🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Generation:

Third Generation (2005-2011)

Model Years Covered:

2003-2008 (Note: Product name indicates '03-ON', implying broader coverage. However, typical service manuals for this generation focus on 2005-2011. Clarification may be needed regarding the exact years covered beyond 2008.)

Chassis Code:

ND

Platform:

Chrysler SB Platform (Shared with Mitsubishi Raider)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Usp For Period:

Offered a blend of SUV-like ride comfort and truck utility, with powerful V8 engine options and a distinctive design.

Competitors:

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

Design:

Bold, aggressive styling characteristic of Dodge vehicles during that era.

Powertrain Options:

Availability of a robust 4.7L V8 and later the potent 5.7L HEMI V8 provided strong performance for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8 (and later 5.7L HEMI V8 for later model years within the '03-ON' range)

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab (Quad Cab)

Drivetrains:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (4x4)

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (3.7L, 4.7L V8, potentially 5.7L HEMI), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/PCM), transmission (automatic and manual, if applicable), transfer case, driveline components.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on configuration), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules (BCM), power windows, power locks, wipers, horns, audio systems, HVAC controls, diagnostics, wiring diagrams.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, interior components, HVAC system, climate control, airbags, seat belts, body repair procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, tire rotations.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhauls, transmission repairs, suspension and steering component replacement, brake service, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, testing procedures for various systems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, diagnostic data (e.g., sensor readings).

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics. Includes detailed step-by-step repair instructions and factory specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Typically searchable if the PDF is text-based, allowing for quick keyword searches.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory documentation.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.7 Liters (226 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC V6

Engine 1 Horsepower Est:

210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 1 Torque Est:

235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 2 Name:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Configuration:

SOHC V8

Engine 2 Horsepower Est:

230-235 hp @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 2 Torque Est:

300-305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 3 Name:

5.7L HEMI V8 (Optional on later models within '03-ON' range, typically from 2008 onwards)

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)

Engine 3 Configuration:

OHV V8 (HEMI)

Engine 3 Horsepower Est:

375 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine 3 Torque Est:

410 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Injection Type:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Std:

4-speed automatic (42RLE) for V6 models, 5-speed automatic (5-45RFE) for V8 models. Manual transmission availability may vary by year and trim.

Transmission Opt:

5-speed manual (NV3500) for some V6 models. 5-speed automatic (NAG1/722.6) for later HEMI models.

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system available.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std:

120.1 inches (Standard Bed)

Wheelbase Long:

131.1 inches (Long Bed)

Overall Length Std:

199.6 inches (Standard Bed)

Overall Length Long:

210.6 inches (Long Bed)

Overall Width:

79.8 inches

Overall Height:

70.3 inches

Bed Length Std:

6.25 feet

Bed Length Long:

7.42 feet

Curb Weight Est:

4,000 - 4,800 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity Max Est:

Up to 6,500 lbs (with 4.7L V8 and proper towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance Est:

3 stars (for 2WD models)

IIHS Front Crash Est:

Good (for 2005-2008 models tested)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control (TCS) on some models.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became more widely available in later model years within the covered range.

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags, available side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, and optional SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgraded Alpine audio systems were available.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trim levels.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking assist sensors available on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Auxiliary audio input jack available on some models for connecting external media devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

30,000 miles for conventional, 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (varies by engine).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 (API Certified), meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification (consult manual for exact year/engine)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 42RLE and 5-45RFE transmissions.

Coolant Spec:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-year/100,000-mile service life (or equivalent HOAT/OAT meeting Chrysler MS-90032/MS-12106).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Common Problem 1:

Cooling system leaks, particularly from radiator and water pump seals.

Common Problem 2:

Actuator failures in the HVAC blend door system.

Common Problem 3:

Rear axle seal leaks and potential differential issues on higher mileage vehicles.

Common Problem 4:

Interior component wear and tear, especially on high-use areas.

Common Problem 5:

Electronic throttle body issues or sensor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Dakota being a significant entry in the mid-size segment.

Previous Generation:

Second Generation Dakota (1997-2004)

Third Generation Introduction:

The third generation debuted for the 2005 model year with a completely new design and platform.

Key Updates During Period:

Introduction of the Crew Cab (Quad Cab) option, availability of the 5.7L HEMI engine, significant exterior styling changes, and interior upgrades.

Assembly Locations:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Class Awards Est:

Recognized for its V8 power and towing capability in its class during its production run.

Consumer Satisfaction General:

Mixed consumer satisfaction; often praised for power and capability but sometimes criticized for interior materials and certain reliability aspects.

Emission Standards:

Meets all applicable U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards for its model years.