🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Dakota

Year:

2000 Onward

Platform:

Chrysler ND

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Dakota occupied a significant niche in the compact/mid-size pickup truck market, offering a blend of car-like comfort with robust truck utility. This manual caters to owners and independent repair shops seeking comprehensive, factory-level service information.

Competitors:

Competed with the Chevrolet Colorado/S-10, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier. The Dakota often differentiated itself with more powerful V8 engine options in later years, a characteristic emphasized by this manual's coverage.

Value Proposition:

Empowers users to perform their own repairs, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Provides in-depth technical knowledge previously only available to dealerships and professional technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems for Dodge Dakota models from 2000 onwards.

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (as it's a comprehensive digital download)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF compatible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3.7L Magnum, 4.7L Magnum V8), transmission (4-speed automatic 42RE, 45RFE; 5-speed manual NV3500, NV3550), drivetrain (2WD, 4WD, transfer case, rear axle, front axle for 4WD)

Chassis:

Suspension (front independent, rear solid axle), steering (rack and pinion, power steering system), brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc, ABS, parking brake)

Electrical:

Engine control module (ECM), ignition system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, airbags, entertainment systems

Body:

Body and frame construction, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, HVAC system, exterior trim, glass and seals

Maintenance:

Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspection procedures

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts for all major systems

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and installation. Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements.

Diagnosis:

Component testing procedures, electrical circuit diagnosis, pressure testing, vacuum testing, scan tool data interpretation

Depth:

Expert-level, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body panel repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with all PC, MAC, Tablets, and Smartphones.

Quality:

Professional quality, high-resolution digital document.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.7L Magnum V6 (Powertech)

Engine 2:

4.7L Magnum V8 (Powertech)

3.7L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 210-215 hp (varies by year)

4.7L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 235-260 hp (varies by year)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Eci System:

Chrysler's integrated Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Engine Control Module (ECM), managing fuel, ignition, and emissions.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent. Check specific year for exact specification.

Oil Type 3.7L:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified

Oil Type 4.7L:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (check for 10W-30 in some warmer climates/older specs)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

4-speed Automatic (42RE, 45RFE)

Transmission 2:

5-speed Manual (NV3500, NV3550)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive, torque converter lock-up

Manual Features:

Robust design, dual-mass flywheel (on some applications)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (verify specific manual for viscosity, typically 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

Approx. 111.9 inches

Wheelbase Long Bed:

Approx. 124.9 inches

Bed Length Short:

Approx. 6.3 feet

Bed Length Long:

Approx. 8.0 feet

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 6,750 lbs (with appropriate engine and towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Generally rated Good (though specific model years and testing protocols vary. Refer to NHTSA for precise ratings.)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Generally rated Good (though specific model years and testing protocols vary. Refer to NHTSA for precise ratings.)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, with rear-wheel anti-lock available on base trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard. Side-impact airbags available on some later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts, three-point rear seat belts (for Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations).

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional premium audio systems, SiriusXM satellite radio availability on later models.

Navigation:

Aftermarket or dealer-installed navigation systems were available, not typically integrated from the factory in the early 2000s for this model.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Not standard on all models in the earlier part of this range; became more common on later production years.

Aux Input:

Typically not available from the factory; aftermarket solutions are common.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory on early models; available on later models or as an aftermarket addition.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine and spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium). Consult manual for specific intervals, typically 30,000 - 100,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, or more frequently under severe use.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 13-14 quarts (varies by engine and radiator size). Verify with manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with vehicle's brake fluid reservoir cap or manual).

Radiator Leaks:

Plastic end tanks of radiators can be prone to cracking over time, leading to coolant leaks.

Manifold Gasket Leaks:

Intake manifold gaskets, particularly on the 4.7L V8, can develop vacuum leaks or coolant leaks.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

The 45RFE/48RE transmission can sometimes develop issues with hard shifting or solenoid pack failures.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Rear main crankshaft seals can develop leaks, especially on higher-mileage examples.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings in the front suspension can wear, leading to clunking noises or steering looseness.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, tracing its roots back to the early Dodge Power Wagon. The Dakota nameplate aimed to capture a segment of the market seeking a balance between compact maneuverability and full-size capability.

Second Generation:

The 2000 model year marked the beginning of the second generation (second facelift) of the Dodge Dakota, which ran from 1997-2004. Key updates included revised styling and the introduction of the more powerful 4.7L Magnum V8 engine.

Assembly Locations:

Primarily assembled at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.

Production Span:

The Dodge Dakota was produced from 1987 to 2011, with the 2000 model year falling into the second generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jdpowers Initial Quality:

Varies by year; some models received average or below-average ratings in initial quality studies compared to segment leaders during its production run.

Caranddriver Editorschoice:

Not a consistent recipient of major "Editor's Choice" awards in its segment during this period, but appreciated for its V8 power option.

Consumer Reports:

Ratings varied; often cited for strong powertrain options but sometimes criticized for interior quality and reliability in specific areas. This manual helps address those reliability concerns.