Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Unique Selling Points:
Class-exclusive V8 engine option, comfortable ride for its class, strong towing capacity.
Intended User:
DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians, Vehicle Owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge
Covered Sections:
Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, General Procedures
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printed (Specify based on product listing)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (2WD/4WD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Starting, Charging, Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Module (ECM)
Body And Interior:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Dashboard, Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Tune-Up Procedures
Repair:
Engine Component Rebuilds (Minor), Transmission Service, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Gear Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Trouble Codes, Diagnostic Procedures for Major Systems, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to major component overhauls and detailed electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code Base:
3.9L Magnum V6
Displacement V6:
239 cubic inches (3.9 Liters)
Configuration V6:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Horsepower V6:
Approximately 175-180 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque V6:
Approximately 230-235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Code Optional:
5.2L Magnum V8 (Optional)
Displacement V8:
318 cubic inches (5.2 Liters)
Configuration V8:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V8
Horsepower V8:
Approximately 230 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque V8:
Approximately 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Induction Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECM Type:
Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar ECU
Radiator Capacity:
Approx. 11-13 quarts (Varies by engine)
Standard Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE/44RE)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
New Process NP231/241 (or similar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.7 inches
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
124.7 inches
Overall Length Regular Cab:
195.0 inches
Overall Length Extended Cab:
208.0 inches
Bed Length Short:
6.25 feet
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet
Curb Weight Approx:
3800 - 4400 lbs (Varies by configuration)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 6,600 lbs (with V8, proper equipment)
Payload Capacity Max:
Up to 1,700 lbs (Varies)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
2 Stars (Typically for 2WD models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels (optional front disc/rear drum or rear drum only)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, Lap belts in rear (Extended Cab)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (preferred synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium)
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000-75,000 miles (ATF+4 recommended)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Type 1 (OAT) or Mopar HOAT, Ethylene Glycol based
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Problems Engine:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter adapter seal leaks, occasional ignition coil failures (especially on early models).
Common Problems Transmission:
Torque converter shudder, potential for governor pressure issues in older automatics.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, power steering pump whine/leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, dashboard light intermittency.
Rust Concerns:
Rocker panels, cab corners, and bed crossmembers are susceptible to rust in areas with road salt.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Second Generation Debut:
1998
Key Changes 2000:
Minor cosmetic updates, potential feature packaging changes, continued refinement of existing powertrains.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Years Second Gen:
1998-2004
