Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians, Dakota Owners
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Strengths:
Powerful V8 option, distinct styling, good towing capacity for its class
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners with knowledge for maintenance and repair, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
Engine:
2.5L I4, 3.9L V6 Magnum, 4.7L V8 Magnum
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic (42RE, 45RFE)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Suspension:
Front Independent (Torsion Bar), Rear Solid Axle (Leaf Springs)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum; ABS System
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition, Lighting, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation
Fuel:
Fuel Pump, Injectors, Lines, Tank, Evaporative Emissions (EVAP)
Cooling:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Fan
Exhaust:
Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes
Body:
Frame, Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim
Chassis:
Frame Construction, Mountings
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Lubrication, Tire Rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Engine Performance Diagnostics, ABS Diagnostics, HVAC Diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics
Testing:
Component Testing, System Functional Tests
Rebuilding:
Engine Components, Transmission Assemblies
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Scanner Usage
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 120-130 hp
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 145-155 lb-ft
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6 (90-degree)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 175-185 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 220-230 lb-ft
Engine 3 Displacement:
4.7L (287 cu in) Magnum V8 (introduced 2002)
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8 (90-degree, Overhead Valve)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-240 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 295-305 lb-ft
Valvetrain:
OHV (Overhead Valve) for V6/V8, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) for 4.7L V8
Injection Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific part numbers (e.g., Champion, NGK) and gap settings
Timing Belt Chain:
Timing Chain (for V6 and V8 engines)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag NV1500 for 2.5L/3.9L, NV3500 for 3.9L)
Optional Transmission 1:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE for 3.9L V6)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE for 4.7L V8)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) for 45RFE, ATF+3 (MS-7176) for 42RE
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specifications (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Wheelbase:
111.9 inches (standard cab), 124.5 inches (club cab)
Bed Length:
6.0 ft (Standard Bed), 7.0 ft (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,700 lbs (with proper configuration, V8 engine, and towing package)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
Good (for the time, refer to specific year reports if available)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
Good (for the time, refer to specific year reports if available)
ABS:
Standard on most models, Optional on some earlier trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (severe use may require more frequent changes)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil Type 2.5L I4:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Type 3.9L V6:
SAE 10W-30 (API certified) or 5W-30 in very cold climates
Engine Oil Type 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Problems:
Ball joint wear, plenum gasket leaks (early V8 models), occasional transmission solenoid issues, rust on frame/body (especially in salt belt areas), evaporator core leaks.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Generation:
Second Generation (1998-2004), updated for 2000MY
Facelift:
Minor styling updates for 2000 model year (new grille, headlights, interior enhancements).
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois
