🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Competitors:

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

Body Options:

Offered in Regular Cab and the larger Club Cab (extended cab) configurations, providing flexibility for passenger and cargo needs.

Powertrain Options:

A range of engines from an economical 4-cylinder to potent V6 and V8 options, paired with manual or automatic transmissions and RWD or 4WD.

Performance Trim:

The R/T trim offered enhanced performance with the 4.7L V8 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and unique styling cues.

📋 Manual Details

Engines:

2.5L (AMC 150 I4), 3.9L (Magnum 318 V6), 4.7L (Magnum 47 V8)

Transmissions:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500, NV1500), 4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE)

Drive Types:

RWD, 4WD

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab

Trim Levels:

Work Special, Sport, SLT, R/T

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel and exhaust, ignition, lubrication, cooling, starting and charging, clutch, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, rear axle.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, starter, alternator, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, radio, HVAC controls, airbags, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, bumpers, glass, seals.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, fuel system diagnostics, ignition system testing, electrical circuit testing.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul (top-end, bottom-end), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, power steering system repair, AC system service.

Installation Adjustment:

Component replacement procedures (e.g., alternator, water pump, starter), suspension component replacement, brake rotor replacement, alignment procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics, detailed component repair, and full system overhauls. Includes wiring diagrams, exploded views, and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Resolution:

High (suitable for professional printing)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (I4)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

120 hp @ 4800 RPM

Engine 1 Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.9 Liters (239 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V6 (Magnum)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

175 hp @ 4800 RPM

Engine 2 Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 3 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)

Engine 3 Configuration:

V8 (Magnum)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4800 RPM

Engine 3 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

Engine 3 Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500)

Transmission 2:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500 - typically with 2.5L)

Transmission 3:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE - with 3.9L V6)

Transmission 4:

4-Speed Automatic (44RE - with 5.2L V8, not applicable to 2000 model year but common in prior years)

Transmission 5:

4-Speed Automatic (45RFE - with 4.7L V8)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

New Process (NV) 231 (manual shift) or 241 (electric shift) for 4WD models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

124.7 inches

Bed Length Short:

6.3 feet (approx. 75.5 inches)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (approx. 95.5 inches - typically for Regular Cab long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

3,500 - 4,500 lbs (approx.)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,000 lbs (depending on configuration, engine, and axle ratio)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact:

Not specifically rated for this year/model, but generally considered average for its class.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear (if equipped) 3-point seat belts.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models, optional on base models.

Traction Control:

Not widely available or standard on most 2000 Dakota models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette tape player, optional CD player. Upgraded speaker options available.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls. Optional automatic temperature control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option or standard on higher trims.

OBD Ii:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for emissions and engine performance monitoring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on transmission type and usage (severe duty recommendations for towing/heavy use).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-5 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

40,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual based on ambient temperature for 2.5L/3.9L; 4.7L may specify 5W-30).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar orange or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual Nv3500:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification, e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant).

Transmission Fluid Automatic 42Re 45Rfe:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) coil packs can fail, leading to misfires. Spark plug wires can degrade over time.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold cracks are common, especially on the V8 engines, leading to ticking noises and exhaust leaks.

Transmission Automatic:

The 42RE and 45RFE transmissions can experience issues with the output shaft seal, solenoid packs, or torque converter clutch (TCC) engagement.

Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links can lead to steering looseness and clunking noises. Premature wear on upper control arm bushings.

Cooling System:

Plastic radiator end tanks can crack. Water pump seal leaks are also possible.

Body Rust:

Rust can develop in common areas like cab corners, rocker panels, and bed wheel wells, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s, establishing a reputation for toughness and utility.

Second Generation:

The 2000 Dakota belongs to the second generation (1997-2004), which was a significant redesign featuring a larger and more muscular appearance, improved ride quality, and a wider range of powertrain options, including the introduction of the V8 engine.

Manufacturing Plants:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While not a specific major award winner for the 2000 model year, the Dodge Dakota consistently received positive reviews for its V8 power and comfortable ride for its class.