Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, truck enthusiasts, fleet maintenance managers
Key Competitors 2007:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado
Unique Selling Points:
Available V8 engine, comfortable interior for its class, good towing capacity
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables cost-effective maintenance and repair for Dodge Dakota owners, empowers users with comprehensive technical knowledge
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system, fuel injection system, exhaust system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM), sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gear shifter linkage, internal transmission components, torque converter
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission removal/installation, hydraulic system, valve body, internal components, transmission control module (TCM), fluid changes
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, axles, differential, transfer case (4WD models)
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf spring), shocks, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack, tie rods, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes (depending on configuration), ABS system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, instruments, dashboard warning lights
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant specifications
Body And Chassis:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping
Diagnostic Tools:
OBD-II scanner usage, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, battery checks
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignments, and other critical measurements
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Identification of necessary special tools for specific repair procedures
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures and component testing
Base Engine Displacement:
3.7 L (226 cu in)
Base Engine Cylinders:
V6
Base Engine Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Base Engine Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Base Engine Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Optional Engine Displacement:
4.7 L (285 cu in)
Optional Engine Cylinders:
V8
Optional Engine Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Optional Engine Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Optional Engine Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Standard Gearbox:
4-speed Automatic (42RLE)
Optional Gearbox Automatic:
5-speed Automatic (5-45RFE)
Optional Gearbox Manual:
6-speed Manual (NV3500)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 8-10 quarts (dry fill) / 5-6 quarts (drain and fill)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
MS-9070 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
Good (4-star equivalent for the era)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
Good (4-star equivalent for the era)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Good (5-star equivalent for the era)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good (5-star equivalent for the era)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for the era, though tests were less rigorous than modern standards)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available (Traction Control System - TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (Electronic Stability Program - ESP)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Front Passenger Airbags)
Airbags Side:
Optional (Side Curtain Airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (severe vs. normal driving conditions)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (use recommended iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (use recommended iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and driving conditions)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
5 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
6 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - often purple or pink
Common Problems List:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 4.7L V8), intermittent wiper issues, potential transmission solenoid issues, front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), power steering pump leaks, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system faults.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the early 1930s.
Dakota Generation 2:
The 2007 Dakota is part of the second generation (1997-2004) but received a significant refresh for 2005. This refresh included a larger chassis, updated styling, and more powerful engine options, effectively moving it towards the larger full-size truck platform in terms of dimensions and capability, bridging the gap between compact and full-size.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
Production Period Gen2 Refresh:
2005-2011