🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2005-2007

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Dakota for these model years was a mid-size pickup truck, positioned to offer a balance of utility, capability, and consumer-friendly features. It competed in a segment with offerings from Ford (Ranger), Chevrolet (S-10/Colorado), and Toyota (Tacoma).

Competitive Analysis:

Dakota often distinguished itself with its availability of V8 engines, a rarity in the mid-size segment, providing superior towing and hauling capacities compared to many competitors. Its styling and Dodge brand appeal also played a role in its market presence.

Key Features:

Available in regular cab, extended cab (Club Cab), and crew cab configurations. Offered with various bed lengths. Known for its robust chassis and the potent Magnum V8 engine options.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and rebuilding for all Dodge Dakota models from 2005 to 2007.

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but described as comprehensive).

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Manual Type Detail:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair manual, often referred to as a shop manual or service manual.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical (including specific engine variants), transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain (2WD/4WD, differentials), suspension, steering, brakes (ABS, hydraulic, parking), HVAC, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, electrical system (wiring diagrams, components, diagnostics), body and interior, emissions control, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, detailed repair procedures, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic strategies, component replacement, rebuilding procedures, electrical system diagnosis, wiring harness repair, body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, specifications for adjustments and alignments, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete engine/transmission rebuilding. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and procedural steps for professional-level repair.

Troubleshooting Coverage:

Extensive troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Electrical Coverage:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component location charts, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, testing of sensors and actuators.

Body Interior Coverage:

Procedures for body panel removal/installation, glass replacement, interior trim components, seat removal, dashboard assembly, and climate control system disassembly.

Chassis Coverage:

Detailed information on suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications, chassis lubrication, and frame repair.

Diagnostic Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), including code definitions, possible causes, and step-by-step diagnostic procedures using scan tools and multimeter testing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital format suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

File Type:

Digital (PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.7L Magnum V6 (PowerTech)

Engine Displacement V6:

3.7 Liters

Engine Configuration V6:

SOHC V6

Engine Horsepower V6:

Approx. 210-215 hp

Engine Torque V6:

Approx. 235-240 lb-ft

Optional Engine:

4.7L Magnum V8 (PowerTech)

Engine Displacement V8:

4.7 Liters

Engine Configuration V8:

SOHC V8

Engine Horsepower V8:

Approx. 230-235 hp

Engine Torque V8:

Approx. 295-300 lb-ft

Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) on later models.

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump.

Engine Codes:

Specific engine codes vary by year and plant. The 3.7L is often referred to by its 'EGD' prefix, and the 4.7L by 'PND' or 'NHD' prefixes.

Engine Notes:

The 4.7L Magnum V8 received upgrades throughout its lifecycle, including revisions for improved power and emissions control.

Performance Notes:

The 4.7L V8 was a key selling point, offering performance competitive with some full-size trucks of the era, particularly in acceleration and towing.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RLE).

Optional Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (NV1500 for V6, NV3500 for V8) was available on some configurations.

Transmission Features:

The 42RLE automatic featured electronic control for optimal shifting. Some models offered an electronic transfer case for 4WD systems.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Regular Cab: 113.0 inches. Club Cab/Crew Cab: 126.0 inches.

Overall Length:

Varies by cab and bed configuration, typically 195-220 inches.

Bed Lengths:

6-foot or 8-foot beds available.

Track Width:

Varies by configuration and driveline, typically around 64-65 inches front and rear.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,800 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Up to approx. 6,000 lbs for light-duty, and up to 6,500 lbs for heavy-duty configurations.

Towing Capacity:

Varies by engine and configuration, up to approximately 7,000 lbs for properly equipped V8 models.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star rating (as per NHTSA data for comparable years).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star rating (as per NHTSA data for comparable years).

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, optional traction control (on some V8 models), optional electronic stability control (ESP) on later models.

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc brakes on some performance packages). ABS standard.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side curtain airbags on some models, three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, and premium Infinity audio system on higher trims. Cassette player was available in early production years.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited driver assistance features for this era. Primarily focused on ABS and optional traction/stability control.

Connectivity Options:

Optional power windows, power locks, and remote keyless entry. Auxiliary input for audio devices on some later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, with synthetic oil recommended for optimal protection. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on usage and fluid type. Manual transmission fluid typically longer, check manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine type, typically around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for 3.7L V6, SAE 5W-20 for 4.7L V8 (refer to manual for precise viscosity by temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.7L V6: 6 quarts (5.7 liters). 4.7L V8: 6 quarts (5.7 liters).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange or pink.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 95LE) for 42RLE. Manual transmission fluid type varies, check manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or specific Mopar power steering fluid.

Known Issues:

Some common issues reported include occasional ignition coil failure, exhaust manifold leaks (especially on the 4.7L V8), minor electrical gremlins, and potential for brake component wear due to truck usage. Crankshaft position sensor failures are also noted.

Known Issues Notes:

The 4.7L V8 can be prone to cylinder head issues (e.g., cracked heads) in some high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Regular maintenance is key.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing trucks, including popular models like the Ram series. The Dakota represented their entry into the mid-size truck market.

Model Evolution:

The 2005-2007 models represent the second generation of the Dodge Dakota, which debuted for the 2000 model year. This generation saw a significant redesign, including a larger overall size and the introduction of the more powerful V8 engines.

Model Generation:

Second Generation (2000-2009), with the 2005-2007 model years representing a mid-cycle refinement and update to this generation.

Production Locations:

Primary assembly plant was located in Warren, Michigan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific major awards for the 2005-2007 model years are not widely publicized, the Dakota's V8 engine offerings were often praised for their power and towing capability in the mid-size segment, contributing to its positive market reception among buyers seeking a more potent truck.