🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2006

Platform:

2nd Generation (AN)

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Individuals and businesses seeking a versatile, capable, and relatively compact pickup truck for work and personal use.

Key Competitors 2006:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.

Engine Options:

Available with multiple V6 and V8 engine options, offering a range of power and towing capabilities.

Drivetrain:

Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) configurations.

Body Style Variety:

Offered in Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations, catering to different passenger and cargo needs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2006 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety features, comfort controls, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Variable (typical owner's manuals of this era range from 250-400 pages)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

File Availability:

Downloadable

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

📖 Manual Coverage

Dashboard Instruments:

Instrument Cluster: Gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Level, Engine Coolant Temperature), Warning Lamps, Indicator Lights.

Climate Control:

Climate Controls: HVAC operation, fan speed, temperature settings, air recirculation, defrosting, A/C operation.

Lighting:

Lights: Headlamp operation (low/high beam), parking lamps, fog lamps, turn signals, hazard lights, interior lighting.

Driver Controls:

Driver Controls: Steering wheel adjustments, pedal operation, shifter controls, parking brake.

Locks Security:

Locks and Security: Power door locks, remote keyless entry system, vehicle security alarm, ignition system.

Seating Restraints:

Seating and Safety Restraints: Seat adjustment, seat belt operation, child seat LATCH system, airbag system overview.

Infotainment:

Entertainment Systems: Radio operation (AM/FM), CD player, speaker system, antenna operation.

Driving Operations:

Driving: Starting the engine, shifting gears, braking, parking, trailer towing information.

Maintenance Tasks:

Maintenance and Specifications: Routine maintenance checks, fluid level checks, tire pressure, general care.

Troubleshooting:

Customer Assistance: Basic troubleshooting tips, indicator lamp meanings, what to do in case of a malfunction.

Safety Reporting:

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only): Information on how to report safety-related defects to the manufacturer and NHTSA.

Cleaning Care:

Cleaning: Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations, care for upholstery and finishes.

Diagnostic Level:

Owner-level diagnostics and basic troubleshooting.

Repair Depth:

Guidance for routine maintenance and fluid checks; not a full repair manual.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Tons of pictures and diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

All pages are printable.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Base:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine Configuration Base:

V6

Horsepower Base:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Base:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Displacement Optional:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine Configuration Optional:

V8

Horsepower Optional:

230 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque Optional:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Displacement Super Optional:

5.7L HEMI V8 (Optional on some trims)

Engine Configuration Super Optional:

V8

Horsepower Super Optional:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Super Optional:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline (for 3.7L and 4.7L V8). 91 Octane or higher recommended for 5.7L HEMI for optimal performance.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RE)

Optional Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (NV3500) - potentially available on certain configurations/trims.

Optional Transmission Automatic:

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

Optional Transmission Automatic Hemi:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5-45RFE) with the 5.7L HEMI V8

Drivetrain Options:

RWD or 4WD

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

Approx. 111.7 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

Approx. 124.9 inches

Bed Length Short:

Approx. 6.25 ft

Bed Length Long:

Approx. 8.0 ft

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to approximately 7,000 - 7,500 lbs (with proper configuration and equipment)

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to approximately 1,500 - 2,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (typically for 2006 models in this class)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (typically for 2006 models in this class)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (typical for 2006 models in this class)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models

Airbags Front:

Standard Multi-stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags.

Airbags Side:

Optional Supplemental Side Curtain Airbags (coverage for front and rear occupants in Club Cab).

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Base:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, 4 speakers.

Audio System Upgrades:

Optional Infinity premium audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio readiness, auxiliary input jack on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

Trailer Sway Control:

Not typically available on 2006 models.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

Usb Ports:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific Severe vs. Normal duty). Typically uses synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-5 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine: 3.7L V6 (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles), 4.7L V8 (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles), 5.7L HEMI (approx. 100,000 miles with Double Platinum plugs).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (recommended for most conditions, check manual for variations based on temperature)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

Approx. 6.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:

Approx. 7.0 quarts (with filter)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT coolant (typically orange or pink).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Power Steering Fluid (Mopar or equivalent)

Typical Issues 2006 Dakota:

Radiator leaks, catalytic converter failure, transmission issues (especially in early models/heavy use), rust on frame and body panels, potential for ball joint wear.

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar MO-899, or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., Wix 57899, Fram PH3731)

Air Filter Example:

Mopar 04593238AC, or equivalent aftermarket (e.g., Wix 49047, Fram CA8700)

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and capable pickup trucks, including the original Dodge D-Series and the Ram line.

Dakota Generation 2 Introduction:

The 2006 Dakota is part of the second generation (AN), which debuted in 1997 and received a significant refresh for the 2005 model year, including a bolder styling and introduction of the HEMI V8 option.

Dakota 2006 Updates:

For 2006, the Dodge Dakota continued to offer the updated styling and powertrains introduced in 2005, including the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8. Minor package and option shuffling likely occurred.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Typical Awards Class:

The Dodge Dakota in this generation often received positive remarks for its available V8 engines, especially the HEMI, and its robust truck-like feel compared to some smaller competitors. It was a strong contender in the mid-size truck segment for its power and capability.