🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual (PDF)

Chassis Code:

ND (North American Specification)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a versatile, capable pickup truck for work and personal use

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Differentiators:

Available V8 engine option (at the time), comfortable ride for a truck, diverse cabin configurations

Powertrain Options:

3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 (engine availability dependent on trim and configuration)

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab

Bed Lengths:

Short Bed, Long Bed

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Owner information for the 2008 Dodge Dakota

Additional Coverage:

Features, controls, maintenance schedules, DIY service, towing, safety

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for full owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system overview

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), 4WD system operation (if applicable)

Chassis:

Braking system basics, steering system basics, suspension system overview

Electrical:

Lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, basic warning indicators

Interior:

Seating, climate control, audio system, interior controls and features

Exterior:

Doors, windows, tailgate, mirrors, exterior features

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking, using vehicle features

Maintenance:

Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement

Do It Yourself:

Minor maintenance tasks suitable for owners (e.g., checking fuses, replacing bulbs)

Safety:

Seat belt usage, child restraint systems, airbag system explanation, emergency procedures

Towing:

Towing capacity, trailer towing guidelines, trailer brake controller information (if equipped)

Depth:

Owner-level understanding of vehicle operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux compatible

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for easy information retrieval

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

3.7L V6 (2008)

Displacement:

3.7 liters / 226 cubic inches

Configuration:

V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), 12 valves

Horsepower Est:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Est:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code:

4.7L V8 (2008)

Displacement:

4.7 liters / 285 cubic inches

Configuration:

V8, SOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower Est:

230 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque Est:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code:

5.7L HEMI V8 (2008)

Displacement:

5.7 liters / 345 cubic inches

Configuration:

V8, OHV (Overhead Valve), HEMI, 16 valves

Horsepower Est:

345 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Est:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane (for V6 and 4.7L V8), 89 Octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI V8

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V6:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)

Transmission Type V8:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5-45RFE)

Manual Transmission Availability:

Not typically offered for the 2008 model year, automatic transmissions were standard.

Drive Modes:

2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) options available

4Wd System:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic engagement (e.g., 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

120.0 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

131.3 inches

Overall Length Short Bed Reg Cab:

192.4 inches

Overall Length Long Bed Ext Cab:

220.7 inches

Width:

79.1 inches

Height:

70.5 inches (approximate, varies by configuration)

Bed Length Short Bed:

6.0 feet

Bed Length Long Bed:

7.0 feet

Curb Weight Est Min:

4,200 lbs (approximate for base V6 model)

Max Payload Capacity Est:

Up to 1,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration and engine)

Max Towing Capacity Est:

Up to 7,450 lbs (with 5.7L HEMI and appropriate towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (2008 model year, specific rating for Dakota)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (2008 model year, specific rating for Dakota)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (2008 model year, specific rating for Dakota)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - often bundled with specific packages

Airbags Front:

Standard front multi-stage airbags for driver and front passenger

Airbags Side:

Available front seat-mounted side airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on many trims), optional Uconnect hands-free communication system (late availability or optional).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Park Assist:

Available ParkSense rear park assist system

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific guidance).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Approximately every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or approximately every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Typically around 100,000 miles (check specific plug type recommended)

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Typically around 100,000 miles (check specific plug type recommended for HEMI)

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified, refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., MS-6395)

Engine Oil Type V8:

SAE 5W-20 (API certified, refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., MS-6395)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Type 4Spd:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)

Transmission Fluid Type 5Spd:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Complaints:

Potential for water pump leaks, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators), some HVAC system issues, potential for early rust on frame components in certain climates.

Hemi Tick:

Some 5.7L HEMI engines may exhibit a 'hemi tick' noise, often related to lifters or exhaust manifold studs, typically addressed by dealers.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Dodge, an American automotive brand with a history of performance and utility vehicles.

Generation:

Third Generation (2002-2009)

Key Updates For 2008:

Introduction of the more powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 engine option, revised styling cues, interior refinements, and improved feature availability.

Manufacturing Plant:

Dodge City Truck Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

Production Years Of Generation:

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year might be sparse, the Dodge Dakota consistently received recognition for its V8 engine options and towing capabilities within the mid-size pickup segment during its generation.