Market Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance technicians
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair information to empower owners and technicians for effective maintenance and repair.
Content Parity:
Identical in coverage and detail to the original dealership service manuals.
Vehicle Coverage:
All 2001, 2002, and 2003 Dodge Dakota models
Engine Coverage:
2.5L I4, 3.9L V6 Magnum, 4.7L V8 Magnum
Transmission Coverage:
42RE, 45RFE, NV3500 manual
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals)
Type:
Factory Authorized Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission (42RE, 45RFE, NV3500), clutch system, drive axles, propeller shafts, transfer case (if applicable)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear, ABS)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting and charging system, lighting, instruments, interior controls, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), comfort and convenience systems
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid level checks, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuilding procedures, adjustments, specifications for all major repair tasks
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, scan tool usage, specific diagnostic flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and body repairs. Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and alignment procedures.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Printability:
Printable pages for on-the-job reference
Image Resolution:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine 2 5L I4:
2.5L (150 CID) I4, 122 hp @ 4800 rpm, 156 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (VIN G)
Engine 3 9L V6:
3.9L (239 CID) V6 Magnum, 175 hp @ 4800 rpm, 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (VIN H)
Engine 4 7L V8:
4.7L (287 CID) V8 Magnum, 235 hp @ 4800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (VIN P)
Compression Ratio 2 5L:
9.2:1
Compression Ratio 3 9L:
8.9:1
Compression Ratio 4 7L:
8.1:1
Fuel Delivery All Engines:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type All Engines:
Unleaded gasoline
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (NV3500) for 2.5L and 3.9L engines
Optional Transmission V6:
4-speed automatic (42RE) for 3.9L V6
Optional Transmission V8:
4-speed automatic (45RFE) for 4.7L V8
Transmission Fluid 42Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA)
Transmission Fluid 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA)
Transmission Fluid Nv3500:
GL-4, 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant (Mopar P/N 04874464)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.7 inches (2837 mm)
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
124.6 inches (3165 mm)
Overall Length Typical:
197.0 inches (5004 mm) for regular cab short bed
Bed Length Short Bed:
71.9 inches (1826 mm)
Bed Length Long Bed:
98.4 inches (2499 mm)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (1678 - 2041 kg)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 7,300 lbs (3311 kg) depending on configuration
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (2001-2003)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2001-2003)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2001-2003 models with side airbags, though availability varied)
ABS:
Standard on all models (4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum)
Traction Control:
Optional on V8 models
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side airbags
Audio System:
Optional CD player, cassette player, AM/FM stereo with 4 or 6 speakers.
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models.
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors on higher trims.
Telematics:
No advanced telematics or integrated navigation available for this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement 2 5L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (uses platinum-tipped plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 3 9L 4 7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (uses platinum-tipped plugs)
Engine Oil 2 5L 3 9L:
SAE 10W-30, API Service SL or higher. Capacity: 4.5 quarts (4.3L) with filter.
Engine Oil 4 7L:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SL or higher. Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7L) with filter.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.5-15.5 quarts (10.9-14.7L) depending on engine and configuration.
Radiator:
Cracking near the tanks, leaks
Front Suspension Components:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings
Ignition Coils:
Failure leading to misfires, especially on the 4.7L V8
Transmission Shifting:
Rough shifting or slipping in automatic transmissions (42RE, 45RFE)
Heater Core:
Leaks, leading to coolant loss and interior fogging
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long-standing reputation in the truck market, known for its 'Ram' branding and robust pickup offerings.
Second Generation:
The 2001-2003 models represent the latter half of the second generation (AN) Dakota, which debuted for the 1997 model year. This generation was notable for being the first compact pickup to offer a V8 engine.
Production Plants:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Years:
1997-2004 (Second Generation)
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Not applicable for this specific generation's model years (though Dodge trucks have won in other years/categories).
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied depending on year and specific components; typically average to below average for the era.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets all applicable federal and state emissions standards for the model years covered.
