Category:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust chassis, available V8 engine (in later years, but the 2001 offers strong V6 options), comfortable interior for its class, good towing capacity.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing the 2001 Dodge Dakota, empowering owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components.
Engine Performance:
Troubleshooting and diagnosis of engine performance issues, including fuel delivery, ignition, and emissions.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for the NV3500 manual transmission.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for the 42RE and 44RE automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle, driveshafts, universal joints, and differential service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, repair, rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, and ABS system troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shocks, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, and steering column service.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, and accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, frame, and underbody components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting flowcharts for all major systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, and belt inspection.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, and electrical system diagnostics.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic steps for identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle issues.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all critical fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
2.5L:
2.5L Magnum 4-cylinder (Engine Code: EBD)
3.9L:
3.9L Magnum V6 (Engine Code: EBF)
4.7L:
4.7L Magnum V8 (Engine Code: AZZ)
2.5L Hp:
122 hp @ 4800 rpm
2.5L Torque:
152 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
3.9L Hp:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm
3.9L Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
4.7L Hp:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
4.7L Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for optimal performance)
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
4/5 Stars (for earlier models, specific 2001 data may vary)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
4/5 Stars (for earlier models, specific 2001 data may vary)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, optional on others.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (standard on most 2001 models).
Transmission Fluid:
Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic, check manual for manual transmission fluid intervals.
Engine Oil V6 V8:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher) - Capacity approx. 5 quarts (4.7L) with filter.
Engine Oil 4Cyl:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher) - Capacity approx. 4 quarts with filter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MS-9224 manual transmission fluid (75W-90 Synthetic GL-4 recommended for NV3500)
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Orange) Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) - Capacity approx. 11-14 quarts depending on engine.
Ignition Control Module:
Early models and some 2001s can experience failure of the Ignition Control Module (ICM), leading to no-start or stalling conditions.
Radiator And Cooling System:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can become brittle and crack. Water pump leaks can also occur.
Power Window Motors:
Power window regulators and motors can fail over time.
Evap System Leaks:
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks can trigger Check Engine lights.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Dakota slotting in as a compact/mid-size offering.
Generation 2001:
This falls within the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (1997-2004), which saw significant updates including the introduction of the V8 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Newark, Newark, Delaware, USA
