Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier
Vehicle Strengths:
Available V8 engine option, rear-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations, relatively comfortable ride for a truck of its era.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving money and extending vehicle lifespan.
Major Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Interior
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing systems
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (NV3500), Automatic transmission (42RE, 45RFE), Transfer case (NV235, NP241DLD), Driveshafts, CV joints, Axles
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum/disc (model dependent), ABS system, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (torsion bar), Rear leaf springs, Power steering system, steering column
Electrical Charging Starting:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams
Electrical Lighting Accessories:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heater, blower motor, controls, refrigerant system
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, trim
Interior Trim:
Dashboard, seats, carpets, headliner, door panels
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair Overhaul:
Engine component replacement, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, ABS diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Option 1:
2.5L (150 cu in) MAG Engines I4
Engine Option 2:
3.9L (239 cu in) Magnum V6
Engine Option 3:
4.7L (287 cu in) Magnum V8 (P code)
2.5L Hp:
122 hp @ 5200 rpm
2.5L Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
3.9L Hp:
175 hp @ 4800 rpm
3.9L Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
4.7L Hp:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
4.7L Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum (4.7L V8), Cast Iron (I4, V6)
Transmission Option 1:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500) - standard on 2.5L and some 3.9L
Transmission Option 2:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE) - standard on 4.7L V8, optional on 3.9L V6
Transmission Option 3:
4-Speed Automatic (45RFE) - introduced later, potentially on some late 2001 models with 4.7L V8
Drivetrain Configurations:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Manual Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224) or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Automatic Fluid 42Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Automatic Fluid 45Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Rated / Insufficient Data
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not Rated / Insufficient Data
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts (center rear)
Oil Change Recommendation:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (for Mopar OAT coolant).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil 2.5L I4:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (under 0°F), SAE 10W-30 (above 0°F), SAE 10W-40 (above 32°F). Capacity: 5 quarts with filter.
Engine Oil 3.9L V6:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (under 0°F), SAE 10W-30 (above 0°F), SAE 10W-40 (above 32°F). Capacity: 5 quarts with filter.
Engine Oil 4.7L V8:
API Certified SAE 5W-30. Capacity: 7 quarts with filter.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Radiator Leaks:
Common issue, especially the plastic end tanks.
Ball Joint Wear:
Front suspension ball joints can wear prematurely.
Transmission Issues 42Re:
The 42RE automatic transmission can experience solenoid pack failures or torque converter issues.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Coil-on-plug system (on some engines) or distributor coil can fail.
Evaporative Emission System Leaks:
Can cause Check Engine Light illumination.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a significant part of its identity.
Dakota Generation 1:
The 2001 model year falls within the second generation of the Dodge Dakota (1997-2004), which saw significant updates over the first generation.
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
