Vehicle Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Pickup Truck
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Segment Strength:
Known for its V8 engine option and comfortable ride compared to some competitors.
Vehicle Offering:
A capable and versatile pickup truck offering both 2WD and 4WD configurations, available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Club Cab), and Crew Cab body styles.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-accurate information to perform any repair or maintenance task, saving time and money.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic procedures for all systems.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1,500 pages (typical for factory-level repair manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission service, repair, and overhaul, including transfer case (4WD models).
Chassis:
Front and Rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS), driveline, wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, starting and charging system, body control modules, and diagnostic connectors.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, bumpers, chassis frame (if applicable), and structural components.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspection procedures.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pinpoint tests, and diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, disassembly, assembly, installation, and adjustment.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair operations.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic diagnostic trees and flowcharts.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical data.
Engine Option 1:
2.4L 4-Cylinder (2TR-FE based, manufactured by Toyota)
Engine Option 2:
3.7L V6 (3.7L Magnum)
Engine Option 3:
4.7L V8 (4.7L Magnum/PowerTech)
Hp 2.4L:
142 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Hp 3.7L:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3.7L:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Hp 4.7L:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm (later models 235 hp)
Torque 4.7L:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later models 300 lb-ft)
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Option 1:
5-Speed Manual (standard on 4-cylinder and some V6 models)
Transmission Option 2:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE - standard on V8 models, optional on V6)
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with electronic shift-on-the-fly engagement.
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by engine and configuration (e.g., 3.73, 4.10 common)
Wheelbase:
120.3 inches (Regular/Club Cab), 131.3 inches (Crew Cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed length (approx. 196-219 inches)
Bed Length Options:
6.25 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,300 lbs (with appropriate engine, axle, and towing package)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (2005 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2005 models)
IIHS Front Offset Barrier:
Good (2005 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; optional side curtain airbags on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; optional satellite radio and premium audio systems available.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were an option.
Power Outlets:
12V accessory power outlets
Trailer Wiring:
Standard trailer tow wiring harness on equipped models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 30,000 miles for older styles, up to 100,000 miles for iridium plugs (check specific engine).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended for V8), consult manual for specific viscosity and API service classification.
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT or HOAT - consult manual for correct type)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MS-9070 (for NV3500/NV1500) or equivalent 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5
Common Issue 1:
Rattling noise from catalytic converter heat shields.
Common Issue 2:
Premature wear of ball joints and control arm bushings.
Common Issue 3:
Actuator failure in 4WD system.
Common Issue 4:
Water pump leaks, especially on V8 engines.
Common Issue 5:
Corrosion on brake lines, especially in rust-belt regions.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and rugged trucks, starting with the B-series in the 1940s.
Dakota Introduction:
First introduced in 1987, the Dakota was one of the first compact/mid-size pickups to offer a V8 engine.
4Th Gen Redesign:
The 2005 model year marked a significant redesign for the Dakota, introducing a larger, more robust platform and updated styling.
Engineering Collaboration:
The 4-cylinder engine was sourced from Toyota, a unique collaboration for Chrysler at the time.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Period:
2005-2007 (4th Generation)
