Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Dodge Dakota owners seeking detailed service information.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Dealer Level Info:
Provides the same detailed, accurate information used by authorized Dodge dealerships and technicians.
Illustrations:
Includes detailed, step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations for clarity.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting sections to diagnose and resolve common and complex issues.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance procedures for all systems of the 2000-2005 Dodge Dakota.
Estimated Page Count:
~2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Powertrain:
Engine (3.7L V6, 4.7L V8), Transmission (42RE, 45RFE, NV3500), Drivetrain (2WD/4WD, Axles, Driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Disc/Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Gauges, Power Accessories, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM)
Body:
Body Exterior (Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate), Body Interior (Trim, Seats, Upholstery), HVAC System, Restraint Systems (Airbags), Bumpers, Glass
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring harness testing.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures, adjustments, calibrations, alignment specifications.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, including diagnostic flowcharts, step-by-step repair instructions, component identification, and system overviews.
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8
3.7L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 210-215 hp (depending on model year)
3.7L V6 Torque:
Approx. 230-235 lb-ft (depending on model year)
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 235-245 hp (depending on model year)
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft (depending on model year)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Standard Transmission:
NV3500 5-speed manual (standard on some V6 models)
Optional Transmission V6:
42RE 4-speed automatic (optional on V6)
Optional Transmission V8:
45RFE 4-speed automatic (standard on V8, optional on later V6 models)
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) with Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) transfer case.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6.3 ft), Long Bed (approx. 8 ft)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 7,000 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and towing package)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
Refer to specific NHTSA reports for model year; generally good for its class at the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, 4-wheel ABS on some.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelt systems.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player, optional premium sound systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims.
Telematics:
No advanced telematics or smartphone integration typical of modern vehicles.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (consult manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; refer to manual for specific interval (e.g., 30,000-100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
Typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API certified (refer to manual for exact viscosity and API service category).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4) for 42RE and 45RFE transmissions. Manual transmission fluid for NV3500.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust components, catalytic converters.
Powertrain Quirks:
Some 4.7L V8 models experienced minor oil consumption or valve seat issues; transmission solenoids or torque converter issues could arise on higher mileage units.
Electrical Considerations:
Occasional issues with power window motors, door lock actuators, or dashboard illumination.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Dakota carving out a niche as a smaller, more manageable, yet still capable pickup.
Second Generation:
The 2000-2005 models represent the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, significantly redesigned with a larger, more aggressive styling and improved powertrain options compared to its predecessor.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
