Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors 2000:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (6.25 ft), Long Bed (7.5 ft)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Trim Levels:
Base, SLT, Sport, Off-Road
Strengths:
Class-leading V8 engine option (though typically 1999-2003 for V8 in this generation, 2000 might have had it depending on market), robust build, good towing capacity for its class.
Weaknesses:
Interior design and materials could feel dated compared to some competitors, some reported issues with transmission and ABS sensors.
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline engines for 2000 model year Dakota
Transmission Coverage:
All transmissions for 2000 model year Dakota (manual and automatic)
Chassis Coverage:
Frame, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, diagnostic procedures
Body Coverage:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, glass, seats, trim
HVAC Coverage:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
OBD-II diagnostics, trouble codes, symptom-based troubleshooting
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, emissions control, cooling, lubrication systems
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveline, axles, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, steering gear, power steering
Braking:
Front and rear disc/drum brakes, ABS system diagnosis and repair, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, power distribution
Comfort Convenience:
HVAC controls, power windows, power locks, seats, interior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing procedures
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system scanning, interpretation of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and diagrams
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required specialized tools and diagnostic equipment
Engine 1 Displacement:
2490 cc
Engine 1 Hp:
122 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
151 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
3906 cc
Engine 2 Hp:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3:
5.2L Magnum V8 (Potentially available, check specific markets/trims for 2000)
Engine 3 Displacement:
5210 cc
Engine 3 Hp:
230 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based systems
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20-24 gallons (depending on configuration)
Transmission Type I4:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type V6:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE)
Transmission Type Optional I4:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE)
Transmission Type Optional V6:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
Command-Trac NV231 or similar for 4WD models
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 or equivalent (check specific transmission)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
Approx. 111.7 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
Approx. 124.6 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
Approx. 194.8 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
Approx. 207.7 inches
Width Without Mirrors:
Approx. 71.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 65.6 - 68.6 inches (depending on configuration)
Bed Width Between Wheelwells:
Approx. 43.7 inches
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3500 lbs
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 4500 lbs
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 7,300 lbs (with V8 and proper equipment)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 2Wd:
3/5 Stars (Refer to NHTSA for specific 2000 model year)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 4Wd:
4/5 Stars (Refer to NHTSA for specific 2000 model year)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, height-adjustable shoulder belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette or CD player, optional premium sound systems.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Aux Input:
Not typically available on factory systems; aftermarket solutions required.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions; consult manual for specifics)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years
Engine Oil Spec V6:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature; consult manual)
Engine Oil Spec I4:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature; consult manual)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) or equivalent HOAT
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
ABS Sensor Failure:
Common issue reported with ABS wheel speed sensors, leading to ABS warning lights.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Some owners reported hard shifting or delayed engagement with automatic transmissions, often related to solenoid issues or fluid condition.
Ignition Coil Packs:
Can experience failure, leading to misfires and reduced engine performance.
Heater Core Leaks:
Leaking heater core is a known issue on some models, requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, often known for their 'Ram' branding prior to the separate Ram Trucks division.
Dakota Generation:
Second Generation (AN) - 1997-2004. The 2000 model falls within this generation, featuring a redesigned exterior and improved capabilities compared to the first generation.
Key Changes 2000:
Minor styling updates may have occurred; typically represents refinement of the second-gen platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan