Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck.
Target Audience:
Owners of the 2011 Dodge Dakota seeking to understand and maintain their vehicle.
Competitors:
Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon.
Vehicle Strengths:
Known for its powerful V8 engine options and comfortable ride for a pickup.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential guide for maximizing vehicle lifespan, understanding features, and performing basic maintenance, preventing costly misunderstandings with service centers.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation and fluid level checks.
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS warning lights.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering wheel operation.
Suspension:
Basic information on suspension components.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, horn, wipers, power accessories.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, air conditioning, heater.
Interior:
Seating, seat belts, airbags, interior lighting, controls, dashboard layout.
Exterior:
Doors, windows, mirrors, hood, tailgate, body care.
Infotainment:
Radio, CD player, Uconnect (if equipped) operation.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS.
Startup Operation:
Starting the engine, driving instructions, shifting gears, parking.
Maintenance Checks:
Checking and adding engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid.
Tire Care:
Checking tire pressure, changing a flat tire, tire rotation recommendations.
Fluid Checks:
Checking and topping off essential vehicle fluids.
Fuse Replacement:
Locating and replacing blown fuses.
Bulb Replacement:
Replacing exterior and interior light bulbs.
Troubleshooting Indicators:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicator symbols.
Remote Key Fob Operation:
Using the keyless entry system.
Towing Information:
Guidelines for towing a trailer with the Dakota.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation, troubleshooting minor issues, understanding vehicle features.
Diagnostic Capability:
Focuses on interpreting dashboard indicators and basic fault isolation, not in-depth diagnostic procedures.
Repair Level:
Does not provide detailed repair procedures or component disassembly instructions; that is the scope of a service manual.
Engine Type 1:
3.7L V6 (210 hp @ 5200 rpm, 230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Engine Type 2:
4.7L V8 (302 hp @ 5650 rpm, 329 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm)
Engine Type 3:
5.7L HEMI V8 (390 hp @ 5600 rpm, 407 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Fuel Economy City:
Varies by engine, approximately 12-17 MPG.
Fuel Economy Highway:
Varies by engine, approximately 16-23 MPG.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors.
Wheelbase:
120.0 inches (Regular Cab), 140.5 inches (Crew Cab)
Length:
197.4 inches (6.3 ft bed), 217.9 inches (8.0 ft bed)
Height:
70.0 - 71.3 inches (depending on configuration)
Bed Length Options:
6.3 ft (75.2 inches), 8.0 ft (95.7 inches)
Curb Weight Approx:
4,000 - 4,700 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,700 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,200 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4/5 Stars (for 2011 models, generally for front impact)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Good (for front offset, side impact varies by year/configuration).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control system.
Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchor system.
Rollover Protection:
Included as part of the overall structural design.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or as needed based on wear.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Replacement:
First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (3.7L V6), SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (4.7L V8 & 5.7L V8 HEMI) - consult manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6 quarts (3.7L V6), 7 quarts (4.7L V8), 7 quarts (5.7L V8 HEMI) - with filter change.
Coolant Type:
MOPAR OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Common Problems:
Transmission shifting issues (particularly with the 4.7L), potential for radiator leaks, suspension wear, and minor electrical gremlins. Some early 5.7L HEMI engines experienced oil sludge issues if not maintained diligently.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks since the 1930s.
Dakota Generation:
This is the third generation (2005-2011) of the Dodge Dakota, characterized by its larger size and more car-like interior compared to previous generations.
Last Model Year:
2011 was the final model year for the Dodge Dakota in North America.
Assembly Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.