Market Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Dodge Dakota owners, DIY mechanics, professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Vehicle Selling Points:
One of the larger compact trucks available at the time, offering V8 engine options not commonly found in the segment.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for maintaining and repairing the Dakota, providing detailed technical information for cost-effective ownership and repair.
Models Covered:
All Models (Regular Cab, Club Cab)
Engines Covered:
2.5L Magnum Inline-4, 3.9L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8
Transmissions Covered:
4-speed Automatic (42RE, 45RFE), 5-speed Manual (NV3500)
Trim Levels Covered:
All Trim Levels (e.g., SLT, Sport, Base)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (PCM/ECM), starting, charging.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, operation, diagnosis, service procedures, clutch, transfer case (if applicable).
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, axles, differentials, wheel bearings, CV joints.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS operation and diagnosis, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, steering linkage.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power distribution, instrument cluster, body control modules, comfort and convenience features, audio system, security system.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement.
Body:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, bumpers, sheet metal repair, glass replacement.
Chassis:
Frame and underbody components, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for component removal, installation, and overhaul.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, component testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, alignment angles.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (New Process NV3500)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-speed Automatic (Chrysler 42RE)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (Chrysler 45RFE - primarily with 4.7L V8)
Overdrive Gears:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive.
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in manual (e.g., 3.15:1 first gear for NV3500).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602) - Crucial to use the correct type.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 equivalent, SAE 75W-90 synthetic recommended.
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
Approx. 111.9 inches
Wheelbase Club Cab:
Approx. 124.9 inches
Bed Length Short:
Approx. 72 inches
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 7.5 feet (not commonly offered for these years, primarily 6ft bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,500 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 6,400 lbs (with proper equipment and V8 engine)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 1,600 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4 Stars (for 2000 model year, specific test may vary)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2000 model year, specific test may vary)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Rating:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM radio, AM/FM with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system.
Display:
Basic digital display for clock and radio. No integrated navigation or advanced infotainment screens typical of modern vehicles.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry system.
Usb Port:
N/A (Not equipped with USB ports).
Bluetooth:
N/A (Not equipped with Bluetooth).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (severe) or 5,000 miles (normal), or as per manufacturer recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement 2 5L 4Cyl:
Approx. 60,000 miles (Copper plugs), 100,000 miles (Platinum).
Spark Plug Replacement 3 9L V6 4 7L V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or every 2-4 years, depending on usage and fluid condition.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years.
Engine Oil 2 5L 4Cyl:
SAE 10W-30, API Service SG or higher. Capacity: Approx. 5 quarts with filter.
Engine Oil 3 9L V6:
SAE 10W-30, API Service SG or higher. Capacity: Approx. 5 quarts with filter.
Engine Oil 4 7L V8:
SAE 10W-30, API Service SG or higher. Capacity: Approx. 5.5 quarts with filter.
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color. Mopar part number 05010845AB or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 12-13 quarts (depending on engine).
Cooling System:
Water pump leaks, radiator leaks, thermostat issues, especially with the 4.7L V8. Leaky heater cores are also common.
Transmission:
Slipping in automatic transmissions (42RE, 45RFE) can occur due to worn clutch packs or valve body issues. Torque converter shudder is also reported.
Engine:
The 4.7L V8 can suffer from piston slap when cold, and some early models experienced head gasket failures or valve seat recession. Camshaft position sensor failures are also noted.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, interior light issues, and sometimes gauge cluster problems.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends are common wear items, leading to steering looseness and premature tire wear.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, from the early Power Wagon to the Ram series.
Dakota Introduction:
The Dakota was first introduced in 1987 as Dodge's entry into the compact pickup truck segment, aiming to bridge the gap between smaller compacts and larger full-size trucks.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation (AN) was introduced for the 1997 model year and received a significant refresh for the 2000 model year, including updated styling and powertrain options.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
1987-2004 (for the second generation, this manual covers 2000-2001 updates within this generation).
Model Specific Awards:
While the 2000-2001 Dakota may not have received numerous standalone awards, it was generally well-regarded for its powerful engine options, especially the 4.7L V8, which was innovative for its class at the time.
Truck Of The Year Contender:
Often considered a strong contender in the compact/mid-size truck segment during its production run.
Emissions Certification:
All models meet or exceed EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for their respective model years.