Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Key Competitors 2001:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Dakota Advantage:
Often praised for its larger size than most compact competitors, offering more cabin space and towing capacity, and its available V8 engines.
Engine Options:
Available in V6 and V8 configurations, providing competitive power for the segment.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab and Club Cab (extended cab) configurations.
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional four-wheel drive (4WD).
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (PCM).
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, shift control, fluid specifications, torque converter.
Drivetrain Systems:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshaft, U-joints, differential, CV joints (if applicable), 4WD systems.
Suspension Systems:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering linkage.
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnosis and repair, hydraulic system.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system diagnosis, steering gear, steering column, alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, horns, wipers, accessory circuits.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, components, refrigerant handling.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal, glass replacement, structural analysis, corrosion prevention.
Chassis Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, connector identification, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), module function.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, battery service.
Diagnosis:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC interpretation, live data analysis.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repair, complete system overhauls, calibration procedures.
Rebuilds:
Engine assembly, transmission rebuilds, differential rebuilds, brake caliper rebuilding.
Adjustments:
Valve lash adjustment, parking brake adjustment, belt tension adjustment.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagram interpretation, voltage drop testing, continuity testing, circuit tracing.
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, including scan tool data interpretation and specialized testing procedures.
Repair Depth:
Comprehensive repair procedures, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, component-level wiring schematics for all major systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, emissions data, performance specifications.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (NV3500 for V6, NV5600 for V8 applications).
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RE for V6, 45RFE for V8).
4X4 Transfer Case:
Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) or manual engagement transfer case, depending on configuration.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) is recommended for 45RFE; ATF+3 for 42RE.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (specific Mopar part numbers often recommended).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Generally rated 4 stars for frontal impact driver in the 1997-2001 generation. (Specific 2001 ratings may vary by test year).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Generally rated 4 stars for frontal impact passenger in the 1997-2001 generation.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard or optional on most trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with height-adjustable anchors for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by oil change reminder system/maintenance schedule. (Check manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or 2 years for the initial service, then every 60,000 miles or 3 years thereafter, or as per Mopar coolant specifications.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles for the 3.9L V6 (using platinum-tipped plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approximately 100,000 miles for the 4.7L V8 (using platinum-tipped plugs).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 API certified for both V6 and V8 engines. (Refer to manual for exact specification and viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar power steering fluid or equivalent ATF+3.
T Case Actuator Failure:
Common on 4WD models, the electric shift actuator for the transfer case can fail, leading to 4WD not engaging.
V8 Oil Sludge:
Early 4.7L V8 engines could be susceptible to oil sludge buildup if oil changes were neglected, potentially leading to camshaft and lifter issues.
Ball Joint Wear:
Front ball joints could experience premature wear, especially on heavily used vehicles.
Wheel Bearing Noise:
Front wheel bearings can be a point of failure, leading to humming or grinding noises.