🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Years Covered:

2005-2007

Generation:

Third Generation (2005-2011)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional repair shops, fleet maintenance, owner enthusiasts.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.

Value Proposition:

Comprehensive coverage, high-quality information, DIY-friendly approach, cost-effective repair solutions.

Manual Advantage:

Superior to basic owner's manuals or generic online guides, offering factory-level technical detail.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable)

Completeness:

Complete - No Missing Pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components for all available engines.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection system, emissions control systems, engine sensors and actuators.

Transmission Mechanical:

Service and repair for both automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converter, clutch assemblies, gear sets, and valve bodies.

Transmission Electrical:

Transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics, shift solenoids, speed sensors, and related wiring harnesses.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, CV joints, differential service, wheel hub and bearing replacement.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, control arms, bushings, steering knuckle.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, intermediate shaft, tie rod ends, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes (depending on configuration), ABS system components, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant service, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, controls.

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement, corrosion protection.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed information on routine maintenance tasks and recommended service intervals.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle issues.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing virtually all components of the vehicle.

Diagnostics:

Guidance on using diagnostic tools, reading trouble codes (DTCs), and interpreting sensor data.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and dimensional data.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive rebuild procedures, advanced diagnostics, and detailed component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable content for quick access to information.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L 4-Cylinder (2RZ-FE derived, though Dodge sourced), 3.7L V6 (Chrysler PowerTech), 4.7L V8 (Mopar).

2.4L 4Cyl Hp:

Approx. 142 hp @ 5200 rpm

2.4L 4Cyl Torque:

Approx. 165 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

3.7L V6 Hp:

Approx. 210 hp @ 5200 rpm

3.7L V6 Torque:

Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

4.7L V8 Hp:

Approx. 230-235 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm

4.7L V8 Torque:

Approx. 300-305 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Family V6:

Chrysler EGJ (for 3.7L)

Engine Family V8:

Chrysler EKG (for 4.7L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 4Cyl:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission V6:

4-Speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE)

Transmission 4Cyl Auto:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission V6 Manual:

6-Speed Manual (NV3500)

Transmission V8:

5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)

Transfer Case:

Available 2WD and 4WD (4x4) with electronic or manual shift transfer case options.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short:

116.1 inches (Regular Cab)

Wheelbase Long:

131.1 inches (Club Cab)

Length Short:

192.4 inches

Length Long:

207.4 inches

Bed Length Short:

73.5 inches

Bed Length Long:

88.8 inches

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to ~1,700 lbs

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to ~6,400 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Likely 4-star rating (based on 2005 model year testing)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Likely 4-star rating (based on 2005 model year testing)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for models with side airbags and improved structure)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners, load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, optional premium audio systems.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard or available cruise control.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (available).

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific engine).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on operating environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine: 4-cylinder (approx. 100,000 miles), V6/V8 (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type - e.g., platinum/iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years.

Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or equivalent (refer to manual for specific viscosity and certification)

Engine Oil Type V6 V8:

SAE 5W-20 (for 3.7L V6 and some 4.7L V8), SAE 5W-30 (for some 4.7L V8). Refer to manual for exact specification and certification.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual transmission fluid (MTF) - refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (typically orange/pink coolant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Radiator Leaks:

Some models experienced radiator leaks, particularly at the plastic end tanks.

Suspension Wear:

Front ball joint and control arm wear can occur due to the truck's weight and usage.

Throttle Body Issues:

Idle air control (IAC) valve or electronic throttle body issues can cause rough idling or stalling.

Transmission Shifting Issues:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck History:

Dodge has a long-standing history in the light truck market, with the Ram brand originally being part of Dodge before becoming its own marque.

First Generation Dakota:

Introduced in 1987 as Dodge's first compact/mid-size pickup truck, offering a bridge between smaller pickups and full-size trucks.

Third Generation Dakota:

Launched for the 2005 model year, this generation saw significant redesign with a larger platform, more powerful engine options (including the V8), and updated styling. It adopted a more 'Hemi-inspired' look, aligning with other Dodge products.

Manufacturing Locations:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

Production Years Overall:

1987-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Performance:

Often praised for its V8 engine performance and towing/hauling capability within its class, offering a more powerful option than some competitors.

Customer Satisfaction:

Mixed reviews, with common praise for powertrain options and ruggedness, but some criticism for interior materials and certain reliability aspects.