Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet owners, enthusiasts
Competitors:
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma
Unique Selling Points:
The Dodge Dakota offered a blend of car-like comfort and truck utility, available with powerful V6 and V8 engines in its segment. Known for its robust construction and available four-wheel-drive.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, factory-level repair information essential for maintaining and repairing the 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, saving owners significant costs compared to professional shop labor.
Years Covered:
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Trim Levels:
All trims including ST, SLT, Sport, Laramie
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Complete Official Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (2WD, 4WD, AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Doors, Locks
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seat Belts, ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation guidelines
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.7 Liters (226 cu in)
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 210-215 HP @ 5200-5400 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Engine 2:
4.7L Magnum V8 (High Output)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cu in)
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 230-235 HP @ 4500-4800 RPM (early years), 302 HP @ 5650 RPM (late years)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 290-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 RPM (early years), 329 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM (late years)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Wheelbase Short Bed:
120.1 inches (3051 mm)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
131.1 inches (3330 mm)
Overall Length Short Bed:
192.2 inches (4882 mm)
Overall Length Long Bed:
203.2 inches (5161 mm)
Bed Length Short Bed:
6.1 feet (1.86 m)
Bed Length Long Bed:
7.0 feet (2.13 m)
Curb Weight Start:
Approximately 4,100 lbs (1860 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Start:
Approximately 5,800 lbs (2630 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars (2005-2008)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars (2005-2008)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (2005-2008)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Became more widely available in later years
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, available side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD player, with optional satellite radio and premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system (DVD-based or hard drive based in later models).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors were available on most trims.
Remote Start:
Available remote keyless entry and optional remote start system.
Trailer Towing:
Factory trailer tow package available, including trailer brake controller pre-wiring and increased cooling capacity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, using recommended synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using original iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using original iridium plugs).
Engine Oil V6:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. Capacity: 6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter change.
Engine Oil V8:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. Capacity: 7 US quarts (6.6 L) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar designation). Capacity varies by transmission model, approx. 3-5 quarts for top-off.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange). Capacity: Approx. 12-15 US quarts (11.4-14.2 L) depending on engine and configuration.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified by manufacturer for later models).
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (Mopar designation) or Dexron III/Mercon compatible.
Common Issue 1:
Fuel pump failures (especially with ethanol-blended fuels).
Common Issue 2:
Rear axle seal leaks.
Common Issue 3:
Catalytic converter issues (clogging or failure).
Common Issue 4:
Interior heating system problems (blower motor, blend doors).
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Summary:
The manual details a comprehensive service schedule starting from initial break-in service, through regular oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes (coolant, transmission, brake, power steering), spark plug replacements, and inspection of critical components like brakes, suspension, and exhaust system.
Manufacturer:
Dodge is a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), known for performance-oriented vehicles and trucks.
Generation Overview:
The third generation marked a significant redesign with a more modern chassis and styling, shared with the Mitsubishi Raider. It was available in Regular Cab and Quad Cab configurations. The V8 engine was updated to a 302 hp version in later model years.
Production Start Year:
2005
Production End Year:
2011
Manufacturing Location:
Mackenzie Avenue Assembly Plant, Clinton, Illinois, USA
Segment Awards:
While not a consistent award winner, the Dodge Dakota was generally well-regarded for its V8 engine power and towing capacity within its segment during its production run.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Variable consumer satisfaction ratings, with some owners praising its utility and power, while others reported reliability concerns common to certain Chrysler products of the era.
