🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2004

Vehicle Type:

Pickup Truck

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (AN)

Generation Years:

1997-2004

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a versatile pickup truck for personal or light commercial use, offering a blend of capability and everyday drivability.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.

Design Philosophy:

Robust construction, V6 engine options providing competitive power, available 4x4 capability, and Dodge's distinctive styling cues of the era.

Powertrain Options Availability:

Offered with both V6 and V8 engine options, catering to different performance and towing needs.

Interior Comfort:

Focus on driver and passenger comfort with features like adjustable seating, climate control, and entertainment options, as detailed in the manual.

Utility:

Designed for utility with a focus on cargo hauling and towing capacity, as indicated by specifications within the manual.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Scope:

Owner's Manual – focused on user understanding and basic care, not repair/service.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for text searching, making it easier to locate specific information compared to scanned images without OCR.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system (as relevant to owner operation and basic checks).

Chassis:

Brakes (basic operation, warning lights), steering (basic operation), suspension (basic operation).

Electrical:

Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, power windows/locks, entertainment systems, climate control systems, basic accessory operation.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags, child restraint systems, vehicle security (locks and alarms).

Body And Interior:

Includes information on locks, security systems (alarm, keyless entry), seating adjustments, seat belt operation, interior lighting, and climate control system usage.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and adding engine oil, checking and adding windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressure, basic cleaning procedures, understanding fluid refill capacities and specifications.

Driver Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, using climate controls, operating lights, understanding instrument cluster warnings, operating locks and security features, adjusting seats and restraints.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights, understanding basic vehicle behavior, customer assistance procedures, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).

Cleaning And Care:

Guidance on exterior cleaning, interior cleaning, and care of various materials (upholstery, plastics, glass).

Depth:

Owner-level information focusing on understanding vehicle features, safe operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth repair procedures or diagnostics typically found in service manuals.

Maintenance Data:

Provides key refill capacities (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.), lubricant specifications (e.g., SAE viscosity grades, fluid types), and part numbers for common maintenance items like air filters. This is crucial for correct servicing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Reader Requirement:

Requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, typically high resolution for clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.7 Liters (226 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

V6

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Name:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (287 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V8

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 235-240 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

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

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Key Components Location:

Manual details the location of dipsticks (oil), fluid reservoirs (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), battery, air filter housing, and fuses.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE/45RFE depending on engine)

Transmission 2 Type:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 for V6 applications)

Drivetrain Options:

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

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by cab style (e.g., 113.1 inches for regular cab, 124.5 inches for Quad Cab)

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration

Overall Width:

Approx. 71.7 inches

Overall Height:

Approx. 65.6 inches

Bed Length:

Available in approximately 6.25 ft (Standard Bed) and 8 ft (Long Bed) configurations.

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration (e.g., 3700-4500 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by configuration, typically around 5300-5800 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not consistently rated for all configurations; refer to specific year's safety reports. Second generation typically received good ratings for its class.

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Refer to IIHS archives for specific model year ratings. The second generation generally performed adequately.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard on most models or available as an option.

Traction Control:

Traction control systems were available on some models, particularly with V8 engines and 4WD.

Airbags:

Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Side curtain airbags were not commonly available on this generation.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, with front seat belt pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system available on rear seats of Quad Cab models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette and CD player options. Upgraded Infinity sound systems may have been available.

Display Screens:

Basic display for radio presets and clock. No advanced color screens or navigation typically found in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional feature for highway driving.

Parking Sensors:

Not typically available on this generation of Dakota.

Auxiliary Input:

Some later models might have featured an auxiliary input jack for portable audio devices, but not universal.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory; aftermarket installations would be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 12,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving environment (e.g., dusty conditions).

Tire Rotation:

Generally recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial service around 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 to 50,000 miles thereafter, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 is commonly recommended for both V6 and V8 engines. Consult manual for specific API service classification (e.g., API SN).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) for 3.7L V6; Approx. 6 quarts (5.7 L) for 4.7L V8 (including filter).

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission fluid specification varies by manufacturer of the gearbox.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) ethylene glycol based, typically pink or orange in color.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Mopar Dexron III type ATF.

Common Complaints:

Typical issues for this generation can include: rear axle seal leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (on Magnum V6/V8), minor electrical gremlins (window motors, power locks), rust on body panels, and potential for ABS sensor failures.

Towing Considerations:

The manual would detail towing capacity based on engine, drivetrain, and axle ratio. Overloading can lead to premature wear on transmission and suspension components.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, from the early Ram series to smaller compact pickups. The Dakota represented Dodge's entry into the then-growing compact/mid-size pickup segment.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation Dakota (AN) was introduced for the 1997 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a more modern chassis and body style. It was positioned as a larger and more powerful option than its competitors.

2004 Updates:

The 2004 model year was the final year for the second generation. Minor updates might have occurred in previous years, but the core platform remained consistent.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 Dakota are not prominently recalled, the second generation Dakota received generally positive reviews for its powertrain options and robust feel compared to some smaller competitors. It was often cited for offering V8 power in a smaller truck platform.