🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2005

Generation Name:

Second Generation (AN)

Generation Years:

1997-2004 (originally), updated for 2005 model year

Chassis Code:

AN

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, truck owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Manual Value Proposition:

Comprehensive coverage, factory-level detail, enables DIY repair and maintenance, cost-saving potential

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Full Service Repair

Model Variants Covered:

All 2005 Dodge Dakota models (including different cab configurations and drivetrains)

Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Paperback / Digital PDF (often available in both)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanics:

Complete teardown, rebuild, and overhaul procedures for all available engine variants (e.g., 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 - if applicable to 2005 refresh)

Engine Management:

Ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control, sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), ECU operation

Transmission Manual:

Repair, rebuild, and adjustment procedures for manual transmissions (e.g., NV3500)

Drivetrain And Axles:

Front axle, rear axle, differentials (open, limited-slip), driveshafts, CV joints, universal joints

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (short/long arm), rear solid axle suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, ball joints, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control modules (BCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, component testing, diagnostic procedures

Body And Frame:

Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass replacement

Interior Systems:

Seating systems, seat belts, airbags (SRS), dashboard, instrument cluster, interior lighting

Transmission Automatic:

Repair, rebuild, and adjustment procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RLE, 45RFE/545RFE)

Routine Maintenance:

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

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem identification

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical components

Electrical Diagnostics:

Component testing, circuit diagnosis using wiring diagrams, use of multimeters and oscilloscopes

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and components

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including scan tool operation and interpretation of live data

Component Rebuild Depth:

Full rebuild instructions from basic inspection to complete overhaul, including machining specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed mechanical specifications, clearances, and wear tolerances for all major components

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Type:

PDF (often optimized for searchability and printing)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Binding Type:

Perfect bound (for printed versions) or digitally searchable (for PDF)

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments (for printed versions)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2005:

3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8. (Note: The 5.7L HEMI became available in later models of the Dakota, it's crucial to verify for 2005 specifically, but typically it was introduced later in the generation's lifecycle.)

Engine Code 3.7L:

EER

Engine Code 4.7L:

EMA

Horsepower 3.7L:

Approx. 210-215 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3.7L:

Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 4.7L:

Approx. 230-235 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque 4.7L:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type Required:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual, typically 87 octane)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) or coil-near-plug ignition

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

NV3500 5-speed manual transmission (common with V6)

Optional Transmission V6:

42RLE 4-speed automatic transmission

Optional Transmission V8:

45RFE/545RFE 4-speed automatic transmission (often paired with 4.7L V8)

Transfer Case 4X4:

Part-time 4WD system (e.g., NV244 transfer case) with available electronic shifting

Transmission Fluid Spec 42Rle:

ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Spec 45Rfe/545Rfe:

ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

124.7 inches

Bed Lengths:

6.0 ft (Standard Bed), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity Max:

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

Payload Capacity Max:

Up to 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Likely 4-star (based on 2001-2004 generation, subject to minor updates)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-star (based on 2001-2004 generation)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags; available side airbags

Seat Belts:

Front seat pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Base AM/FM radio with CD player; optional premium audio systems with cassette/CD changer, and navigation (less common in base models).

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, Traction Control (as mentioned in safety). No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were available.

Connectivity Features:

Standard power outlets, optional steering wheel audio controls on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type; consult manual for specific recommendations)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L:

Approx. 100,000 miles (typically platinum or iridium type)

Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:

Approx. 100,000 miles (typically platinum or iridium type)

Engine Oil 3.7L:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or newer. Capacity: 6 quarts with filter.

Engine Oil 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API SN or newer. Capacity: 6 quarts with filter.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is also often compatible. Refer to manual for specific Mopar P/N. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, wheel bearings, front suspension bushings, brake pads/rotors.

Engine Issues:

Valve seat wear (especially early 4.7L), intake manifold gasket leaks (some models), occasional oil filter housing leaks.

Transmission Issues:

Torque converter shudder or failure in automatic transmissions (especially 42RLE), clutch wear in manual transmissions.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, interior light issues, occasional BCM (Body Control Module) glitches.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, from the Power Wagon to the Ram series, establishing a reputation for ruggedness and utility.

Second Gen Dakota Introduction:

The second generation (AN) debuted for the 1997 model year, marking a significant redesign from the first generation. It was noted for being larger and more powerful than many competitors at its introduction.

2005 Refresh:

The 2005 model year saw a significant mid-cycle refresh for the second-generation Dakota, introducing updated styling (especially the front fascia), interior enhancements, and importantly, the availability of the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 engine in some configurations.

Production Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

Generation End Year:

2004 (pre-refresh), but this manual covers the updated 2005 model year which continued the second generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Competitive Awards:

While specific awards for the 2005 model are not widely publicized, the Dakota consistently competed well in its segment for power and capability, particularly after the HEMI introduction.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Owner reviews often cite the Dakota's strong engines and towing capacity, though reliability can be a mixed bag depending on specific components and maintenance history. The manual would be crucial for addressing potential issues.