🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Platform:

Second Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Hardbody/Frontier.

Unique Selling Points:

Known for its distinctive styling, available V8 engine (later in the generation), and robust build quality for its class. The second generation saw significant updates over the first.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete factory service and repair coverage for all Dodge Dakota models produced between 1997 and 2000.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Covered Systems:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual & automatic), driveline, suspension, steering, brakes (ABS included), body electrical, body hardware, interior, climate control, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), emissions control.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, troubleshooting guides, component removal and installation instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, special tool requirements.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from routine maintenance and fluid changes to major component overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory documentation.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L (150 cu in) Magnum L4, 3.9L (238 cu in) Magnum V6, 4.7L (285 cu in) Magnum V8 (introduced later).

Horsepower Torque L4:

2.5L L4: Approx. 120-125 hp, 145-150 lb-ft torque.

Horsepower Torque V6:

3.9L V6: Approx. 175-180 hp, 230-235 lb-ft torque.

Horsepower Torque V8:

4.7L V8: Approx. 230-235 hp, 295-300 lb-ft torque.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 42RE, 46RE).

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with transfer case.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Short Bed (approx. 111.7 inches), Long Bed (approx. 124.7 inches).

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab).

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,300 lbs depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for models with optional passenger airbag).

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags (passenger airbag often optional on earlier models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Advanced Assistance:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on ABS for braking.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi. Connectivity was limited to basic radio and optional remote keyless entry.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific ATF/gear oil type).

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Specification:

Refer to manual for SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service category (e.g., API SJ or later) based on engine and climate. Typically 5 quarts for V6/V8, 4.5 quarts for L4.

Transmission Fluid Specification Auto:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) is common for 42RE/46RE transmissions.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3.

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, brake pads/rotors, exhaust system components, radiator and hoses, heater core.

Common Engine Issues:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V6 engines), oil pressure sensor issues, eventual piston ring wear leading to oil consumption.

Common Transmission Issues:

Torque converter shudder, valve body issues, solenoid failures in automatic transmissions.

Common Electrical Issues:

Body control module (BCM) issues, power window/lock failures, instrument cluster problems, dashboard warning light illumination.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, including the Ram series. The Dakota introduced a more refined and comfortable option in the compact/mid-size segment.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation (AN body style) was introduced for the 1997 model year, featuring a complete redesign with more aerodynamic styling and a more car-like interior. It offered improved ride comfort and handling.

Manufacturing Location:

Newark, Delaware, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

While specific awards for the 1997-2000 Dakota are not prominently documented in major automotive publications, it was generally well-received in its class for its styling and available V8 engine. It competed in a segment where many trucks focused on utility over extensive awards.