🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Years Covered:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Platform:

Second Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact to mid-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, professional repair shops.

Key Competitors 2000-2004:

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

Unique Selling Points Of Model:

Available V8 engine option (Magnum 5.2L, 5.9L), relatively robust chassis, strong towing and payload capacity for its class.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance information, empowering users to perform a wide range of services, saving on labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive factory service repair workshop manual

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital PDF format implies variable rendering, but typically over 2000 pages for full factory coverage)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for all engine variants, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and overhaul.

Engine Performance:

Diagnosis and repair of performance issues, tuning, emissions control systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure diagnosis, fuel tank and lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), electronic ignition control.

Transmission Automatic:

Overhaul, diagnosis, fluid changes, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanisms, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, constant velocity (CV) joints, rear axle assembly, differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, control arms, alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, diagnosis of play and leaks.

Brakes System:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum configurations), ABS system diagnosis, brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.

Electrical System General:

Battery, starting system, charging system (alternator), wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, bulb specifications.

Instrumentation And Gauges:

Dashboard indicators, warning lights, speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, structural components, collision repair information, door mechanisms, glass replacement.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charging, diagnosis.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and replacement procedures, seat belt mechanisms.

Chassis Electrical:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, power seats, wipers, horns.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meaning, step-by-step diagnostic procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor components.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Repair:

Detailed repair steps for both automatic and manual transmissions.

Brake Service:

Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures, ABS component replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Tracing electrical faults using wiring diagrams, testing components.

Suspension Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant handling, leak detection, component replacement, system charging.

Depth:

Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Troubleshooting Capability:

Includes detailed troubleshooting trees and diagnostic strategies for complex issues.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of special tools required for specific procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Essential engine and component clearances and tolerances for rebuilding.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution digital scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format, user prints and binds as desired)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L Magnum 4-cylinder, 3.9L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8

2.5L Magnum 4-Cylinder (Approximate):

Horsepower: 120-130 hp, Torque: 145-155 lb-ft

3.9L Magnum V6 (Approximate):

Horsepower: 175-185 hp, Torque: 220-230 lb-ft

4.7L Magnum V8 (Approximate):

Horsepower: 235-245 hp, Torque: 295-305 lb-ft

5.2L Magnum V8 (Approximate):

Horsepower: 230 hp, Torque: 300 lb-ft

5.9L Magnum V8 (Approximate):

Horsepower: 245-250 hp, Torque: 330-345 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Identification:

The manual will detail specific engine codes (e.g., EFA for 2.5L, EGD for 3.9L, P for 4.7L, etc.) for precise component identification and service.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 360 for some V6/V8 applications, NV1500 for 4-cyl/some V6)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RE for 4-cyl/V6, 44RE for V8, 45RFE for 4.7L V8)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) configurations available.

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Manual or electronic shift transfer case depending on trim and configuration.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) is typically specified for most automatic transmissions.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-140) depending on the specific manual transmission model.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.9 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

124.9 inches

Overall Length Regular Cab:

196.3 inches

Overall Length Extended Cab:

209.3 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.0 feet (standard bed) and 8.0 feet (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,600 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration and engine.

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,400 lbs for properly equipped models (V8 engines, towing package).

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to approximately 1,500 - 2,000 lbs depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (for the driver in frontal offset crash tests, though specifics vary by test year and methodology).

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (varies by year and equipment, typically with side airbags if equipped).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on front wheels and optional on rear wheels (or all four).

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) available on some models, particularly with 4WD.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard. Side curtain airbags optional on some later models or specific trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Upgraded Infinity sound systems available on some trims.

Display:

Basic analog gauges and indicator lights. No integrated infotainment screen in the modern sense.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity via cigarette lighter power outlet for accessories. No Bluetooth or USB integration from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Manual will specify based on oil formulation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Copper plugs: 30,000 miles. Platinum/Iridium: 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on engine and plug type. Manual will have precise specs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: 50,000-100,000 miles. Manual will provide exact intervals.

Engine Oil Weight:

Commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30 for V6/V8 engines, 5W-30 for 4.7L V8. Manual is definitive.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5-7 quarts depending on engine and oil filter. Manual will confirm.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange. Manual specifies Mopar part numbers and type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual is definitive.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and U-joints due to truck usage and design.

Engine Issues:

Premature wear on camshaft lobes and lifters in some Magnum V8s (especially if oil changes are neglected), occasional intake manifold gasket leaks.

Transmission Issues:

Slightly increased potential for overdrive planetary gear failure in 42RE/44RE automatics under heavy use; potential for radiator transmission cooler leaks causing coolant contamination (common to many Chrysler vehicles of this era).

Electrical Issues:

Occasional issues with instrument cluster failure, power window regulators, and starter solenoid contacts.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Dakota being introduced to fill a niche between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.

Second Generation An:

The 2000-2004 models represent the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (AN platform), which was a significant redesign from the first generation, featuring a larger and more aerodynamic body, more powerful engine options including the V8s, and improved interior comfort and features.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

Production Span For Gen2:

1997-2004 model years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2000-2004 Dakota are not prominently documented, the Dodge Dakota was generally well-regarded for its V8 power and capability within the compact/mid-size truck segment, often praised for offering a V8 where competitors primarily offered V6s.