmission noises, check for coolant leaks around the firewall.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation (AN) was introduced for the 1997 model year, with significant updates for 2002, including the new V8 engine and styling revisions.

Manufacturing Location:

Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan, USA

Production Period:

1997-2004 (for the second generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 2003 model year are not prominently documented, the Dodge Dakota line consistently received praise for its styling and available V8 power in its class during this era.