🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Model Years Covered:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Platform:

Chrysler ND

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Key Selling Points:

Robust build, powerful V8 engine options, comfortable interior for its class, versatile for work and personal use.

Primary Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier

Chassis Design:

Body-on-frame construction for durability and towing capacity.

Engine Options:

Available V6 and V8 HEMI engines offering significant power.

📋 Manual Details

Trim Levels:

All trim levels (e.g., ST, SLT, Sport, Laramie, TRX)

Cab Configurations:

Club Cab, Crew Cab

Bed Lengths:

6'4" (short bed), 8' (long bed)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic and ABS), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Ignition System, Starting and Charging System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Audio Systems, Security Systems

Body:

Body and Frame, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tire Rotation, Belt and Hose Inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Common Issues, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Component Testing

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printability:

Printable pages

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

3.7L V6 Magnum:

Displacement: 3.7L (226 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 93.0 mm x 81.0 mm, Compression Ratio: 9.6:1, Horsepower: 210-235 hp @ 5200-5500 rpm, Torque: 235-245 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm, Fuel System: Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Engine Code: EKG

4.7L V8 Magnum:

Displacement: 4.7L (287 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 96.0 mm x 103.0 mm, Compression Ratio: 9.1:1, Horsepower: 235-260 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm, Torque: 300-320 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm, Fuel System: Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Engine Code: EVA, EVC, EVB

5.7L V8 Hemi (From 2008):

Displacement: 5.7L (345 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 99.5 mm x 90.9 mm, Compression Ratio: 9.6:1, Horsepower: 345-380 hp @ 5000-5400 rpm, Torque: 375-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm, Fuel System: Multi-displacement System (MDS) with Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Engine Code: EZH

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,450 lbs (with 5.7L HEMI and appropriate packages)

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,700 lbs

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for HEMI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L V6; 5-speed Automatic (545RFE) for 4.7L V8

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Manual (NV3500) for 3.7L V6 (earlier years); 5-speed Automatic (NAG1) for 5.7L HEMI (2008-2010)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

129.9 inches (standard), 140.6 inches (long wheelbase)

Length:

204.1 inches (standard bed), 225.7 inches (long bed)

Width:

79.0 inches

Height:

71.5 inches

Bed Length:

6'4" (76.3 inches), 8' (96.0 inches)

Bed Width At Wheelwells:

44.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,400 - 5,000 lbs depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

5-Star (for models with side curtain airbags)

NHTSA Front Passenger:

5-Star (for models with side curtain airbags)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models with side curtain airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags; Optional front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system (may vary by year and trim).

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on towing and driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type 3.7L V6:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent)

Engine Oil Type 4.7L V8:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent)

Engine Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent, especially for MDS system)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 10-year/150,000-mile protection. 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Catalytic Converter:

Premature failure reported on some V8 models, potentially due to heat or exhaust restrictions.

Transmission Slippage:

Occasional reports of slipping or harsh shifting, particularly in earlier automatic transmissions. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial.

Front Suspension Components:

Ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings can wear prematurely, leading to clunks and alignment issues.

Water Pump:

Leaks or failure can occur, especially around 60,000-100,000 miles, affecting the cooling system.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Dakota was positioned as a mid-size truck, filling a gap between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.

Second Generation Introduction:

The second generation (AN platform) debuted for the 1997 model year. The 2005 model year marked a significant refresh for the second generation, including updated styling, interior, and the introduction of the potent 5.7L HEMI V8 engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

Production End Year:

2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While not a consistent award winner, the Dodge Dakota has been praised for its V8 power and towing capabilities within the mid-size segment during its production run. Its 5.7L HEMI option was particularly notable.