🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

Market Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Generation Code:

Fourth Generation (2005-2011)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2008 Dodge Dakota was positioned as a capable, domestically produced mid-size pickup truck, often competing with the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. It offered a balance of utility and comfort, with a distinct American styling.

Key Rivals:

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

Distinctive Features:

Available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. Offered a choice of V6 and V8 engines, distinguishing it from some smaller mid-size competitors. Known for its robust design and towing capacity relative to its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Overview:

Comprehensive coverage of 2008 Dodge Dakota Truck operation, maintenance, and features.

Specific Sections:

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 an owner's manual of this era and scope).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition, emission controls (as applicable to owner operation).

Chassis:

Brake system overview, steering system overview, suspension components (as they relate to owner checks).

Electrical:

Lighting controls, instrument cluster functions, battery care, basic fuse identification (for user-replaceable fuses).

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control operation, power windows, power locks, seat adjustment, audio system operation, keyless entry.

Restraints:

Airbag system operation, seat belt usage and care, child seat installation guidelines.

Security Features:

Immobilizer system, anti-theft alarm (if equipped).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement instructions, air filter replacement guidelines.

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, basic troubleshooting for warning lights.

Owner Adjustments:

Headlight aim adjustment (basic), mirror adjustment, steering wheel adjustment.

Depth:

Owner-focused, covering operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting of common issues. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Compatibility:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or built-in browser capabilities).

Quality:

Digital, factory original quality. Text is typically searchable, and images/diagrams are clear.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Description:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3701 cc (226 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC V6

Engine 1 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Description:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4701 cc (287 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Configuration:

SOHC V8

Engine 2 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 5200 rpm (early models), 255 hp @ 5200 rpm (later models, depending on specific calibration)

Engine 2 Torque:

290 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (early models), 330 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (later models)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission 2:

6-Speed Manual (NV3500)

Transmission Features:

Tow/Haul mode on automatic transmissions for improved towing performance. Electronic range selection for 4WD models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

113.1 inches (2873 mm)

Wheelbase Extended Cab Quad Cab:

131.3 inches (3335 mm)

Bed Length Standard:

6.25 feet (approx. 75 inches)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (approx. 96 inches)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 4,000 - 4,700 lbs (1814 - 2132 kg), varies by configuration.

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 7,000 lbs (3175 kg) for properly equipped V8 models.

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg), varies by configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

Not rated or 4-star (check specific NHTSA data for exact vehicle configuration).

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

Not rated or 4-star (check specific NHTSA data for exact vehicle configuration).

IIHS Front Offset Rating:

Acceptable or Good (check specific IIHS data for exact vehicle configuration).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control (TCS).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was optional or standard on certain trims/configurations.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front-passenger airbags.

Airbags Side:

Available front side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point active seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional MP3 playback, Sirius Satellite Radio. Higher trims could feature premium audio systems.

Navigation:

Optional DVD-based navigation system was available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

Trailer Tow Features:

Trailer Tow Group often included trailer brake controller pre-wiring, a trailer hitch receiver, and a 7-pin wiring harness.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system.

Remote Start:

Optional remote start system available on certain trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (depending on dust/dirt exposure).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter (or per manual specification for OAT coolant).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Typically around 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Typically around 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Type V8:

SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Mopar specification)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Dexron III/Mercon equivalent or SAE 75W-90 synthetic.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4.

Common Problems:

Leaking valve cover gaskets, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) issues, potential for front-end component wear (ball joints, tie rods) due to vehicle weight and use, rust on the body (especially in areas with road salt).

Oil Filter V6 Example:

Mopar: MO-899 / Wix: 57899 / Fram: PH373.

Oil Filter V8 Example:

Mopar: MO-349 / Wix: 51500 / Fram: PH8A.

Air Filter Example:

Mopar: 53034253AA / Wix: 49008 / Fram: CA8001.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Dakota nameplate was introduced in 1987 as Dodge's first mid-size pickup, filling a gap between the full-size Ram and smaller compact trucks.

Third Generation Intro:

The fourth generation of the Dodge Dakota, introduced for the 2005 model year, was a significant redesign, featuring a larger platform and more powerful engine options, including the introduction of a V8 engine to the mid-size segment.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

Production Years For Gen:

2005-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Past Awards:

While specific awards for the 2008 model are not prominently documented, the Dodge Dakota has historically been recognized for its V8 engine offerings and towing capabilities within the mid-size truck segment.