Vehicle Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet owners
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Frontier
Truck Attributes:
Offering a balance of capability, comfort, and affordability in its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain and repair their 2000 Dodge Dakota effectively, reducing reliance on external service providers.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition (mechanical aspects)
Engine Performance:
Engine diagnostics, tuning, emissions control systems, ECU operation, fuel injection systems, ignition timing
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission disassembly, assembly, gearsets, synchronizers, shift mechanisms, clutch system
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic controls, electronic controls, transmission fluid cooling
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, rear axle assembly, four-wheel-drive system (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, steering knuckles
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, power distribution, fuses, relays, ignition system (electrical aspects)
Body And Frame:
Body construction, structural components, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, exterior trim, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, components, operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS components and diagnosis
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake checks
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, component testing
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly of all major vehicle systems, component replacement guides
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Schematics:
Vacuum, hydraulic, and electrical schematics
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed mechanical specifications and acceptable wear tolerances for engine, transmission, etc.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive professional-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced electronic diagnostics and component-level troubleshooting
Rebuild Capability:
Full engine, transmission, and axle assembly rebuild procedures
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (with 2.5L and 3.9L engines)
Optional Transmission V6:
4-speed automatic (42RE with 3.9L V6)
Optional Transmission V8:
4-speed automatic (45RFE with 4.7L V8)
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Optional Four-wheel drive (4WD)
Fluid Specification Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar designation)
Fluid Specification Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for 2000 model year, but generally considered adequate for the era.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not explicitly rated for 2000 model year.
IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Offset:
Not tested by IIHS for this model year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, optional on rear.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on spark plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as indicated by condition. Manual: Inspect at 60,000 miles, replace if necessary.
Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
API SP, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check manual for engine-specific recommendation and temperature range)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Formula I (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (e.g., Mopar OAT-compatible)
Common Problem 1:
Rear axle seal leaks
Common Problem 2:
Idler arm wear (leading to steering looseness)
Common Problem 3:
Catalytic converter failure (especially on higher mileage vehicles)
Common Problem 4:
Window regulator failures
Common Problem 5:
Transmission solenoid issues (on automatic transmissions)