🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2005

Body Style:

Mid-size Pickup Truck

Platform:

Chrysler's compact truck platform (shared with Mitsubishi Raider)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck

Key Selling Points:

Available V8 engine, car-like ride for a pickup, distinctive styling

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier

Manual Utility:

Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance and repairs, saving time and money. Essential for understanding vehicle systems and diagnostics.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

Designed as a more refined and car-like pickup truck compared to its larger brethren, offering comfort and practicality.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

North America

Market Segment:

Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Complete Service Repair Manual

Intended User:

Amateur owners to professional technicians

Primary Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (commonly sold in this format for ease of access and searchability)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine performance diagnostics, engine control module (ECM)

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (42RLE, 45RFE), manual transmission (NV3500), clutch system, driveline, axle shafts, propeller shafts

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some models), anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake system

Suspension Steering:

Front independent suspension (torsion bar or coil spring), rear leaf spring suspension, power steering system, steering linkage, wheel alignment

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, interior lighting, exterior lighting, trailer lighting, body control module (BCM), fuse and relay information

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, climate control modules

Body Chassis:

Frame, body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, interior trim, seats, cargo bed, tailgate

Safety Restraints:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH)

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting charts, mechanical troubleshooting guides

Repair Rebuild:

Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, A/C compressor replacement

Installation:

Accessory installation, component replacement procedures, wiring harness routing

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing

Depth:

Comprehensive: Includes detailed specifications, step-by-step repair procedures, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution, allowing for clear reproduction of diagrams and text

Physical Format If Applicable:

N/A (digital format)

Physical Format If Applicable:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L I4 (2AZ), 3.7L V6 (3.7L Magnum), 4.7L V8 (4.7L Magnum)

Engine Code 2.4L:

2AZ

Engine Displacement 2.4L:

2.4 liters (147 cu in)

Horsepower 2.4L:

142 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2.4L:

165 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Engine Code 3.7L:

3.7L Magnum

Engine Displacement 3.7L:

3.7 liters (226 cu in)

Horsepower 3.7L:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3.7L:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 4.7L:

4.7L Magnum

Engine Displacement 4.7L:

4.7 liters (287 cu in)

Horsepower 4.7L:

235 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 4.7L:

305 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual (NV3500), 4-speed automatic (42RLE, 45RFE)

Standard Transmission Details:

5-speed manual (NV3500) on base models and some engine configurations.

Optional Transmission Details:

4-speed automatic (42RLE) commonly paired with the 3.7L V6. 4-speed automatic (45RFE) with more robust control often paired with the 4.7L V8.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Four-wheel drive (4WD) available

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

111.7 inches (2837 mm)

Wheelbase Extended Cab:

130.9 inches (3325 mm)

Overall Length Regular Cab:

195.2 inches (4958 mm)

Overall Length Extended Cab:

214.3 inches (5443 mm)

Bed Lengths:

6.25 ft (Standard), 8.0 ft (Long Bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,500 lbs (1724 - 2041 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,600 lbs (2994 kg) with V8 and proper towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 out of 5 stars (for most configurations)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good (typical for its class)

Antilock Brakes:

Standard on all models

Traction Control:

Available on some models

Airbags:

Front airbags, available side-impact airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, available premium audio systems

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Not commonly available on this model year, often an aftermarket addition.

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 3,000 - 6,000 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection

Spark Plug Replacement V6 V8:

Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum tipped plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on transmission type and usage)

Engine Oil 2.4L I4:

API SN/SP, SAE 5W-30 (or SAE 5W-20 if specified by Dodge for fuel economy)

Engine Oil 3.7L V6 4.7L V8:

API SN/SP, SAE 5W-20 (or SAE 5W-30 if specified by Dodge)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Refer to manual; typically SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant

Coolant:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar Part # 05103589EA or equivalent (typically orange)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Ignition Coil Failure:

Common failure point leading to misfires and rough running, particularly with the V8.

Wheel Bearing Wear:

Can experience premature wear, especially on front wheels.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Some owners report hard shifts or delayed engagement, especially in the 42RLE transmission.

Rust Corrosion:

Susceptible to rust in typical problem areas like fender lips, rocker panels, and around the rear wheel wells, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, dating back to the 1930s, with a reputation for ruggedness and capability.

Second Generation Intro:

The second generation, introduced for the 2002 model year, saw a significant redesign with a more modern appearance and improved interior.

Platform Sharing:

The 2005 Dakota shared its platform with the Dodge Ram 1500 (DT platform was phased out) and later with the Mitsubishi Raider.

Manufacturing Location:

Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year Nominee:

Dakota has been a contender for MotorTrend's Truck of the Year in previous generations.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Varied by model year and specific powertrains, often praised for V8 performance but sometimes criticized for interior materials.