🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2000-2001

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Manual Advantage:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, crucial for accurate and efficient servicing.

Information Source:

Based on official Dodge service documentation, offering the same depth as used by dealership technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All Dodge Dakota models, all trims

Regions Covered:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive, likely 1500+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems, ignition system.

Engine Performance:

Engine tuning, diagnostics, performance adjustments.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500).

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RE, 44RE, 45RFE).

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, universal joints, differential service.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent, SLA), rear suspension (leaf spring solid axle), steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on configuration), parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control modules, instrument cluster.

Body Interior:

Interior trim, seats, dashboard, body panels, doors, glass, weatherstripping, body repair procedures.

Body Exterior:

Exterior panels, bumpers, grille, mirrors, tailgate, body hardware, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, trouble codes, scan tool usage, diagnostic flowcharts.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacements, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems.

Rebuilding:

Complete overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions.

Specifications Torque:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.

Alignment:

Wheel alignment angles and adjustment procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, voltage/resistance testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and specialized procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR optimized)

Printability:

Printable (high-resolution pages)

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Variant:

2.5L Magnum (4-cylinder)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2492 cc

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 120-122 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 145-150 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Engine 2 Variant:

3.9L Magnum (V6)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3906 cc

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 175-177 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 230-235 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Engine 3 Variant:

5.2L Magnum (V8)

Engine 3 Displacement:

5210 cc

Engine 3 Power:

Approx. 220-230 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Engine 4 Variant:

5.9L Magnum (V8)

Engine 4 Displacement:

5899 cc

Engine 4 Power:

Approx. 245-250 hp @ 4600-4800 rpm

Engine 4 Torque:

Approx. 335-345 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Induction Type:

Naturally Aspirated

Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder (V6/V8), SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) for 4-cylinder in some markets/applications, but typically OHV for 2.5L Magnum.

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 Octane (minimum, for 4.7L V8, not present in 2000-2001, this manual covers earlier V8s. For 2.5L, 3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L, 87 Octane is standard)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Manual transmission (e.g., NV3500 5-speed) was standard on base models and certain engine configurations.

Transmission Type Optional:

Automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RE 4-speed, 44RE 4-speed, 45RFE 4-speed) were optional and common on higher trims and larger engines.

Drivetrain Options:

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

Transfer Case 4Wd:

New Process NP231 (part-time, manual or electric shift) or NP241 (full-time on some higher trims).

Atf Spec 42Re 44Re:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler)

Atf Spec 45Rfe:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

Manual Trans Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (verify specific manual or transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Std:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Ext:

124.6 inches (Long Bed)

Length Std:

191.7 inches

Length Ext:

219.6 inches (Long Bed)

Width:

71.9 inches

Height:

65.0 inches (approximate, varies by configuration)

Bed Length Short:

71.9 inches

Bed Length Long:

98.1 inches

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3,700 lbs (for 2.5L 2WD)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 4,500 lbs (for 5.9L 4WD)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,500 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,600 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Likely 3-star or 4-star (typical for pickups of this era, specific data varies by configuration)

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on base configurations.

Traction Control:

Limited availability, often linked to 4WD systems or specific trim levels.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Navigation:

No factory navigation system available for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Anti Theft:

Factory immobilizer system on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

No factory auxiliary audio input jack. Aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for exact specification).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.5L 4-cyl: ~100,000 miles (Spark Plug Type: Champion Copper Plus or Platinum Plus). V6/V8: ~100,000 miles (Spark Plug Type: Champion Platinum Power or equivalent).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 3-5 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Manual: Inspect periodically, change if fluid is contaminated.

Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:

SAE 10W-30 (API Service SG or higher)

Engine Oil Type V6 V8:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API Service SG or higher, 5W-30 recommended for cold weather)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green, Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF

Rattling From Exhaust Manifold:

Common on V8 engines, often due to cracked manifold or heat shield.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Can occur in automatic transmissions due to solenoid issues or low fluid pressure.

Radiator Leaks:

Plastic end tanks on radiators can develop leaks over time.

Idle Control Valve Issues:

Can cause rough idle or stalling on various engine configurations.

Wheel Bearing Failure:

More common on 4WD models or heavily used vehicles.

Wiper Motor Failure:

Can lead to wipers not functioning.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, including the popular Ram series, establishing a reputation for robust and powerful vehicles.

Second Generation:

The 2000-2001 models represent the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (Second Generation: 1997-2004), which introduced significant design and engineering updates over its predecessor.

Key Features Gen2:

Wider track, improved interior, availability of V8 engines (including the then-new 4.7L Magnum V8 for 2000 and the 5.9L V8), and club cab configuration with rear doors.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

Second generation produced from 1997 to 2004.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While not consistently winning major 'Truck of the Year' awards across all publications, the Dakota was generally well-regarded for its V8 power and comfortable ride for its class during its production run.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports typically rated it as average or below average for reliability during these years, particularly concerning transmission and electrical systems. The manual is essential for addressing these potential issues.