Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, truck enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Dodge Dakota 2009 effectively and efficiently.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, component testing, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, engine control module (ECM), sensors, wiring diagrams
Transmission Manual:
Removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, clutch system
Transmission Automatic:
Removal, installation, internal component testing, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid service
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, universal joints, locking differentials (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, springs, steering knuckles, control arms, ball joints, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump and hoses
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc), ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake, brake bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, comfort and convenience features
Body And Frame:
Frame structure, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seat removal, glass replacement
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant service, system diagnostics
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module, diagnostic procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic codes and procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all systems
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and tolerances
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for engine components, bearing clearances, bolt torques, and alignments
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information, including circuit diagrams, wiring schematics, and pinpoint tests
Troubleshooting Focus:
Extensive troubleshooting guides to help diagnose and resolve common and uncommon issues
Engine Option 1:
3.7L V6 Magnum
Engine Displacement 1:
3.7 Liters (226 cu in)
Engine Configuration 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Engine Power 1:
Approx. 210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine Torque 1:
Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Fuel System 1:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Oil Capacity 1:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact)
Engine Recommended Oil 1:
SAE 5W-20 (check manual for confirmation)
Engine Coolant Capacity 1:
Approx. 12.0 US quarts (11.4 Liters) (check manual for exact)
Engine Timing 1:
Timing Chain
Engine Option 2:
4.7L V8 Magnum
Engine Displacement 2:
4.7 Liters (287 cu in)
Engine Configuration 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Engine Power 2:
Approx. 300-305 hp @ 5650 rpm
Engine Torque 2:
Approx. 330-335 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Engine Fuel System 2:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Oil Capacity 2:
6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact)
Engine Recommended Oil 2:
SAE 5W-20 (check manual for confirmation)
Engine Coolant Capacity 2:
Approx. 12.0 US quarts (11.4 Liters) (check manual for exact)
Engine Timing 2:
Timing Chain
Transmission Option 1:
4-Speed Automatic 42RLE
Transmission Fluid Capacity 1:
Approx. 9.5 US quarts (9.0 Liters) (check manual for exact, pan drop vs. complete overhaul)
Transmission Fluid Type 1:
ATF+4 (MS-9602 or equivalent)
Transmission Option 2:
6-Speed Manual NSG 370 (typically with 3.7L V6)
Transmission Fluid Type 2:
Mercon V or equivalent (check manual for specific Mopar specification)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2009 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2009 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars (2009 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars (2009 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars (2009 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2009 Model Year Data)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Acceptable (2009 Model Year Data)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - 4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags (depending on configuration)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendations)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Long Life Spark Plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Long Life Spark Plugs)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (or as per severe duty schedule in manual)
Engine Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange Coolant
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (check manual)
Common Issue 1:
Rattling noise from front suspension components (e.g., ball joints, tie rod ends).
Common Issue 2:
Water pump leaks or failures, especially in higher mileage vehicles.
Common Issue 3:
Occasional transmission shifting issues or torque converter shudder.
Common Issue 4:
Catalytic converter failures or exhaust system corrosion.
Common Issue 5:
Fuel pump failures.
Dodge Truck Lineage:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Dakota bridging the gap between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.
Third Generation Introduction:
The third generation Dakota, introduced for the 2005 model year, was significantly redesigned with a larger, more truck-like appearance and increased capability compared to its predecessors.
2009 Updates:
For 2009, the Dakota received minor updates including revised interior trim and potentially new option packages, maintaining its core powertrain and chassis configurations.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Run:
2005-2011 (Third Generation)