Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians, Fleet Managers
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Highlights:
Durable construction, available V8 engine option (rare in its class), robust chassis.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the in-depth technical knowledge necessary to maintain and repair the Dodge Dakota 2000 effectively, mirroring dealership-level service information.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear Disc/Drum), Driveline (2WD/4WD)
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, Fuses & Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Audio System, Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Major Component Overhauls, System Diagnostics and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and component replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and structural repairs.
Engine Options:
2.5L Magnum L4, 3.9L Magnum V6, 5.2L Magnum V8 (R/T trim)
2.5L Magnum L4:
122 hp @ 4800 rpm, 151 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
3.9L Magnum V6:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm, 225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
5.2L Magnum V8:
230 hp @ 4800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Compression Ratio L4:
9.1:1
Compression Ratio V6:
8.9:1
Compression Ratio V8:
8.7:1
Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Transmission Options:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500 for L4/V6), 4-Speed Automatic (42RE for V6, 46RE for V8)
Optional Transmissions:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE/46RE)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
New Process NP231 (part-time 2WD/4WD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9224) - Check owner's manual for specific recommendations, but ATF+4 is backward compatible and preferred.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90) - Check manual for specific weight and API rating.
Wheelbase:
111.7 inches (Standard Cab), 124.7 inches (Club Cab)
Overall Length:
191.1 inches (Standard Bed), 205.1 inches (Long Bed)
Overall Width:
71.2 inches
Overall Height:
66.5 inches
Bed Length Standard:
74.7 inches
Bed Length Long:
88.7 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-4400 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 5300-6000 lbs
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
N/A (Trucks of this era often not rated similarly to cars)
IIHS Crash Test:
Likely not comprehensively tested or rated by IIHS for this specific model year.
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Optional on some V8 models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo, optional CD player, cassette player.
Speakers:
4 or 6 speaker configurations available.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Power Options:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.
OBD Ii Port:
Standard, located under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for Platinum or Iridium plugs (if equipped), check manual for exact specification. Standard plugs may require earlier replacement.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SN or higher. 5.2L V8 may recommend 10W-30 in some climates, check manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.9L V6: 5 quarts (4.7L), 5.2L V8: 5 quarts (4.7L) with filter change. 2.5L L4: 4 quarts (3.8L).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems V8:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional distributor less ignition system issues (depending on specific build), exhaust manifold leaks.
Common Problems V6 L4:
Cracked cylinder heads on early 3.9L V6 (less common on later models), fuel pump failures, O2 sensor issues.
General Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, universal joints, clutch wear (manual transmission).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, from the Power Wagon to the Ram series. The Dakota aimed to fill the niche of a smaller, more maneuverable, yet still capable truck.
Second Generation:
The 2000 model year falls within the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (1997-2004), which introduced a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic profile and a class-exclusive V8 engine option.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Volume Estimate:
Tens of thousands annually, though specific figures for 2000 are not readily available.
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
N/A for 2000 model year, though the Dakota has received various accolades over its lifespan.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this era of Dakota can be mixed, with specific powertrain and component issues noted in historical reviews. The manual provides the necessary information to address these.
