🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Years:

2003, 2004

Vehicle Type:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck

Key Competitors 2003 2004:

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

Dakota Niche:

Often positioned between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size offerings, providing a balance of capability and maneuverability.

Powertrain Options:

Available in V6 and V8 engine configurations, offering competitive towing and payload capacity for its class.

Body Styles:

Regular Cab and Club Cab (Extended Cab) configurations.

Drive Configurations:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) options.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8

Transmission Coverage:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic, NV3500 5-Speed Manual

Chassis Systems:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Frame

Electrical Systems:

Wiring Diagrams, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Audio System

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Seats, Trim, HVAC Components

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Repair Procedures:

Component Removal and Installation, Component Overhaul, Adjustments

Specification Data:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Scope:

Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Accessibility:

Searchable Text, Printable Pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine Assembly, Cylinder Head, Pistons, Crankshaft, Timing System, Lubrication System, Cooling System

Engine Performance:

Fuel System (Injection, Pump, Injectors), Ignition System, Emissions Control System (EVAP, EGR)

Transmission Manual:

Clutch System, Gearbox Assembly, Shifter Linkage

Transmission Automatic:

Torque Converter, Valve Body, Planetary Gear Sets, Transmission Control Module (TCM)

Drivetrain:

Drive Shafts, U-Joints, Differential, Axles (Front and Rear), Transfer Case (if applicable)

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake System, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (Upper/Lower Control Arms, Ball Joints, Bushings), Rear Leaf Spring Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bars

Steering:

Power Steering System (Pump, Hoses, Rack and Pinion/Steering Gear), Steering Column, Tie Rods

Wheels And Tires:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Wheel Bearings, Lug Nut Torque Specifications

Body Structure:

Frame Construction, Body Mounts, Corrosion Protection

Exterior Body:

Body Panels (Fenders, Hood, Doors, Bed), Bumpers, Grille, Mirrors, Glass, Wipers

Interior Appointments:

Seats, Seat Belts, Airbags, Dashboard, Center Console, Door Panels, Headliner, Carpet

HVAC System:

Air Conditioning (Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Refrigerant), Heating System, Blower Motor, Control Panel

Instrumentation And Gauges:

Instrument Cluster, Gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel, Temp), Warning Lights

Lighting System:

Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals, Interior Lighting, Fog Lights (if equipped)

Audio And Entertainment:

Radio, Speaker Installation, Antenna

Security System:

Keyless Entry, Immobilizer System

Basic Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Tire Rotation, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-Offs

Engine Repair:

Head Gasket Replacement, Piston Ring Replacement, Crankshaft Seal Replacement, Timing Belt/Chain Service, Complete Engine Rebuild

Transmission Repair:

Clutch Replacement, Transmission Fluid and Filter Change, Internal Transmission Component Repair, Transmission Rebuild

Brake Service:

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Shoe and Drum Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Caliper and Wheel Cylinder Service

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock Absorber and Strut Replacement, Ball Joint and Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump and Hose Replacement, Wheel Alignment Procedures

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Electrical Circuits, Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, PCM/BCM Diagnostics

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant Charging, Component Replacement (Compressor, Evaporator), Blower Motor and Resistor Replacement

Body Repair:

Panel Replacement, Door Mechanism Repair, Glass Replacement, Interior Trim Removal and Installation

Troubleshooting Guides:

Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble code explanations and procedures

Depth Level:

Extensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capability:

Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for all major vehicle systems.

Special Tools:

Lists and describes specific Chrysler/Dodge special tools required for certain procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Yes, text-based searchable content.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory documentation.

Images Diagrams:

Clear, legible diagrams and illustrations.

