🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Quad Cab

Vehicle Type:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Platform:

Chrysler KA (mid-size truck platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Competitors 2008:

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

Key Differentiators:

Available V8 engine (a class outlier), strong towing capacity for its size, Quad Cab configuration offering better rear-seat access than some competitors.

Body Configuration:

Quad Cab (four-door configuration providing more passenger space and easier access to the rear seats).

Powertrain Options:

Available V6 and V8 engines, RWD and 4WD configurations.

📋 Manual Details

General Operation:

Included

Maintenance:

Included

Troubleshooting:

Included

Safety Features:

Included

Technical Specifications:

Included

Electrical Systems:

Included

Powertrain:

Included

Chassis Components:

Included

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Management:

Engine control unit (ECU) functions, fuel delivery, ignition timing, emissions control.

Transmission Operation:

Automatic transmission (42RLE) operation, gear selection, fluid maintenance.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake fluid specifications, routine inspection.

Steering And Suspension:

Power steering system, suspension components (shocks, springs, control arms), tire pressure monitoring.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, warning indicators.

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) operation and basic maintenance.

Body And Interior:

Door locks, windows, seats, interior trim, cargo area, access features.

Safety Restraint Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat LATCH system.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, tire rotation, fluid checks.

Fluid Checks And Replacement:

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid.

Tire Maintenance:

Inflation pressures, wear inspection, rotation intervals.

Light Bulb Replacement:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights.

Fuse And Relay Identification:

Locating and replacing blown fuses and faulty relays.

Wiper Blade Replacement:

Instructions for replacing windshield wiper blades.

Troubleshooting Basic Issues:

Interpreting warning lights, diagnosing common starting or running problems.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, covering operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Not a full service/repair manual with detailed component disassembly and reassembly procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital (PDF)

Quality:

Printable at home. Quality depends on user's printer.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.7L Magnum V6

Displacement V6:

3700 cc (226 cu in)

Horsepower V6:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque V6:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Valve Train V6:

SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)

Engine Option 2:

4.7L Magnum V8

Displacement V8:

4701 cc (287 cu in)

Horsepower V8:

230 hp @ 4500 rpm (later revised to 235 hp)

Torque V8:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later revised to 300 lb-ft)

Valve Train V8:

SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (for both engines)

Block Material V6:

Cast Iron

Head Material V6:

Aluminum

Block Material V8:

Cast Iron

Head Material V8:

Aluminum

🔧 Transmission

Transmission V6:

4-speed automatic (42RLE)

Transmission V8:

4-speed automatic (42RLE)

Optional Transmission:

No manual transmission option for 2008 model year.

Drive Type:

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

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case for 4WD models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

124.2 inches (3155 mm)

Length:

208.0 inches (5283 mm)

Width:

71.3 inches (1811 mm)

Height:

67.2 inches (1707 mm)

Bed Length Standard:

6.25 ft (75 inches)

Curb Weight V6 Rwd:

Approximately 4,300 lbs (1950 kg)

Curb Weight V8 4Wd:

Approximately 4,600 lbs (2086 kg)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to 1,700 lbs (771 kg) depending on configuration

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,100 lbs (2767 kg) depending on configuration and axle ratio

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

Good

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:

Good

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

3 Stars (45% risk of rollover)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TCS) on some trims.

Airbags:

Standard front driver and passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems available.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack (on some models). Bluetooth connectivity was not standard in 2008, but some higher trims might have offered it as an option.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking assist sensors were an available option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or when oil is changed.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect annually, replace as needed.

Engine Oil V6:

SAE 5W-30; API SN or later certified. Capacity: 5.7 US quarts (5.4 L) with filter.

Engine Oil V8:

SAE 5W-20; API SN or later certified. Capacity: 7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter.

Coolant:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approximately 15.1 US quarts (14.3 L) for V6, 15.4 US quarts (14.6 L) for V8.

Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 95LE). Capacity: Approximately 5.2 US quarts (4.9 L) for a drain and fill.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4.

Common Complaint 1:

Interior electronic component failures (e.g., power window motors, radio, HVAC controls). Often related to the complexity of integrated systems.

Common Complaint 2:

Vibration issues at certain speeds, often attributed to driveshaft imbalance or propeller shaft U-joints, particularly on 4WD models.

Common Complaint 3:

Water pump leaks and failures, especially on the V8 engine. Timing of replacement is critical to prevent further engine damage.

Common Complaint 4:

Rust and corrosion, particularly on frame components and body panels in areas exposed to road salt.

Common Complaint 5:

ABS warning lights and brake system issues, sometimes related to wheel speed sensors or ABS control module.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the early 1930s. Known for robust and powerful vehicles.

Dakota Generation 3 Start:

The third generation of the Dodge Dakota was introduced for the 2005 model year, and the 2008 model is part of this generation.

Dakota Major Updates 2008:

Minor updates for 2008 included revised option packages and some feature shuffling. The powertrains remained largely the same as previous years in this generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Summary:

While the 2008 Dodge Dakota did not garner major year-specific awards, it consistently performed well in its segment for towing and payload capacity relative to its size. It was often praised for offering a V8 engine option not found in all competitors.