🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2005

Production Codes:

ND (Second Generation - Second Facelift)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Mid-size pickup truck, known for its ruggedness and car-like handling compared to some competitors of its era.

Competitors 2005:

Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon

Vehicle Strengths:

Available V8 engine, independent front suspension (IRS), comfortable ride, accessible pricing.

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

Benefit:

Empowers users to perform complex repairs and diagnostics, saving on labor costs and understanding vehicle systems thoroughly.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete Official Full Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Specific Models Covered:

All 2005 Dodge Dakota Production Models

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 (Typical for comprehensive FSMs)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, engine block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, component testing

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, manual transmission assembly, removal/installation, internal components

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission assembly, removal/installation, internal components, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, wheel bearings

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, hydraulic components, parking brake

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shocks, struts, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckles

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, warning indicators, power distribution

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, doors, glass, frame construction

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling

Restraints:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module diagnosis and replacement

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, tire rotations

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code identification and interpretation

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and installation

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, ABS diagnostics, HVAC system diagnostics

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF (Searchable text, bookmarks, index)

Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Description:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3700 cc (226 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Description:

4.7L Magnum V8 (High Output)

Engine 2 Displacement:

4700 cc (287 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4600 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

325 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECU Type:

Various PCM/ECU depending on engine and transmission configuration

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag NM200)

Transmission 2 Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission 3 Type:

5-Speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE, often paired with V8)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and 4x4 (Part-Time Transfer Case)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

MS-9070 (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112.1 inches (Regular Cab), 125.2 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)

Length:

Approx. 197.6 inches (Regular Cab), 210.7 inches (Club Cab/Quad Cab)

Width:

Approx. 78.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 70.7 inches

Bed Lengths:

6-foot (73.2 cubic feet) and 8-foot (84.1 cubic feet)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,700 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,700 lbs (with proper configuration)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 Stars (for 2WD models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, optional side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM radio with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Navigation:

Not commonly available or integrated for this model year, typically aftermarket units.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles for V6 (3.7L), 100,000 miles for V8 (4.7L).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission.

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter (3.7L V6)

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter (4.7L V8)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (recommended for most conditions)

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, Mopar OAT (Orange)

Common Complaints:

Some reports of premature wear in ball joints and tie rod ends, potential for minor electrical gremlins, and catalytic converter issues on high-mileage vehicles.

Specific Component Wear:

Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) can be a wear item, especially with heavy use or off-road driving.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks Legacy:

Dodge has a long history in the truck market, with the Dakota introduced in 1987 as a 'mid-size' option to fill a gap between smaller compact trucks and full-size pickups.

Second Generation Facelift:

The 2005 model year represents the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, specifically the second facelift which introduced revised styling, improved interiors, and the significant addition of an optional V8 engine, setting it apart from many competitors in its class.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editor Recommendations:

While specific awards for the 2005 model are less common, the Dakota was generally well-regarded for its V8 power and comfortable ride in its segment during its production run.