Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck
Key Selling Points:
V8 engine option, comfortable ride, practical for work and personal use
Direct Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
Manual Value:
Provides technicians and DIY enthusiasts with the exact information used by dealerships, ensuring accurate and efficient repairs.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust chassis, available powerful V8 engine, comfortable interior for its class.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, axles
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Body control modules (BCM), lighting, instruments, charging system, starting system, entertainment system, power accessories
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, glass, doors, windows, HVAC
Maintenance:
Oil change, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing
Depth:
Factory-level, including detailed specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, and step-by-step repair procedures
Transmission Std V6:
4-speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Std V8:
5-speed Automatic (5-45RFE)
Transmission Opt:
6-speed Manual (NV3500) - Less common, often paired with V6
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Transfer Case 4Wd:
Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) or part-time transfer case
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (2011 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (2011 Model Year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (2011 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags Front:
Standard front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front-seat side-impact airbags
Infotainment System:
Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Uconnect infotainment system on higher trims (may include Bluetooth, navigation).
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear parking assist (optional)
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling (if equipped with Uconnect)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs)
Engine Oil Spec V6:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent
Engine Oil Spec V8:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Spec 42Rle:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Spec 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Issue 1:
Rattles and creaks from suspension or interior components.
Common Issue 2:
Potential for rust on the frame and body panels, especially in areas with road salt.
Common Issue 3:
Issues with the ABS/Traction Control system sensor or wiring.
Common Issue 4:
Water pump leaks on certain V8 engines.
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Dakota Generation:
This is the third generation (2005-2011) of the Dodge Dakota, which saw significant updates and was one of the last American-made mid-size pickups.
Production End Year:
2011 marked the final model year for the Dodge Dakota in North America.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
