Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Individuals and businesses needing a versatile light-duty truck for work and personal use.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier.
Vehicle Strengths:
Comfortable ride for a truck, powerful Hemi V8 option, available 4x4, solid towing and payload capacity for its class.
Unique Selling Points:
The availability of the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine was a significant differentiator in the mid-size segment.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety, and specifications
Secondary Coverage:
Introduction, instrument cluster, entertainment, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, restraints, driving, customer assistance, reporting safety defects (US), cleaning, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel, air filters, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specs, accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 350-450 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid requirements, basic troubleshooting
Chassis:
Braking system basics, steering basics, suspension basics (owner-level)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting controls, basic electrical features (radio, HVAC), battery maintenance
Interior:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating, safety restraints, locks, security
Driver Interface:
Driver controls, instrument cluster interpretation, driving techniques
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, washer), tire pressure checks, air filter inspection, battery maintenance
Safety Features:
Operation of airbags, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH), general safety advice
Basic Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic operational issues
Owner Tasks:
Refueling, cleaning procedures, accessory installation guidance
Depth:
Owner-level information; does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or wiring diagrams typical of a service manual.
Compatibility:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original; quality dependent on original source scans.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Transmission 1 Type:
4-speed automatic (with 3.7L and 4.7L engines)
Transmission 2 Type:
6-speed manual (available with 3.7L V6 and some 4.7L V8 configurations)
Transmission 3 Type:
5-speed automatic (with 5.7L HEMI V8 engine)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
120.1 inches (Standard Cab, Quad Cab)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
131.3 inches (Quad Cab)
Overall Length Short Bed:
201.3 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
212.5 inches
Overall Width:
79.1 inches
Overall Height:
70.5 inches
Bed Length Short:
6.1 feet
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,700 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approx. 1,600 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 7,150 lbs (with 5.7L V8, 4x4, and appropriate package)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for 2007 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for 2007 model year)
NHTSA Side Driver:
Good (for 2007 model year)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
Good (for 2007 model year)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
Good (for 2007 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2007 model year)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available (Electronic Stability Program - ESP)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags)
Airbags Side:
Available (Front Side Curtain Airbags)
Seat Belts:
All seating positions with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, auxiliary input jack. Optional satellite radio (SiriusXM), premium audio systems.
Navigation:
Rarely available on this model year, generally not a factory option.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Available option for towing.
Bluetooth:
Not widely available or standard on this model year. May have been an dealer-installed accessory.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions (e.g., 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation:
Typically every 6,000-8,000 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; varies by engine. Typically 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-20 or 5W-30) and API service category.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (3.7L V6), 6 quarts (4.7L V8), 7 quarts (5.7L V8) - check dipstick.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 13.5-15 quarts (depending on engine and cooling system)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual; typically ATF+4 (for automatic transmissions)
Common Problems:
Rust issues (especially on rear fender lips and cab corners), transmission cooler line leaks (especially on 4.7L V8 with early automatic transmissions), potential for intake manifold leaks (4.7L V8), various sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), water pump issues.
Oil Filter 3.7L V6:
Mopar: MO-349 / Fram: PH3731 / Wix: 5731
Air Filter 3.7L V6:
Mopar: 53034052AC / Fram: CA9503 / Wix: 49099
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s, known for their ruggedness and performance.
Dakota History:
The Dakota was introduced in 1987 as a mid-size pickup, filling a gap between smaller compact trucks and full-size offerings. It was the first mid-size truck to offer V8 engine options. The third generation (2005-2011) saw a significant redesign with a larger, more aggressive appearance and the introduction of the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Years For Generation:
2005-2011