Market Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck
Key Competitors:
Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
Vehicle Platform:
Shared platform with Dodge Ram (1500) and Mitsubishi Raider (unique to the Dakota)
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (6'4"), Long Bed (8'0")
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM), fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer case (4WD models), clutch, driveline
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc and drum), ABS, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, power steering, alignment specifications
Electrical Systems:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, power accessories, body control module (BCM), multiplex systems
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, climate control
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, wiring diagrams
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement, body panel repair
Rebuild Refurbish:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, and reassembling major vehicle components
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostics with detailed explanations of system operation, sensor inputs, and control module strategies
Repair Depth:
Comprehensive repair procedures covering everything from minor adjustments to complete component overhauls
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, electrical data, alignment angles
Engine Option 1:
3.7L Magnum V6 (PowerTech)
Engine Displacement 1:
3.7 Liters (226 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 1:
SOHC V6
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm (varies slightly by model year)
Torque 1:
Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by model year)
Engine Option 2:
4.7L Magnum V8 (High Output)
Engine Displacement 2:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 2:
SOHC V8
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 230-240 hp @ 4500-5000 rpm (varies slightly by model year)
Torque 2:
Approx. 300-305 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (varies slightly by model year)
Engine Option 3:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Introduced in later years of this generation)
Engine Displacement 3:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 3:
OHV V8 (HEMI)
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 300-350 hp @ 5000-5600 rpm (varies by model year and configuration)
Torque 3:
Approx. 360-390 lb-ft @ 3800-4200 rpm (varies by model year and configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Premium may be recommended for optimal performance on some V8s, check manual for specifics)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
Approx. 120.0 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
Approx. 131.3 inches
Bed Length Short:
Approx. 76 inches
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 98 inches
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,800 lbs (varies by configuration, engine, and drivetrain)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 6,100 lbs (with appropriate configuration, engine, and towing package)
NHTSA Crash Test Front Driver:
Good (as of initial testing, check for updates/recalls)
NHTSA Crash Test Front Passenger:
Good (as of initial testing, check for updates/recalls)
IIHS Crash Test Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good (depending on specific year and equipment)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, available side curtain airbags
Infotainment Systems:
Basic AM/FM/CD players, optional navigation systems, and premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity) in higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; primarily focused on ABS and optional traction control. Advanced driver-assistance systems were not prevalent in this era.
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary input jacks for audio devices, SiriusXM Satellite Radio optional.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, especially for heavy-duty use (consult manual for specific transmission type).
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000 - 100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (e.g., HOAT, OAT).
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified, SN or newer)
Engine Oil Type V8:
SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, SN or newer - check manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Type 45Rfe 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)
Common Issues V8 Engines:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, spark plug blow-out (especially early 4.7L models), camshaft position sensor failures.
Common Issues Transmission:
Occasional rough shifting with the 42RLE transmission; potential for solenoid issues.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, and sometimes premature wear of front wheel bearings.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, known for their performance and value.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation (DS) was a significant redesign introduced for the 2005 model year, sharing its platform with the Dodge Ram and the Mitsubishi Raider.
Key Updates During Generation:
Introduction of the HEMI 5.7L V8 engine, updated interior and exterior styling, and improved safety features.
Assembly Location:
Mack Avenue Engine Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA (and sometimes Warren Truck Assembly Plant)
Production End Date:
Production of the Dodge Dakota ended in August 2011.
