🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Generation:

Third Generation (2005-2011)

Platform Code:

Program PY

Vin Digit 1:

4 (Indicates 4x2 or 4x4)

Vin Digit 4:

Engine Type (B=4.7L V8, G=3.7L V6, H=4.7L V8 Flex Fuel)

Vin Digit 7:

Transmission Type (A=4-Speed Auto, B=6-Speed Manual, C=5-Speed Auto)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size pickup truck, known for its car-like ride and available V8 engines.

Key Competitors:

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

Powertrain Options:

Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations with multiple cab and bed lengths, offering a range of V6 and V8 engines.

Ride And Handling:

Often praised for a more comfortable and car-like ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, particularly in 2WD configurations.

Utility:

Offered good towing and hauling capacities for its class, suitable for light-duty commercial use and recreation.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Model Years:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Covered Trim Levels:

ST, SLT, Laramie, Sport, TRX, TRX4 (All configurations and options)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (Varies by specific manual edition, typical for a comprehensive repair manual)

Manual Type:

Full Repair and Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Bound Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, valvetrain, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, engine diagnostics.

Engine Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel delivery, injection system, evaporative emission control (EVAP), exhaust system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, emissions diagnostics.

Transmission Automatic:

42RLE (4-speed) and 545RFE (5-speed) automatic transmissions: disassembly, assembly, torque converter, valve body, internal components, troubleshooting, fluid service.

Transmission Manual:

NV3500 (5-speed) manual transmission: disassembly, assembly, clutch system, driveshafts, troubleshooting, fluid service.

Driveline And Axles:

Front and rear axles, differentials, CV joints, universal joints, transfer case (NV241HD, NV243), driveshaft balancing, repair, and replacement.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (SLA - Short/Long Arm), rear solid axle, leaf springs, shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear (rack and pinion for 2WD, recirculating ball for 4WD), power steering pump, steering column, linkage, tie rods, alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake booster, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, lines, parking brake system, bleeding procedures, diagnostic codes.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, battery, voltage regulator, charging circuit diagnostics.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter circuit, ignition switch, battery, solenoid, troubleshooting.

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps, turn signals, bulb replacement, wiring diagrams.

Instrument Panel And Gauges:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lamps, instrument cluster removal and installation, diagnostics.

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, sound deadening, rust prevention, collision repair basics.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system: components, refrigerant charging, leak detection, blower motor, climate control modules, troubleshooting.

Infotainment And Audio:

Radio, speakers, amplifier (if equipped), navigation system (if equipped), antenna, troubleshooting.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module, occupant restraint system diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotation, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification, electrical system diagnosis.

Component Removal And Installation:

Step-by-step guides for removing and installing major components (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension parts, brake calipers).

Rebuilding And Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Use of scan tools, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, engine measurements, alignment settings.

Body And Paint Repair:

Basic guidelines for bodywork, panel alignment, and minor paint repair.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive - covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF with searchable text and clickable links for easy navigation.

Print Quality Digital:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and text suitable for printing.

Binding Type Printed:

Professional binding (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound) for durability and ease of use.

Paper Type Printed:

Durable paper stock, often with a glossy finish for technical diagrams and photos.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 3.7L:

3.7L Magnum V6 (2007-2012). Power: ~210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm. Torque: ~235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 3.66 x 3.06 in. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1. Block Material: Iron. Head Material: Aluminum.

Optional Engine 4.7L:

4.7L Magnum V8 (2005-2012). Power: ~230-240 hp @ 4700-5000 rpm. Torque: ~290-310 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 3.70 x 3.35 in. Compression Ratio: 9.1:1. Block Material: Iron. Head Material: Aluminum.

Optional Engine 4.7L Flexfuel:

4.7L Magnum V8 Flex Fuel (2008-2012). Similar power/torque to standard 4.7L, capable of running on E85.

Engine Control Module:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar PCM/ECM, depending on year and engine.

Fuel Delivery Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), E85 for Flex Fuel variants.

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (NV3500) - typically found with the V6 and earlier V8 models.

Optional Transmission Automatic V6:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RLE) - common with the 3.7L V6 engine.

Optional Transmission Automatic V8:

5-speed automatic transmission (545RFE) - standard with the 4.7L V8 engine.

Overdrive Gears:

Automatic transmissions feature overdrive gears for improved fuel economy.

Transfer Case 4X4:

Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) transfer case (e.g., NV241HD, NV243) with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low modes.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Regular Cab: 116.2 inches; Club Cab/Quad Cab: 131.3 inches.

Overall Length:

Regular Bed: ~208.6 inches; Long Bed: ~224.6 inches.

Overall Width:

~79.1 inches (excluding mirrors).

Overall Height:

~70.1 - 71.3 inches (depending on configuration).

Seating Capacity:

2 (Regular Cab), 4-5 (Club Cab/Quad Cab).

Bed Length:

Standard Bed: 6 feet 3 inches; Long Bed: 8 feet.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,000 - 4,800 lbs, depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,500 - 6,500 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,500 lbs (with appropriate engine, axle ratio, and towing package).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Generally 4 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance (check specific year for exact ratings).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS).

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in later years (e.g., 2009+).

Airbags:

Standard front airbags for driver and passenger. Available side curtain airbags in later models.

Seat Belts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional CD changer, and premium audio systems with amplifiers.

Navigation System:

Optional factory navigation systems available on higher trim levels in later years.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Trailer Towing Features:

Optional trailer tow mirrors, trailer brake controller provision.

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets in the cabin.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available remote keyless entry system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approximately 100,000 miles (if using original equipment iridium plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approximately 100,000 miles (if using original equipment iridium plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (check manual for specific recommendations, especially for severe use).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-20, API Certified.

Engine Oil Type V8:

SAE 5W-20 (or 5W-30 for some applications), API Certified.

Engine Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Yellow/Orange) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto 42Rle:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification MS-9602).

Transmission Fluid Auto 545Rfe:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification MS-9602).

Transmission Fluid Manual Nv3500:

Dexron III or equivalent, or specific manual transmission fluid meeting GM spec.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common issues with frame rust, especially in areas with road salt, and rust on rocker panels and wheel wells.

Powertrain Control Module Failures:

Some reports of PCM/ECM failures, leading to various drivability issues.

Brake Wear:

Premature brake pad and rotor wear can be an issue on some models due to vehicle weight and braking demands.

Suspension Component Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear prematurely, leading to steering looseness and noise.

ABS And Speed Sensor Issues:

Faulty ABS wheel speed sensors can trigger ABS warning lights and affect traction control.

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

Common in many trucks of this era, requiring diagnosis and tightening of trim panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable pickup trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Third Generation Introduction:

The third generation Dakota was introduced for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign and the introduction of the larger 4.7L V8 engine as an option.

Facelift And Updates:

Received a mild refresh for the 2008 model year, including updated styling, interior refinements, and the introduction of the 3.7L V6 and Flex Fuel 4.7L V8.

Manufacturing Plant:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

Production End Date:

Production of the Dodge Dakota (and subsequently Ram Dakota) ceased in 2011 in North America, with the last models sold as 2011 MY.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Robust Platform:

While specific awards are scarce for this generation, the platform was recognized for its balance of truck capability and car-like comfort, a key selling point.

V8 Engine Performance:

The 4.7L V8 was generally well-regarded for its power and durability in the mid-size truck segment.