🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Model Generation:

Third Generation (2005-2011)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, automotive technicians, owners seeking to maintain or repair their Dakota

Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado/Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Value Proposition:

Significant cost savings on repair and maintenance, empowerment of owners for self-service

Documentation Scope:

Encompasses a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks, aiming for DIY completeness

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Start Year:

2003

Coverage End Year:

Onward (implies ongoing or up to the last production year of the relevant generation)

Page Count:

Not specified, but described as 'Highly Detailed'

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (presumed, based on typical market distribution)

Format:

Downloadable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, starting and charging

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveline, axles, driveshafts, differential

Brake Systems:

Hydraulic system, disc brakes, drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Steering Suspension:

Power steering, suspension components (shocks, struts, springs, control arms), alignment specifications

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, power accessories, fuse/relay identification

HVAC Systems:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, frame/unibody repairs

Diagnostic Procedures:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication

Repair:

Component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems

Rebuilding:

Engine, transmission, and differential rebuilding procedures

Restoration:

Bodywork, interior refurbishment, mechanical restoration guidance

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and rebuilds

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and sensor data interpretation

Rebuild Specifications:

Tolerances, clearances, torque specifications, and assembly procedures for major components

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variant 1:

3.7L V6 Magnum (PowerTech)

Engine Displacement 1:

3.7 Liters / 226 cu. in.

Engine Cylinders 1:

6

Engine Configuration 1:

SOHC V6

Engine Horsepower 1:

Approx. 210-230 hp (depending on model year and application)

Engine Torque 1:

Approx. 235-250 lb-ft (depending on model year and application)

Engine Variant 2:

4.7L V8 Magnum (PowerTech)

Engine Displacement 2:

4.7 Liters / 287 cu. in.

Engine Cylinders 2:

8

Engine Configuration 2:

SOHC V8

Engine Horsepower 2:

Approx. 230-300 hp (depending on model year and application)

Engine Torque 2:

Approx. 295-330 lb-ft (depending on model year and application)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission Type 2:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500 - less common in later years)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

120.0 inches (3048 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

131.3 inches (3335 mm)

Overall Length Std:

192.4 inches (4887 mm)

Overall Length Long:

203.9 inches (5179 mm)

Bed Length Standard:

6.1 feet (1.86 m)

Bed Length Long:

7.0 feet (2.13 m)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,800 lbs (1814 - 2177 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Range:

Approx. 5,600 - 6,300 lbs (2540 - 2858 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star rating (varies by configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags for driver and passenger

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Optional audio systems with CD player, satellite radio, and aux input. Higher trims may feature touchscreen displays and navigation systems in later years of the generation.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Basic features like ABS and optional traction control. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Options:

Optional SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth connectivity was not standard in early years of the third generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil. Check owner's manual for exact specification based on driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Varies by engine: 3.7L V6 (typically ~100,000 miles for iridium), 4.7L V8 (typically ~100,000 miles for iridium).

Engine Oil Type 3.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic or Synthetic Blend recommended)

Engine Oil Type 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic or Synthetic Blend recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

5.0 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

6.0 Quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Pink Coolant (MS-9769)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issues 1:

Worn ball joints and control arm bushings (especially front suspension), leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Common Issues 2:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (particularly on V8 engines) causing ticking or popping sounds on startup and acceleration.

Common Issues 3:

Transmission issues, including harsh shifting or failure of the 42RLE automatic transmission, sometimes related to solenoid pack failure or torque converter issues.

Common Issues 4:

Water pump leaks, especially on the 3.7L V6 engine, due to bearing failure or seal leaks.

Common Issues 5:

Rust and corrosion issues, particularly on the frame rails and rocker panels, depending on climate and maintenance history.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, including the Ram series.

Dakota Introduction:

First introduced in 1987 as a mid-size pickup truck, bridging the gap between compact and full-size.

Third Generation Launch:

The third generation launched for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign, increased size, and new engine options, including the Hemi V8 in SRT-10 variants (though not covered by this general manual).

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan; Saltillo, Mexico (for some models/years)

Production Years Covered By Manual:

From 2003 through the end of the third generation (2011), potentially including early fourth generation if platform overlap exists.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

The Dodge Dakota has received various accolades over its production run, though specific awards for the 2003-onward generation are not prominently highlighted in general automotive press. It was often recognized for its V8 power and towing/hauling capabilities in its class.