Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma
Unique Selling Points:
V8 engine option (in a mid-size segment), distinctive styling, available 4x4, comfortable interior for its class
Applicable Years:
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially searchable)
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case (4WD models)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, audio systems, power accessories, electronic control modules (ECM/PCM), wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, frame and unibody construction, climate control (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication, inspection points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, testing procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component repair, body panel replacement
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and wiring schematics)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7L V6 (226 cu in)
Engine 1 Code:
Dodge 3.7L Magnum V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approximately 210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approximately 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L V8 (287 cu in)
Engine 2 Code:
Dodge 4.7L Magnum V8
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approximately 230-235 hp @ 4500-5000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approximately 295-305 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.7L V8 HEMI (345 cu in)
Engine 3 Code:
Dodge 5.7L HEMI V8
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approximately 345 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approximately 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission 1 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission 2 Type:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 for HEMI)
Transmission 3 Type:
6-Speed Manual (NV3500 for V6, G56 for V8 applications)
4Wd Transfer Case:
Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly (ESOF) 2-speed transfer case
Wheelbase:
120.0 inches (2006-2008), 119.2 inches (2009-2010)
Overall Length:
Approximately 208.9 inches
Overall Width:
Approximately 79.1 inches
Overall Height:
Approximately 72.6 inches
Bed Length:
6.25 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, approximately 4,100 - 4,800 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, approximately 6,000 - 6,500 lbs
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Likely 3-star (typical for pickups of this era, requires specific year testing)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Variable by year and test; check specific IIHS reports for detailed ratings
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Introduced later in the generation, availability may vary by trim and year
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; available side curtain airbags (availability varies)
Audio System:
Base AM/FM radio with CD player; optional premium audio systems with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, navigation, and improved speaker configurations
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type (consult manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type (consult manual)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual and specific engine variant for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for automatic transmissions)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) - Orange or Pink coolant (consult manual for specific color/type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual)
Common Problems:
Fuel pump failures, ABS sensor issues, power window regulator failures, steering column issues, potential for rust in certain climates, exhaust manifold leaks (on V8s), transmission cooler line leaks
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, known for their 'Ram' lineage.
Dakota Introduction:
The Dakota was introduced in 1986 as a mid-size pickup, bridging the gap between smaller compact trucks and full-size pickups.
Fourth Gen Design:
The fourth generation, starting in 2005, featured a significant redesign with a more aggressive styling, new powertrains including the available HEMI V8, and a choice of coil-spring front suspension or a more robust torsion bar setup for off-road models.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production End Date:
2011 (This manual covers the final years of production)
