Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Competitive Landscape:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet S-10/Sonoma.
Vehicle Uniqueness:
Known for its optional V8 engine (the only compact truck at the time to offer one), comfortable ride, and distinctive styling.
Value To Owner:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on costly shop visits.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional mechanics.
Model Years Covered:
2001
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels (e.g., Base, Sport, SLT, R/T)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
Manual Classification:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format Type:
Digital (Printable PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul procedures, disassembly, inspection, assembly for all engine variants.
Engine Performance:
Diagnosis and repair of engine performance issues, fuel delivery, ignition timing, emissions.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul for manual transmissions.
Transmission Automatic:
Repair and overhaul for automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, U-joints, differentials.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.
Steering System:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, steering gear, linkage.
Brake System:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic components.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass, doors, latches, frame specifications.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system information, seatbelt mechanisms.
Emissions Control:
Emission control system components and diagnosis.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and complex issues.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing virtually all components.
Component Replacement:
Removal and installation procedures for all major and minor parts.
Diagnostic Testing:
Tests for electrical circuits, mechanical systems, and control modules.
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, alignment settings, fluid capacities.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced: Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, and component testing strategies.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Printability:
High quality, allowing for full or selective printing of pages.
Binding For Printed:
N/A (Digital format, user prints as needed)
Paper Type For Printed:
N/A (Digital format, user prints as needed)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5L (150 cu in) Magnum I4
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 120-130 hp
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 150-160 lb-ft
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 175-180 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 225-230 lb-ft
Engine 3 Displacement:
4.7L (285 cu in) Magnum V8 (P Code)
Engine 3 Power:
Approx. 230-235 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 295-300 lb-ft
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
ECU Type:
Proprietary Chrysler Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 238 for V6/V8, NV3500 for V6)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (42RE for V6, 45RFE for V8)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, overdrive (4th gear).
Drivetrain Availability:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and optional Four-wheel drive (4WD).
Wheelbase:
111.9 inches (Standard Cab), 124.9 inches (Club Cab)
Overall Length:
Approx. 190-200 inches (depending on cab/bed configuration)
Bed Length:
6.25 ft (Standard Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed - less common on this generation)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500 - 4500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 5500-6300 lbs
NHTSA Crash Ratings:
Mixed, frontal impact ratings varied for driver and passenger depending on test conditions for this era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on most models, optional on base.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: I4/V6 (~60,000 miles), V8 (if platinum/iridium, potentially longer).
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual. Typically SAE 5W-30 for V6/V8, 10W-30 for I4, or as specified by DaimlerChrysler.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid +4) for 45RFE and 42RE transmissions.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issue 1:
Ball joint and suspension wear due to truck usage.
Common Issue 2:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on Magnum V8 engines).
Common Issue 3:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, leading to various drivability issues.
Common Issue 4:
Rust issues, particularly on the frame and body panels in certain climates.
Common Issue 5:
HVAC blend door actuator failures.
Dodge Truck Lineage:
Dodge has a long history of truck manufacturing dating back to the 1930s, known for robust and utilitarian vehicles.
Second Generation:
The 2001 Dakota is part of the second generation (1997-2004), which saw significant updates including the introduction of the V8 engine and revised styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
