Segment:
Mid-size pickup truck, positioned as a capable and versatile option for work and personal use, often competing with vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma.
Truck Capabilities:
Available in RWD and 4WD, multiple cab and bed configurations, known for its comfortable ride for a truck and good V8 engine options.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides DIY mechanics and professional technicians with the detailed information required to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Dodge Dakota effectively, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, shifting mechanisms, lubrication
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, control systems, cooling, lubrication
Drivetrain:
Rear axle, drive shafts, universal joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent coil spring), rear suspension (leaf spring), shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings
Steering:
Steering gear, steering column, power steering system, tie rods
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (depending on configuration), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, interior/exterior lamps, horn, power windows, locks, mirrors
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system components, seat belts, SRS module
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, brake inspections
Repair:
Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problems and solutions
Diagnostics:
Component testing, circuit diagrams, electrical testing procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Digital Format:
Likely PDF, offering searchability and digital navigation. May include interactive diagrams if from a higher-tier source.
Print Readability:
Designed for clarity, with detailed illustrations and diagrams. Print quality will depend on the printing service if purchased as a physical copy.
Binding:
N/A for digital format. If printed, typically spiral-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop.
Paper:
N/A for digital format. If printed, would typically be on durable, coated paper to withstand workshop conditions.
Base Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6 (2005-2011)
Base Engine Displacement:
3.7 Liters (226 cubic inches)
Base Engine Power:
Approximately 210-215 horsepower
Base Engine Torque:
Approximately 235-240 lb-ft of torque
Optional Engine 1:
4.7L Magnum V8 (2005-2007)
Optional Engine 1 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Optional Engine 1 Power:
Approximately 230-235 horsepower
Optional Engine 1 Torque:
Approximately 295-300 lb-ft of torque
Optional Engine 2:
4.7L High Output Magnum V8 (2008-2011)
Optional Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 cubic inches)
Optional Engine 2 Power:
Approximately 255 horsepower
Optional Engine 2 Torque:
Approximately 330 lb-ft of torque
Optional Engine 3:
5.7L HEMI V8 (2005-2010)
Optional Engine 3 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Optional Engine 3 Power:
Approximately 345-375 horsepower
Optional Engine 3 Torque:
Approximately 375-410 lb-ft of torque
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Wheelbase Short Bed:
120.0 inches (Quad/Club Cab)
Wheelbase Long Bed:
140.0 inches (Crew Cab/Long Bed)
Overall Length Short Bed:
202.6 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
221.8 inches
Bed Length Standard:
6.1 feet (73.1 inches)
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet (96.1 inches)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 4,200 - 4,800 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 1,500 - 1,700 lbs
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 7,000 - 7,500 lbs (with proper towing package and engine)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (in 2009 testing)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (in 2009 testing)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for some model years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control (TCS) system.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became more widely available and standard on later models (e.g., 2009+). The manual will detail its operation and diagnostics.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side curtain airbags may have been optional on some configurations.
Seatbelts:
Height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Rear seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil as recommended.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 20,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace spark plugs (NGK or Champion recommended) around 75,000 - 100,000 miles depending on engine and plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect fluid condition regularly, change every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on driving conditions and transmission type.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 for 3.7L V6, SAE 5W-30 for 4.7L V8 and 5.7L HEMI V8. Always verify with manual or oil cap. API certified oil.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Atf:
For 42RLE: ATF+4. For 45RFE/545RFE/5-45RFE: ATF+4 or equivalent Mopar licensed fluid.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Common Issues 1:
Rattling noise from exhaust manifold heat shields (especially on V8s).
Common Issues 2:
Premature wear on ball joints and tie rod ends.
Common Issues 3:
Transmission torque converter shudder or slipping (especially on older 4.7L V8s).
Common Issues 4:
Water pump leaks, particularly with the 3.7L V6.
Common Issues 5:
Actuator issues for HVAC blend doors.
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing rugged and capable trucks, with the Dakota slotting in as a mid-size option between the compact Ram 50 and the full-size Ram trucks.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation debuted for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a bolder styling, improved interior, and the introduction of the HEMI V8 engine option.
Third Gen Updates:
Facelift and powertrain updates occurred around 2008, including the High Output 4.7L V8 and the addition of more standard safety features like ESC.
Production Plants:
Primarily manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan.
Production End:
Production of the Dodge Dakota ceased after the 2011 model year.