Delivery Method:

Digital Download

Digital Medium:

Electronic Document (PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3701 cc (226 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC, 12-valve V6

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 85.0 mm (3.78 in x 3.35 in)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 210-215 hp @ 5200-5500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Name:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4701 cc (287 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Configuration:

SOHC, 16-valve V8

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 86.4 mm (3.66 in x 3.40 in)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 235-240 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 octane minimum recommended

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

NV3500 5-Speed Manual

Automatic Transmission:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Command-Trac NV235 or NV244 transfer case (4WD models)

Atf Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Automatic Capacity Approx:

8.5 US quarts (8.0 L)

Manual Capacity Approx:

2.2 US quarts (2.1 L)

Mtf Type:

MS-90335 (Chrysler Manual Transmission Fluid)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches (2837 mm)

Wheelbase Club Cab:

124.9 inches (3172 mm)

Overall Length Varies:

Approx. 197-215 inches depending on cab and bed configuration

Overall Width:

Approx. 71.5 inches (1816 mm)

Overall Height:

Approx. 66.5-68.5 inches depending on 2WD/4WD and configuration

Bed Length Short Bed:

Approx. 6.3 feet (75.2 inches)

Bed Length Long Bed:

Approx. 8.0 feet (96.2 inches)

Curb Weight Approx 2Wd:

3800-4300 lbs (1724-1950 kg)

Curb Weight Approx 4Wd:

4000-4600 lbs (1814-2087 kg)

Gvw Approx:

5300-5700 lbs (2404-2585 kg)

Towing Capacity Max Approx:

Up to 6,500 - 7,000 lbs (2948-3175 kg) with proper equipment and configuration (4.7L V8, towing package)

Payload Capacity Max Approx:

Approx. 1,300 - 1,600 lbs (590-726 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (2003 Model Year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (2003 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

Not rated or 3-star (depending on specific equipment/year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

Not rated or 3-star (depending on specific equipment/year)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable or Good (varies by year and specific testing)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seat Belts:

Height-adjustable front seat belts, pretensioners

Rollover Protection:

Some models may have enhanced structural considerations for rollover resistance, but not a specific rating category at the time.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, with optional cassette player and premium speaker systems available.

Display Type:

Basic analog gauges and a simple digital odometer display.

Cruise Control:

Available cruise control system.

Traction Control:

Limited slip differential or electronic traction control systems available on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary audio input; aftermarket solutions are common.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory for these model years.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Platinum plated plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Platinum plated plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first (using Mopar OAT coolant).

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (under normal service; severe service may require more frequent changes).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 API certified synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

Approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, P/N 05103531AA or equivalent.

Cooling System Leaks:

Potential for radiator leaks or hose failures, especially at higher mileage.

Transmission Slippage Automatic:

Some owners report potential for transmission slippage or delayed engagement with the 42RE automatic transmission, often related to fluid condition or valve body issues.

Ignition Coil Failures:

Individual ignition coil failures can lead to misfires and rough running, particularly on the 4.7L V8.

Wheel Bearing Wear:

Front wheel bearings can be prone to wear, especially on 4WD models.

Oxidation Of Aluminum Components:

Some aluminum engine components, like cylinder heads on the 4.7L V8, can show signs of oxidation over time.

Evap System Leaks:

Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system leaks can trigger Check Engine Lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Lineage:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the early 20th century, known for robustness and utility.

First Generation Dakota:

Introduced in 1987 as Dodge's first compact pickup truck, it was larger than most compacts of its era and often bridged the gap to full-size trucks.

Second Generation Dakota Introduction:

Launched for the 1997 model year, this generation grew in size and featured a more modern, aerodynamic design. The 2003-2004 models are part of this second generation, with styling updates and powertrain enhancements.

Key Updates 2003 2004:

Minor styling revisions, introduction of the 3.7L V6 engine as a replacement for the older 3.9L V6.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

Production Years Second Gen:

1997-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Standing:

The Dodge Dakota consistently offered a compelling value proposition in the mid-size truck segment, balancing capability and affordability.

Industry Reviews:

Praised for its powerful V8 engine option and comfortable ride for a truck of its time. Competed well against key rivals.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Varied, with generally positive feedback on powertrain and chassis, but some consistent reports of electrical gremlins or minor interior component wear common in vehicles of this era.