🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2003

Vehicle Type:

Pickup Truck

Platform Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, fleet owners, automotive repair shops

Key Competitors:

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

Unique Selling Proposition:

Strong V8 engine option in its class, capable towing and payload for its size

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Manual / Workshop Manual (WSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for a WSM of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine types, diagnostics, overhaul, performance tuning, emission controls

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) systems, differentials, axles, driveshafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, geometry, alignment procedures, shock absorbers, springs, control arms

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, diagnosis and repair

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS, hydraulics, calipers, master cylinder, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, component testing

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, glass, chassis repairs, structural components

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt mechanisms

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential overhaul instructions

Diagnosis:

In-depth diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical faults

Installation:

Procedures for component replacement and accessory installation

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic information including OBD-II PIDs, sensor data interpretation, and component testing specifications

Rebuild Scope:

Full rebuild procedures for major mechanical assemblies like engines and transmissions

Wiring Information:

Detailed, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Specification Data:

Comprehensive torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and electrical resistance values

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L Magnum 4-Cylinder

Engine Option 1 Code:

4G64

Engine Option 2:

3.7L Magnum V6

Engine Option 2 Code:

E)V6

Engine Option 3:

4.7L Magnum V8

Engine Option 3 Code:

E)P4

V8 Horsepower:

230 hp @ 4600 rpm

V8 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

V6 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

V6 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (4-cyl and V6)

Optional Transmission Type 1:

4-Speed Automatic (4-cyl)

Optional Transmission Type 2:

5-Speed Automatic (V6, V8)

Transfer Case:

Available 2-speed transfer case for 4WD models

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

113.1 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124.5 inches

Bed Length Short:

6.25 feet

Bed Length Long:

7.33 feet

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3,650 lbs (2WD, 4-cyl)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 4,650 lbs (4WD, V8, Quad Cab)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,200 lbs (V8, properly equipped)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,730 lbs (V6, properly equipped)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not Rated / Marginal (specific results vary by configuration)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

Not Rated / Marginal (specific results vary by configuration)

IIHS Front Offset Impact:

Acceptable (specific results vary by configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts, rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional Infinity premium sound system.

Navigation:

Not available from factory.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped from factory; aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 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 exact recommendations).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on transmission type and usage (check manual)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred), SAE 10W-30 (in colder temperatures) - Check Owner's Manual for specific engine recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Varies by engine: 4-cyl: 4.5 quarts; V6: 5.0 quarts; V8: 7.0 quarts (with filter) - Consult manual for exact capacities.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Orange) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602)

Common Problem 1:

Ball joint wear and failure (especially upper ball joints)

Common Problem 2:

Actuator control module (HVAC system) failure

Common Problem 3:

Evaporator core leaks (leading to AC issues)

Common Problem 4:

Transmission solenoid issues (automatic transmissions)

Common Problem 5:

Radiator leaks or clogging

Common Problem 6:

Rust/corrosion issues on the frame and body, particularly in northern climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon.

Generation 2 Introduction:

The second generation of the Dodge Dakota, introduced for the 2000 model year, saw a significant redesign with a larger size and available V8 engine options, making it one of the first compact trucks to offer a V8.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

Production Years 2Nd Gen:

2000-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorweek Drivers Choice Award:

Dakota V8 was recognized by MotorWeek as a Driver's Choice Award winner for Best Pickup Truck in 2003.

Jdp Power Quality:

Initial quality rankings for the Dakota varied; consult specific J.D. Power reports for the 2003 model year for detailed insights.