Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, professional repair shops
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Selling Points:
Available V8 engine option, distinctive styling, comfortable interior for its class, robust chassis
Manual Value Proposition:
Cost-effective alternative to dealership service, empowerment of vehicle owners for self-maintenance and repair
Primary Coverage:
North America
Engine Variants Covered:
2.5L 4-Cylinder, 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Manual
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual/automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Starting and charging, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, power distribution, infotainment system, diagnostic connectors
Body Systems:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, airbags
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical diagnostics
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and installing major and minor components across all systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, component dimensions
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring schematics, component testing methods
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Base Engine Displacement:
2.5L (150 cu in)
Base Engine Cylinders:
Inline-4
Base Engine Horsepower:
120 hp @ 5200 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Optional Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7L (226 cu in)
Optional Engine 1 Cylinders:
V6
Optional Engine 1 Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Optional Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Optional Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L (287 cu in)
Optional Engine 2 Cylinders:
V8 (Magnum)
Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
Optional Engine 2 Torque:
330 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (all engines)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Spark Plug Replacement V6 V8:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles
Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:
SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Type V6 V8:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate and load)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Common Issue Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils, leading to misfires and rough running.
Common Issue Radiator Leaks:
Cracking or leaking of the plastic end tanks on the radiator.
Common Issue Brake Wear:
Accelerated wear on brake pads and rotors, particularly with heavy use.
Common Issue Cv Joints:
Wear and tear on front CV joints, especially on 4WD models, leading to clicking noises during turns.
Common Issue Heater Core:
Leaking heater core, often resulting in coolant smell inside the cabin and foggy windows.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history in the truck market with models like the Ram series.
Dakota Generation 2 Debut:
1997
2003 Model Year Updates:
Minor styling updates, introduction of the 3.7L V6 engine to replace the 3.9L V6, enhanced safety features.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Years For An Platform:
1997-2004
Truck Of The Year Awards:
While the 2003 Dakota itself didn't receive major 'Truck of the Year' accolades, its generation was generally well-regarded for its V8 option and ride quality.
Consumer Reports Reliability History:
Variable, with some model years and powertrains performing better than others. The manual addresses common weak points.
Manual Certification:
Produced to industry-standard automotive repair manual specifications.
