Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma
Vehicle Identity:
Known for its Hemi V8 engine option and available for both 2-door and 4-door configurations (Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Crew Cab).
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level accuracy for all repairs and maintenance, crucial for preserving vehicle integrity and performance. Offers significant cost savings compared to dealership service.
Supported Years:
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Supported Trims:
All trims included (e.g., ST, SLT, Sport, Laramie, TRX, R/T)
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV4500), Automatic transmission (42RLE, 45RFE, 545RFE)
Drivetrain:
Four-wheel drive (4WD) system, transfer case, axles (front/rear), driveshafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear disc/drum), ABS, power steering
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power distribution, body control module (BCM), infotainment system, safety systems (airbags, seat belts)
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, collision repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, brake inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, wiring harness testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine timing, alignment specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair instructions.
Engine 3.7L V6:
3.7L Magnum V6 (215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - VIN H
Engine 4.7L V8:
4.7L Magnum V8 (235-305 hp, 300-334 lb-ft torque) - VIN P, VIN J (post-2008 updates)
Engine 5.7L V8 Hemi:
5.7L HEMI V8 (345 hp @ 5000 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - VIN T (introduced 2005)
Compression Ratio 3.7L:
9.0:1
Compression Ratio 4.7L:
9.1:1 (early), 9.6:1 (later)
Compression Ratio 5.7L:
9.6:1
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Induction Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Refer to specific engine section in manual (typically 45-55 psi)
Standard Transmission:
6-speed manual (NV3500)
Optional Automatic:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L V6; 5-speed automatic (45RFE/545RFE) for 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8
Transfer Case 4Wd:
2-speed part-time 4WD transfer case (NV235, NV244)
Axle Ratios:
Various, including 3.55, 3.73, 3.92, 4.10 depending on engine and configuration.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (e.g., Pennzoil Synchromesh)
Wheelbase Short Bed:
120.1 inches (3051 mm)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
130.1 inches (3305 mm)
Overall Length Short Bed:
199.9 inches (5078 mm)
Overall Length Long Bed:
209.9 inches (5331 mm)
Bed Length Short:
6.1 feet (1.86 m)
Bed Length Long:
7.3 feet (2.22 m)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,000 - 4,700 lbs (1814 - 2132 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 6,000 - 6,600 lbs (2722 - 2994 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Four stars (2005 model year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Four stars (2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Five stars (2005 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Five stars (2005 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on later models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD audio systems, optional satellite radio, and premium Alpine sound systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Bluetooth:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free communication on later models.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 6 months (with synthetic oil)
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
5,000 miles or 6 months (with conventional oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L:
100,000 miles (if using iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L/5.7L:
100,000 miles (if using Double Platinum or Iridium)
Engine Oil 3.7L/4.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Engine Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent HOAT)
Radiator Leaks:
Common issue with plastic end tanks cracking, leading to coolant loss.
Front Suspension Wear:
Ball joints and tie rod ends can wear prematurely, especially on trucks used for towing or heavy loads.
Tipm Failure:
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) can experience failure, causing various electrical gremlins.
Transmission Problems 42Rle:
The 42RLE transmission, especially when coupled with the 4.7L engine, can exhibit issues like slipping or harsh shifting, often related to solenoid packs or torque converter issues.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable pickup trucks, including the Ram series, establishing a reputation for power and durability.
Previous Generations:
The Dakota was first introduced in 1987 as a mid-size pickup, aiming to fill a niche between compact and full-size trucks. The third generation marked a significant redesign with a larger footprint and more powerful engine options.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Years Third Gen:
2005-2011
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
The Dodge Dakota was named MotorTrend's Truck of the Year for its debut year in 1987, setting a precedent for its segment.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Reliability ratings varied by year and powertrain; consulting specific year reviews is recommended. The manual provides the definitive data for repairs regardless of external ratings.
