Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians, Fleet Maintenance Personnel
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma
Unique Selling Proposition:
Represents a significant redesign of the second-generation Dakota, offering improved styling and a more refined driving experience compared to its predecessors.
Powertrain Options:
V6 and V8 engine options provide competitive power and towing capabilities.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Audio System, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Antitheft System
Body:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Windows, Bumpers, Exterior Trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
Safety:
Airbag System, Seatbelts, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Engine Performance Issues, Transmission Faults, Electrical Gremlins, HVAC Malfunctions, Brake System Problems
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs (Rotors, Pads, Calipers), Suspension Component Replacement (Shocks, Struts, Control Arms), Steering System Repairs (Rack and Pinion, Power Steering Pump), Electrical Component Replacement (Sensors, Actuators, Modules), Body Panel Repair and Replacement
Installation:
Component Installation and Replacement (e.g., Starter, Alternator, Radiator, Water Pump, Fuel Pump)
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Types and Capacities, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive: From routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code 1:
3.7L Magnum V6 (EER)
Displacement 1:
3.7 Liters / 226 Cubic Inches
Horsepower 1:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 1:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Compression Ratio 1:
9.0:1
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.66 in x 3.57 in (93.0 mm x 90.6 mm)
Ignition System 1:
Distributorless Ignition (Electronic)
Cooling System 1:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling
Engine Code 2:
4.7L Magnum V8 (PZ)
Displacement 2:
4.7 Liters / 287 Cubic Inches
Horsepower 2:
230 hp @ 4750 rpm
Torque 2:
300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.6:1
Bore X Stroke 2:
3.70 in x 3.35 in (94.0 mm x 85.0 mm)
Ignition System 2:
Distributorless Ignition (Electronic)
Cooling System 2:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling
Transmission Type V6:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type V8:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE / 48RE - depending on application/package)
Manual Transmission Option:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500) - available with 3.7L V6 and specific configurations.
Transfer Case:
Available 2WD and 4WD (Part-Time NV233, Full-Time NP244 with V8)
Gear Ratios 42Rle:
3.75:1, 2.45:1, 1.56:1, 1.00:1; R: 2.80:1
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
111.8 inches (2840 mm)
Wheelbase Extended Cab:
125.9 inches (3198 mm)
Overall Length Regular Cab:
194.7 inches (4945 mm)
Overall Length Extended Cab:
211.0 inches (5360 mm)
Bed Length Short Bed:
76.0 inches (1930 mm)
Bed Length Long Bed:
97.4 inches (2474 mm)
Curb Weight V6 2Wd Approx:
4,200 lbs (1905 kg)
Curb Weight V8 4Wd Approx:
4,700 lbs (2132 kg)
Gvwr Max Approx:
5,700 - 6,300 lbs (2585 - 2858 kg) depending on configuration
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2005:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2005:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset 2005:
Good
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (Traction Control System - TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Available Side Curtain Airbags (depending on trim and options)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, Pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CD Player, Optional Cassette Player, Optional MP3 CD Player, Optional Sirius Satellite Radio.
Speakers:
4 or 6 Speaker configuration depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Power Outlets:
12V Accessory Power Outlets
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 - 7,500 miles (9,650 - 12,070 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Platinum: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Original equipment may vary, consult manual for exact spec.
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Platinum: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Original equipment may vary, consult manual for exact spec.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,500 km), depending on towing and severe usage. Recommended service is 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.0 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
5.5 Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Pink
Common Issue 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V8 engines) leading to coolant or vacuum leaks.
Common Issue 2:
Fuel pump failures or intermittent operation.
Common Issue 3:
Power steering system leaks or noisy pumps.
Common Issue 4:
ABS sensor failures leading to ABS warning lights and non-functional ABS.
Common Issue 5:
Transfer case actuator failures in 4WD models.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, from the early Power Wagon to its modern lineup.
Dakota Generation 2:
The 2005 model year represented a significant update to the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, including new styling and improved interiors. This generation also saw the introduction of the larger V8 engine option previously exclusive to larger Dodge trucks.
Manufacturing Plant:
Newark, Delaware, USA; Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
Production Years 2Nd Gen:
1997-2004 (with major refresh in 2005)
