Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, Dodge Dakota owners seeking in-depth repair information
Competitors 2003:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/S-10, Nissan Frontier
Value Proposition:
Provides all necessary information for professional-level repairs and maintenance, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear disc, ABS, parking brake)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control module (BCM), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, frame construction, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly procedures, torque specifications
Technical Data:
Specifications, tolerances, capacities, test procedures, alignment data
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complex drivetrain and electrical system repairs
Engine Option 1:
2.4L 'K' Series 4-Cylinder (2003-2004)
Engine Option 2:
3.7L 'PowerTech' V6 (2005-onwards)
Engine Option 3:
4.7L 'Magnum' V8 (2003-onwards)
Engine Option 4:
5.7L 'HEMI' V8 (2006-onwards)
3.7L V6 Hp:
~210-215 HP (varies by year)
3.7L V6 Torque:
~235-240 lb-ft (varies by year)
4.7L V8 Hp:
~230-260 HP (varies by year)
4.7L V8 Torque:
~300-325 lb-ft (varies by year)
5.7L Hemi Hp:
~345-375 HP (varies by year)
5.7L Hemi Torque:
~375-410 lb-ft (varies by year)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Option 1:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV1500, NV3500)
Transmission Option 2:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)
Transmission Option 3:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (W5A580 - later models)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with transfer case
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Typically 3 or 4 stars (varies by year and configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags (later models)
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional satellite radio and premium audio systems
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (on higher trims and later models)
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on usage and fluid type)
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (V6/V8, depending on plug type)
Engine Oil Type 3.7L:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Rle:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Coolant Type:
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) - HOAT Pink or equivalent
Common Issue 1:
Fuel pump failures
Common Issue 2:
Catalytic converter failures
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks (particularly on 4.7L V8)
Common Issue 4:
Transmission solenoid issues (on automatic transmissions)
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing capable and durable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.
Third Gen Redesign:
The 2005 model introduced a significant redesign, shared platform with Mitsubishi Raider, and new engine options.
Assembly Location:
Dodge City Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Discontinuation Year:
2011 (US market)