🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Generation:

Third Generation (2005-2011)

Applicable Years:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Platform:

Chrysler's compact pickup truck platform (shared with Mitsubishi Raider)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size pickup truck

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a versatile, domestically produced pickup with available V8 power, and DIY mechanics.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier.

Powertrain Options:

Offered a range of engines, including the popular 5.7L HEMI V8, providing strong performance for its class.

Design:

Bold styling, distinctive Dodge grille, available in various cab configurations (Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Crew Cab) and bed lengths.

Capability:

Known for its towing and hauling capabilities, especially with V8 engine options.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed automatic (42RLE), 5-speed automatic (5-45RFE), 6-speed manual (NV3500, NSG370)

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front independent, rear solid axle), Steering (rack and pinion, power steering), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc, ABS, ESP)

Electrical Systems:

Engine control modules (PCM), body control modules (BCM), lighting, power accessories, diagnostics, wiring diagrams

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, safety restraints

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2000-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine repair, diagnosis, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions control.

Drivetrain:

Transmission repair (automatic and manual), clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles, transfer case (if applicable).

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component replacement, wheel alignment, shock absorbers, springs, steering linkage, power steering pump and rack.

Braking System:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS/ESP diagnosis and repair, parking brake.

Electrical And Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting circuits, power windows/locks, instrument cluster, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, fuse and relay identification.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heating system, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant handling.

Body And Frame:

Panel replacement, door and latch repair, glass replacement, bumper repair, underbody corrosion protection.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake inspections.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II code interpretation, component testing procedures.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding for major vehicle systems.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, alignments, and other critical measurements.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic trees and schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-hand reference.

Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

3.7L Magnum V6 (PowerTech)

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.7 liters (226 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC V6

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Name:

4.7L Magnum V8 (PowerTech)

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.7 liters (287 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Configuration:

SOHC V8

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 230-240 hp @ 5200 rpm (early models), 255-260 hp @ 5200 rpm (later models with improved heads)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 300-320 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (early models), 330-335 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (later models)

Engine 3 Name:

5.7L HEMI V8 (optional from 2005)

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.7 liters (345 cubic inches)

Engine 3 Configuration:

OHV V8 with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

Approx. 345 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 375-380 lb-ft @ 4000-4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

0 60 Mph Hemi:

Approximately 6.0-7.0 seconds (depending on configuration)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

42RLE 4-speed automatic (primarily with 3.7L V6)

Optional Transmission 1:

5-45RFE 5-speed automatic (primarily with 4.7L V8, later 3.7L V6, and 5.7L HEMI V8)

Optional Transmission 2:

NV3500 5-speed manual (primarily with 3.7L V6)

Optional Transmission 3:

NSG370 6-speed manual (later models with 3.7L V6)

Transfer Case Availability:

Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations with part-time transfer cases (e.g., NV235, NV244).

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 42RLE and 5-45RFE transmissions.

Fluid Type Manual:

Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid (MTF) specifications, often GL-4 or GL-5 rated.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

124.2 inches (3155 mm)

Length Regular Cab:

Approx. 192.4 inches (4887 mm)

Length Extended Cab:

Approx. 200.4 inches (5090 mm)

Length Crew Cab:

Approx. 221.1 inches (5616 mm)

Width:

Approx. 79.1 inches (2009 mm) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1781 mm) (2WD), 70.8 inches (1798 mm) (4WD)

Bed Lengths:

6.1 ft (short bed), 8.0 ft (long bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,200 - 5,000 lbs (1905 - 2268 kg), varies by configuration and engine.

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to approx. 1,700 - 2,000 lbs (771 - 907 kg), varies by configuration.

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 7,000 - 7,500 lbs (3175 - 3402 kg) with V8 and proper towing package.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Wheel Size Options:

16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch alloy or steel wheels.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4-star rating (typically)

IIHS Crash Test Performance:

Mixed results; side impact and frontal impact ratings varied by year and specific test. Often rated 'Acceptable' or 'Good'.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on some models/trims, sometimes referred to as Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, optional side-curtain airbags available on some configurations.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Available AM/FM/CD players, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, premium audio systems from Alpine or Kicker on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Park Assist:

Optional rear park assist sensors on some models.

Bluetooth:

Available Uconnect hands-free communication system on later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with recommended platinum or iridium plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with recommended platinum or iridium plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) or 2-4 years, depending on coolant type.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) for severe service; consult manual for normal service intervals and ATF+4 specification.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API certified, ILSAC GF-4 or newer) for 3.7L and 4.7L. SAE 5W-30 (API certified, ILSAC GF-4 or newer) for 5.7L HEMI. Always verify with manual for specific engine and climate.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.7L V6: Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters); 4.7L V8: Approx. 6 quarts (5.7 liters); 5.7L HEMI V8: Approx. 7 quarts (6.6 liters). Verify with manual.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant (typically Mopar orange or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Problem 1:

Cracked cylinder heads on some 4.7L V8 engines (especially early models in this generation).

Common Problem 2:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, leading to various engine performance issues.

Common Problem 3:

Water pump leaks or failures, especially on the 4.7L V8.

Common Problem 4:

Transmission solenoid issues or torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder in automatic transmissions.

Common Problem 5:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings) due to truck usage.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the Power Wagon. The Dakota was introduced in 1987 as Dodge's first mid-size pickup.

Generation Start Year:

2005

Generation End Year:

2011

Design Changes In Generation:

This generation saw a significant redesign from the previous model, with a bolder, more aggressive styling. It shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Raider.

Key Powertrain Introduction:

Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine as an option marked a significant performance upgrade for the Dakota.

Manufacturing Plant:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

Production End Year:

2011 (production ceased for the Dakota nameplate)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 2005-2011 generation are less prominent than some competitors, the Dakota consistently received positive mentions for its V8 power and towing capability within the mid-size truck segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Ratings varied by model year and engine, with particular attention paid to reliability trends, especially regarding the 4.7L V8.

Emissions Certifications:

Complied with US Federal and California emissions standards for its respective model years.