🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2000

Vehicle Platform:

Second Generation (AN)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, professional repair shops.

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.

Vehicle Selling Points:

One of the few American-designed compact trucks, offering V6 power, available V8 (in later models), and comfortable interior for its class.

Benefit For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform diagnostics and repairs, saving on labor costs and understanding vehicle maintenance needs.

📋 Manual Details

Diagnostic Procedures:

Comprehensive diagnostic charts and procedures for all major systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for mechanical, electrical, and body components.

Maintenance Schedules:

Detailed preventative maintenance schedules and service intervals.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical wiring schematics for all circuits.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting sections to diagnose common and uncommon faults.

Specifications:

All essential technical specifications and torque values.

Total Pages:

Estimate 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Primary Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair for the NV3500 manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair for the 42RE and 45RFE automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, universal joints, CV joints.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (torsion bar), rear leaf spring suspension, shocks, struts, control arms.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, instrument cluster.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, glass, seals.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, belt inspections.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Rebuild:

Step-by-step disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of automatic and manual transmissions.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake adjustment.

Suspension Repair:

Replacement of shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rod ends, leaf springs.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams and diagnostic tools.

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, dent repair, rust repair guidance, glass replacement.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.

Depth:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information implicitly requires or references specialized diagnostic tools and equipment common in the year 2000.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution PDF, allowing for clear viewing and printing of text and diagrams.

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Designed for clear printing of all pages and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.5L (150 ci) Magnum 4-cylinder

Optional Engine 1:

3.9L (239 ci) Magnum V6

Optional Engine 2:

5.2L (318 ci) Magnum V8 (Late 2000 production or some specific configurations)

2.5L Horsepower:

~120 hp @ 4800 rpm

2.5L Torque:

~145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

3.9L V6 Horsepower:

~175 hp @ 4800 rpm

3.9L V6 Torque:

~230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

5.2L V8 Horsepower:

~230 hp @ 4400 rpm

5.2L V8 Torque:

~300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Induction Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler's Powertrain Control Module (PCM), likely a variant of the SBEC or JTEC.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

NV3500 5-speed manual

Automatic Transmission 1:

42RE 4-speed automatic (typically with 4-cyl and 3.9L V6)

Automatic Transmission 2:

45RFE 4-speed automatic (typically with 5.2L V8)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Optional 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent (check manual for specific fluid type for 42RE/45RFE)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

111.9 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124.6 inches

Overall Length Short Bed:

188.8 inches

Overall Length Long Bed:

201.5 inches

Bed Length Short:

6.3 feet

Bed Length Long:

7.5 feet

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,500 - 4,200 lbs, depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 6,500 lbs (with appropriate engine, drivetrain, and option packages).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not directly rated or limited testing for this era of light trucks.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on many models, especially with V6/V8 and 4WD.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point active seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls with standard fan speeds and temperature selection.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-II compliant diagnostic port for emissions and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles; Manual: Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (highly dependent on usage).

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

4-cyl: ~60,000 miles; V6/V8: ~100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 or 10W-30 for 4-cyl and V6; 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 for V8 (refer to manual and climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4-cyl: ~5 quarts; 3.9L V6: ~4 quarts; 5.2L V8: ~5 quarts (all with filter, check manual).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (typically a green ethylene glycol based).

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, water pump failures, heater core issues.

Engine Performance:

Spark plug fouling (especially early designs), intake manifold gasket leaks (V6).

Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings due to truck usage; steering pump whine.

Electrical:

Alternator failures, fuel pump issues, power window regulator problems.

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar: MO-098; Fram: PH3600; Wix: 51515 (verify for specific engine).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Second Gen An:

The 2000 model year is part of the second generation (AN) Dakota, introduced in 1996. It featured a significant redesign over the first generation, offering a larger cabin, improved ride, and more powerful engine options, including the first V8 in its class.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While the 2000 model year itself may not have specific 'Truck of the Year' awards in this manual, the Dakota lineage has been recognized for its value and capability in various automotive publications over its production run.

Consumer Reports:

Subject to typical mixed reviews for its era; known for strong V8 performance but variable reliability in some systems.