🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2006

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

Generation Code:

3rd Generation (2005-2011)

Platform:

Chrysler's 'D' platform (modified) / RS4WD platform

Vin Code Digit 4:

A

Vin Code Digit 10:

6

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Individuals and small businesses requiring a versatile truck for work and personal use, often favored for its relatively compact size compared to full-size trucks.

Key Competitors:

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

Differentiation:

Often offered with a more powerful V8 engine option than some competitors in its class, a more car-like ride, and a distinctive styling. The 2006 model was part of the recently redesigned third generation, featuring updated styling and chassis.

Vehicle Highlights:

Available in Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab), and Quad Cab (crew cab) configurations. Offered with both 2WD and 4WD. Notable for its available 4.7L Magnum V8 engine.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Specifications, Maintenance, Customer Assistance

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 200-300 pages (based on typical factory manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission operation (automatic and manual)

Chassis Systems:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, drivetrain components (4x4 operation)

Electrical Systems:

Instrument cluster and indicators, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows and locks, audio system, climate control system, security system, starting and charging system

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control (if equipped)

Body And Interior:

Doors, windows, seats, interior controls, cargo area, jacking and towing procedures

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using wipers and washers, operating lights, adjusting seats and mirrors

Maintenance:

Checking and adding fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, replacing wiper blades, basic cleaning instructions, maintenance schedule

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues

Safety Related:

Proper use of seat belts and child restraints, understanding airbag system operation, emergency procedures

Depth:

Owner-level information for operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Reader Requirement:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality may vary but generally clear and legible.

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.7L Magnum V6

Displacement V6:

3.7 Liters (226 cubic inches)

Horsepower V6:

215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque V6:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Option 2:

4.7L Magnum V8

Displacement V8:

4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)

Horsepower V8:

230 hp @ 4500 rpm (later models may vary slightly)

Torque V8:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later models may vary slightly)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Induction Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, O2 sensors

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (with 3.7L V6)

Optional Transmission V6:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE) (with 3.7L V6)

Optional Transmission V8:

5-Speed Automatic (5-45RFE) (with 4.7L V8)

Drive Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

120.1 inches

Wheelbase Club Cab:

131.3 inches

Wheelbase Quad Cab:

131.3 inches

Bed Length Standard:

6.25 feet (75 inches)

Bed Length Long:

8.0 feet (96 inches) (Available on Regular Cab 2WD)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,200 - 4,700 lbs, depending on configuration

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to approx. 1,600-2,000 lbs, depending on configuration

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to approx. 6,400-6,500 lbs, depending on configuration and engine

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Not Rated / Acceptable (for 2006 models generally)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Not Rated / Acceptable (for 2006 models generally)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for 2006 models generally)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags Front:

Standard front-seat side-curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats of Quad Cab

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio. Available auxiliary input jack.

Display Type:

Basic LCD or LED displays for radio and climate control. No touchscreens in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory for the 2006 model year.

Usb Port:

Not available from the factory for the 2006 model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or as indicated by the oil change reminder system (refer to manual for specific guidance based on driving conditions)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or more frequently in dusty conditions

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (Long-life platinum plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approx. 100,000 miles (Long-life platinum plugs)

Engine Oil V6:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil V8:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-20 (API Certified - consult manual for definitive choice for 2006)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Coolant (Antifreeze)

Transmission Fluid Automatic V6:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)

Transmission Fluid Automatic V8:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or equivalent

Common Issues General:

Potential for minor electrical gremlins, some reports of HVAC blower motor issues, rust on the frame rails, and exhaust manifold leaks, especially on V8 models.

Engine Issues V8:

The 4.7L V8 can sometimes suffer from valve seat recession or cylinder head issues if not properly maintained, or if overheated. Oil sludge can be an issue if oil changes are neglected.

Transmission Issues:

While generally reliable, the automatic transmissions can sometimes experience harsh shifting or delayed engagement if fluid is old or the valve body is problematic. Check for TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins).

Oil Filter 3.7L V6:

Mopar: 04540000-AA, Wix: 57899, Fram: PH10575 (Verify with vehicle specifics)

Oil Filter 4.7L V8:

Mopar: 04540000-AA, Wix: 57899, Fram: PH10575 (Verify with vehicle specifics)

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 12.0 - 14.0 quarts (11.4 - 13.2 liters), depending on engine and configuration

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approx. 5.0 - 6.0 quarts (4.7 - 5.7 liters) for refill, higher for complete overhaul. Consult manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s, known for their durability and power. The Dakota was introduced in 1987 as a mid-size offering.

First Generation:

1987-1996 (Introduced as a compact/mid-size pickup, notable for being the first domestic compact truck.)

Second Generation:

1997-2004 (Grew in size, introduced optional V8 engine, became more mainstream mid-size.)

Third Generation:

2005-2011 (Significant redesign, larger platform, bolder styling, introduction of the Hemi V8 option for later model years, but the 2006 came with 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8. Quad Cab became a key feature.)

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan

Production Years For This Generation:

2005-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Common Awards For Model Line:

While specific awards for the 2006 model might be scarce, the Dodge Dakota consistently ranked well within its segment for power and capability, particularly with the V8 engine option. It was often cited for its balance of size and performance.