Market Position:
Compact/Mid-size pickup truck, known for its V8 engine option and car-like ride for its class.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab).
Drivetrains:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Four-wheel drive (4WD).
Notable Features:
Optional 5.9L Magnum V8 engine (a significant differentiator in its class at the time), independent front suspension.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, but not explicitly stated, common for workshop manuals)
Page Count:
Typically 1000+ pages for full workshop manuals of this era, exact count not provided in product info.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine electrical, transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system, audio system, lighting system, safety systems (airbags, seat belts).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power accessories.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagram interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension work.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data, emission data, diagnostic parameters.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to in-depth diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Options:
2.5L AMC I4, 3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8, 5.9L Magnum V8
2000 Year Engines:
3.9L Magnum V6 (standard on most models), 5.9L Magnum V8 (optional, high-output).
3.9L Magnum V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 175 hp @ 4800 rpm
3.9L Magnum V6 Torque:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-240 hp @ 4400 rpm
5.9L Magnum V8 Torque:
Approx. 330-350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Transmission Standard V6:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (42RE)
Transmission Standard V8:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (46RE)
Transmission Optional:
5-speed Manual Transmission (NV3500 for V6, NV4500 for V8 - less common)
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy, electronically controlled for automatic transmissions.
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.7 inches (2837 mm)
Wheelbase Club Cab:
124.6 inches (3165 mm)
Bed Length Short:
6.3 feet (approx. 76 inches)
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet (approx. 96 inches)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3600 - 4500 lbs depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity Range:
Up to 6,900 lbs (with proper V8 engine and towing package).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated or data unavailable for this specific year in standard formats.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not explicitly rated or data unavailable for this specific year in standard formats.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base configurations.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front seat belts with pretensioners, rear seat belts.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Analog gauges, climate controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary electronic safety aid. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket head unit installation is common for modern audio features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for precise recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (depends on fluid type and service severity).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or as per specific coolant type (e.g., HOAT).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API Certified (consult manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Specification Automatic:
ATF+3 or equivalent (e.g., ATF Type 7176).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent, typically a green or orange coolant.
Common Issues V8:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter adapter O-ring leaks, occasional misfires due to ignition coil or sensor issues.
Common Issues Transmission:
Transmission solenoid issues, torque converter shudder (especially with higher mileage), potential for overdrive band failure in 42RE/46RE transmissions.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, power steering pump leaks, front sway bar links.
Common Issues Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures, power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures.
Dodge Truck Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, starting with the Dodge Power Wagon and continuing with the Ram line.
Dakota Generation 2 Start:
1997
Dakota Generation 2 End:
2004
2000 Model Year Updates:
Minor styling refinements, potentially some feature packaging updates. The core design remained consistent from 1997.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
Truck Of The Year Awards:
While the Dakota has historically received positive reviews and awards, specific prominent awards for the 2000 model year are not widely documented.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era often highlighted the Dakota's strong V8 engine and comfortable ride but noted average reliability scores compared to some Japanese competitors.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards for the 2000 model year.
