Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Individuals and businesses requiring a capable, versatile pickup for personal and light commercial use.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Strengths:
Available V8 engine option (rare in its class at the time), comfortable ride for a truck, distinctive styling.
Powertrain Options:
Distinctive offering of both V6 and V8 engines in the mid-size segment.
Sections Covered:
Features, controls, maintenance schedules, service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety considerations
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 300-400 (typical for this vehicle class and year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission operation
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, power accessories, battery, starting system, charging system
Body And Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, airbags, seat belts
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire inflation, wiper blade inspection/replacement, bulb replacement
Diy Activities:
Specific tasks identified as suitable for owner maintenance, likely including basic fluid checks and filter changes
Safety Considerations:
Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, child restraint systems, safe driving practices, emergency procedures
Towing:
Towing capacity, trailer wiring information, trailer brake controller recommendations, proper towing techniques
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3700 cc
Engine 1 Configuration:
V-configuration
Engine 1 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc
Engine 2 Configuration:
V-configuration
Engine 2 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm (some sources cite 235 hp)
Engine 2 Torque:
325 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (some sources cite 330 lb-ft)
Fuel Induction:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (for both V6 and V8, check manual for specific viscosity ranges based on temperature)
Transmission 1:
42RLE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission 1 Coverage:
Typically paired with the 3.7L V6 engine.
Transmission 2:
45RFE/545RFE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission 2 Coverage:
Typically paired with the 4.7L V8 engine.
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)
Wheelbase:
124.2 inches (standard cab and quad cab)
Overall Length:
206.6 inches (standard bed), 218.6 inches (long bed)
Overall Width:
79.6 inches
Overall Height:
70.4 inches (RWD), 71.7 inches (4WD)
Bed Length:
6.3 feet (standard), 8.0 feet (long bed)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 4,100 lbs (V6, RWD)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 4,700 lbs (V8, 4WD)
Gvwr Max:
Approx. 6,000-6,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 6,500 lbs (with 4.7L V8, proper towing package, and configuration)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for 2WD and 4WD models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (often part of Electronic Stability Program or as a separate system)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available side-curtain airbags (check specific trim)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used; check manual for specific recommendation).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000-7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles for ATFs, though sealed transmissions may have longer intervals or require professional inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 100,000 miles for conventional or platinum plugs (check manual for specific plug type and interval).
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.7 quarts (3.7L V6), 13.2 quarts (4.7L V8) - including heater core and overflow reservoir.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6 quarts (3.7L V6), 5.5 quarts (4.7L V8) with filter change.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, brake pads/rotors, exhaust system components, fuel pumps.
Powertrain Concerns:
Some reports of the 4.7L V8 exhibiting slight piston slap when cold, and occasional issues with the 42RLE transmission.
Electrical Concerns:
Potential for window regulator failures, and occasional issues with interior electronics.
Rust And Corrosion:
Prone to rust on cab corners, rocker panels, and bed rails, especially in rust-belt regions.
Brand:
Dodge, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and robust truck offerings.
Generation:
Second Generation (2005-2009)
Platform:
Shared platform with the Mitsubishi Raider (badge-engineered version).
2006 Updates:
The 2006 model year saw minor trim and package updates. The major redesign happened for the 2005 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA