Segment:
Mid-size Pickup Truck
Key Selling Points:
Robust build, powerful V8 engine options, comfortable interior for its class, versatile for work and personal use.
Primary Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier
Chassis Design:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and towing capacity.
Engine Options:
Available V6 and V8 HEMI engines offering significant power.
Trim Levels:
All trim levels (e.g., ST, SLT, Sport, Laramie, TRX)
Cab Configurations:
Club Cab, Crew Cab
Bed Lengths:
6'4" (short bed), 8' (long bed)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic and ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Starting and Charging System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Audio Systems, Security Systems
Body:
Body and Frame, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tire Rotation, Belt and Hose Inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Common Issues, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.
3.7L V6 Magnum:
Displacement: 3.7L (226 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 93.0 mm x 81.0 mm, Compression Ratio: 9.6:1, Horsepower: 210-235 hp @ 5200-5500 rpm, Torque: 235-245 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm, Fuel System: Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Engine Code: EKG
4.7L V8 Magnum:
Displacement: 4.7L (287 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 96.0 mm x 103.0 mm, Compression Ratio: 9.1:1, Horsepower: 235-260 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm, Torque: 300-320 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm, Fuel System: Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Engine Code: EVA, EVC, EVB
5.7L V8 Hemi (From 2008):
Displacement: 5.7L (345 cu in), Bore x Stroke: 99.5 mm x 90.9 mm, Compression Ratio: 9.6:1, Horsepower: 345-380 hp @ 5000-5400 rpm, Torque: 375-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm, Fuel System: Multi-displacement System (MDS) with Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI), Engine Code: EZH
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,450 lbs (with 5.7L HEMI and appropriate packages)
Payload Capacity:
Up to 1,700 lbs
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for HEMI)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L V6; 5-speed Automatic (545RFE) for 4.7L V8
Optional Transmission:
6-speed Manual (NV3500) for 3.7L V6 (earlier years); 5-speed Automatic (NAG1) for 5.7L HEMI (2008-2010)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Wheelbase:
129.9 inches (standard), 140.6 inches (long wheelbase)
Length:
204.1 inches (standard bed), 225.7 inches (long bed)
Bed Length:
6'4" (76.3 inches), 8' (96.0 inches)
Bed Width At Wheelwells:
44.0 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,400 - 5,000 lbs depending on configuration
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star (for models with side curtain airbags)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star (for models with side curtain airbags)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side curtain airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; Optional front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system (may vary by year and trim).
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on towing and driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type 4.7L V8:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent)
Engine Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or equivalent, especially for MDS system)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 10-year/150,000-mile protection. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure reported on some V8 models, potentially due to heat or exhaust restrictions.
Transmission Slippage:
Occasional reports of slipping or harsh shifting, particularly in earlier automatic transmissions. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial.
Front Suspension Components:
Ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings can wear prematurely, leading to clunks and alignment issues.
Water Pump:
Leaks or failure can occur, especially around 60,000-100,000 miles, affecting the cooling system.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s. The Dakota was positioned as a mid-size truck, filling a gap between smaller compact trucks and larger full-size pickups.
Second Generation Introduction:
The second generation (AN platform) debuted for the 1997 model year. The 2005 model year marked a significant refresh for the second generation, including updated styling, interior, and the introduction of the potent 5.7L HEMI V8 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production End Year:
2011
