🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2000-2001

Body Style Coverage:

All styles (Regular Cab, Club Cab, Quad Cab, Short Bed, Long Bed)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Key Value Proposition:

Ruggedness, versatility, and a range of V8 engine options previously uncommon in its class.

Primary Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma

Engine Options:

Offered a class-leading 4.7L Magnum V8 engine, providing potent performance.

Suspension Design:

Unique front torsion bar suspension contributed to a good ride quality for a truck of its era.

Cab Configurations:

Available in Regular Cab, Club Cab (extended cab), and Quad Cab (four-door) configurations, offering excellent flexibility.

Design Era:

Second generation Dakota (1997-2004), known for its bold, muscular styling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2500+ pages (typical for a full FSM of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Searchable Text, Bookmarks, Index)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L Magnum L4, 3.9L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8

Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500, NV3500), 4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE, 45RFE)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) - including transfer case and front axle components

Suspension:

Front Independent Torsion Bar, Rear Leaf Spring

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard); Front Disc, Rear Disc (optional on some models)

Electrical:

Complete system diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, chassis and frame diagnostics

Restraints:

Airbag system, seat belts

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts

Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, brake service, belt/hose inspection/replacement

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor/drum replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair, exhaust system repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, wiring schematic interpretation

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component tolerances, diagnostic parameters

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Navigation:

Hyperlinked bookmarks and index for easy navigation

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

2.5L Magnum Inline-4

Engine 1 Displacement:

2499 cc

Engine 1 Hp:

120 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

3.9L Magnum V6

Engine 2 Displacement:

3906 cc

Engine 2 Hp:

175 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 3 Type:

4.7L Magnum V8 (also known as PowerTech V8)

Engine 3 Displacement:

4701 cc

Engine 3 Hp:

230 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines

Fuel Octane Requirement:

87 octane recommended for 2.5L and 3.9L; 87 octane recommended for 4.7L (though higher octane may yield slight performance improvement)

ECU:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module) - specific calibration varies by engine and transmission

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500 for 4x2, NV3500 for 4x4)

Transmission 2 Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE for 4-cyl & 3.9L V6; 44RE for 3.9L V6 & 4.7L V8; 45RFE for 4.7L V8)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear)

Fluid Type Manual:

Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent ATF (check specific transmission for exact spec)

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid) is often recommended for later model year automatics, but consult manual for exact 2000-2001 spec. Early may use Dexron III/Mercon.

Transfer Case 4X4:

New Process NV231 (part-time, manual shift) or NV241HD (part-time, electric shift for some models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

111.9 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

124.7 inches

Overall Length Short Bed:

197.0 inches

Overall Length Long Bed:

209.8 inches

Overall Width:

71.2 inches

Overall Height:

66.7 inches (approx.)

Passenger Volume:

Varies by cab configuration (Regular, Club, Quad)

Bed Length Standard:

76.0 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Long:

98.0 inches (approx.)

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 3500 lbs to 4500 lbs depending on configuration and engine.

Gvwr:

Ranges from approximately 5000 lbs to 5500 lbs depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Up to approximately 7000 lbs (properly equipped, typically with 4.7L V8, HD payload package, and towing package)

Payload Capacity:

Up to approximately 1400 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 out of 5 stars (typical for this class)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on rear wheels, optional or standard on front wheels depending on build date/package.

Traction Control:

Traction control system not typically available on models from this year.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants; lap belts for rear occupants in extended cabs.

Bcd:

Body-on-frame construction provides inherent structural integrity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player. Upgraded Infinity sound system available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Aftermarket or dealer-installed navigation systems were not standard factory options for these years.

Cruise Control:

Speed control (cruise control) was a widely available option.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth connectivity was not a factory feature for this model year; aftermarket kits are available.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power locks, and power mirrors were available options, particularly on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend or synthetic oil recommended). Check manual for specific mileage/time based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.5L L4: 100,000 miles (platinum plugs); 3.9L V6: 100,000 miles (platinum plugs); 4.7L V8: 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 3-5 years. Consult manual for specific coolant type and interval.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or under severe conditions. Consult manual for specific fluid type and capacity.

Engine Oil Type Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 for 2.5L & 3.9L; SAE 5W-30 recommended for 4.7L. Check manual for API certification (e.g., API SN or newer recommended).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent. Refer to manual for exact specification (e.g., color-coded Mopar antifreeze).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issue 1:

Rear axle seal leaks: Common on many trucks of this era, especially the 9.25-inch rear axle. The manual will detail seals and replacement procedures.

Common Issue 2:

Front suspension wear: Torsion bar front suspension can experience wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Manual covers inspection and replacement.

Common Issue 3:

Heater core issues: Premature failure of the heater core can lead to coolant leaks into the cabin. The manual details HVAC system diagnosis and heater core replacement.

Common Issue 4:

4.7L V8 oil sludge: Early 4.7L engines (pre-2002) could be prone to oil sludge if oil changes were neglected. Regular maintenance is crucial. Manual provides oil specifications and change intervals.

Common Issue 5:

Transmission issues: Some automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RE, 44RE) can develop shifting problems or solenoid failures. The manual offers detailed diagnostic flowcharts for transmission issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, from the early Power Wagons to modern Ram trucks. The Dakota aimed to blend car-like comfort with truck utility.

Dakota Generations:

First Generation (1987-1996), Second Generation (1997-2004), Third Generation (2005-2011). The 2000-2001 models are part of the significantly redesigned second generation.

Second Gen Redesign:

The 1997 redesign introduced a larger, more muscular body style, independent front suspension, and the popular 4.7L V8 engine. Minor styling updates occurred for the 2000 model year.

Assembly Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.

Production Years For This Manual:

2000, 2001 Model Years

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While not winning major 'Truck of the Year' awards for these specific years, the Dodge Dakota consistently ranked well for its segment-defining V8 engine and bolder styling.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for these years often reflected mixed reliability across different components, with some praise for the powertrain and criticism for certain electrical and body components. The manual is essential for addressing any reported issues.

Manual Certification:

Based on factory service documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness for DIY and professional technicians.