🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Years Covered: 2005, 2006, 2007 Codes Vehicle Generation: Third Generation (2005-2011) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck. Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Available V8 engine (5.7L HEMI), choice of 2WD/4WD, various cab and bed configurations, reputation for power. Manual Value Proposition: Provides in-depth, dealer-level repair information for DIYers and professional technicians, saving on labor costs. Manual Illustrations: Includes a 'Tons of Detailed Pictures & Diagrams' for clarity in repair procedures. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas All Models: Yes, covers all Dodge Dakota models for the specified years. Repair Scope: A-Z Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Page Count Estimated Pages: Comprehensive, typically 2000+ pages for a full workshop manual. Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printable (Digital Format implied, likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, diagnostics, overhaul procedures. Transmission: Automatic and Manual transmissions: overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter. Drivetrain: Front and Rear Axles, Driveshafts, CV joints, Differentials, Transfer Case (if applicable). Brakes: Front and Rear Brakes (Disc/Drum), ABS system, hydraulic components, parking brake. Suspension: Front and Rear Suspension components (e.g., control arms, ball joints, struts, springs, shocks), alignment procedures. Steering: Power Steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack, tie rod ends. Electrical: Starting system, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), comfort systems. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: components, refrigerant, diagnostics. Body: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, glass, bumpers, chassis and frame. Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication. Troubleshooting: System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, common issues and their solutions. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems. Overhaul: Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly. Diagnostics Electrical: Wiring diagrams, component location charts, circuit testing procedures, diagnostic routines. Installation: Procedures for replacing or installing various components and systems. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and inspections to full component overhauls and advanced diagnostics. Detail Level: High: Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, torque specifications, tolerances, and technical notes. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Digital (PDF likely), allowing for searchable text and easy printing. Print Quality Quality: Printable pages implies high resolution for clear text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format - printable means user can bind if desired). Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format - user chooses paper type for printing). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 (for specific trims/models). Performance 3.7L V6 Horsepower: Approx. 210-215 hp 3.7L V6 Torque: Approx. 235-240 lb-ft 4.7L V8 Horsepower: Approx. 230-240 hp 4.7L V8 Torque: Approx. 300-305 lb-ft 5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower: Approx. 345-370 hp 5.7L Hemi V8 Torque: Approx. 375-410 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI). Engine Features Engine Management: PCM (Powertrain Control Module) with integrated diagnostics. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag G285 or similar). Optional Optional Transmission V6: 4-speed automatic (42RLE). Optional Transmission V8: 5-speed automatic (5-45RFE). Features Transfer Case: Electronic or manual shift 4WD system (NV244/NV271 or similar) on 4WD models. Transmission Fluid 42Rle Fluid Type: ATF+4 (MS-9602). 5-45Rfe Fluid Type: ATF+4 (MS-9602). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Short Bed: 116.2 inches Wheelbase Long Bed: 131.3 inches Overall Length Short Bed: 194.8 inches Overall Length Long Bed: 209.9 inches Cargo Bed Length Standard: 6.25 feet (75 inches) Bed Length Long: 8.0 feet (96 inches) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 4,000 - 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration). Towing Capacity: Up to 7,000 lbs (with proper equipment and V8 engine). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested). NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested). NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat: Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested). NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat: Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested). IIHS Small Overlap Frontal: Not rated (vehicle pre-dates this specific test protocol). Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Available Electronic Traction Control (ETC). Passive Features Airbags: Front driver and passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags (model year dependent). Seatbelts: Three-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Options: Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional navigation system. Audio Controls: Steering wheel mounted audio controls available on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Parking Assist: Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Optional auxiliary audio input jack available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending...
Procedures for replacing or installing various components and systems.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and inspections to full component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Detail Level:
High: Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, torque specifications, tolerances, and technical notes.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Digital (PDF likely), allowing for searchable text and easy printing.
Print Quality
Quality:
Printable pages implies high resolution for clear text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital format - printable means user can bind if desired).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format - user chooses paper type for printing).
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 (for specific trims/models).
Performance
3.7L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 210-215 hp
3.7L V6 Torque:
Approx. 235-240 lb-ft
4.7L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 230-240 hp
4.7L V8 Torque:
Approx. 300-305 lb-ft
5.7L Hemi V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 345-370 hp
5.7L Hemi V8 Torque:
Approx. 375-410 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Engine Features
Engine Management:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) with integrated diagnostics.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag G285 or similar).
Optional
Optional Transmission V6:
4-speed automatic (42RLE).
Optional Transmission V8:
5-speed automatic (5-45RFE).
Features
Transfer Case:
Electronic or manual shift 4WD system (NV244/NV271 or similar) on 4WD models.
Transmission Fluid
42Rle Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
5-45Rfe Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Short Bed:
116.2 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
131.3 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
194.8 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
209.9 inches
Cargo
Bed Length Standard:
6.25 feet (75 inches)
Bed Length Long:
8.0 feet (96 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,000 - 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration).
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,000 lbs (with proper equipment and V8 engine).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Good (for 2005-2007 models as tested).
IIHS Small Overlap Frontal:
Not rated (vehicle pre-dates this specific test protocol).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Traction Control (ETC).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags (model year dependent).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Options:
Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional navigation system.
Audio Controls:
Steering wheel mounted audio controls available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs 3.7L V6:
Typically 100,000 miles (long-life).
Spark Plugs 4.7L/5.7L V8:
Typically 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (refer to manual).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil 3.7L/4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer).
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology), typically orange.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3.
Known Issues
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some owners report occasional hard shifting with automatic transmissions; often related to fluid or electronic control unit.
Heater Core Leaks:
Potential for heater core leaks, especially in older models, leading to coolant loss and defogging issues.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Some HEMI V8 engines can develop rear main seal leaks over time.
Ball Joint Wear:
Front ball joints can experience wear, particularly on models used for heavy-duty applications.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck History:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and powerful trucks, often with a focus on performance and value.
Model Evolution
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation Dakota was introduced for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign, larger size, and the availability of the HEMI V8 engine, which was a first for a compact/mid-size pickup.
Cab Configurations:
Club Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab (four-door extended cab).
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Chevy Silverado Vs Dakota:
While not a direct award, it was often compared favorably to competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon for its V8 power option.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific component; manual will provide diagnostic and repair guidance for addressing potential issues.