The Dodge Dakota occupied the mid-size pickup truck segment, known for its powerful engine options and a blend of car-like ride comfort with truck utility.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon.
Key Features
Powertrain:
Offered segment-leading V8 engine options (4.7L and 5.7L HEMI) in addition to a standard V6.
Chassis:
Utilized a robust body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of traditional pickup trucks.
Design:
Distinctive Dodge styling, featuring a bolder grille and more aggressive stance compared to previous generations.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair for all Dodge Dakota models from 2005 through 2011.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Downloadable PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
3.7L Magnum V6, 4.7L Magnum V8, 5.7L HEMI V8: Diagnostics, maintenance, repair, overhaul, specifications.
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6/4.7L V8, 89 octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI).
Cooling System
Capacity:
Approximately 12-14 quarts (11.4-13.3 liters) depending on engine and configuration. Coolant: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Gearbox:
42RLE 4-speed automatic transmission (standard on most V6 and 4.7L V8 models).
Optional
Gearbox:
NV3500 5-speed manual transmission (available on some V6 models), NV4500 5-speed manual transmission (available on some 4.7L V8 models).
Features
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar part number 68043742AA or equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact specs).
Transfer Case Fluid:
NV235: Mopar NV235 transfer case fluid (part number 05016700AA or equivalent). NV244: Mopar NV244 transfer case fluid (part number 05016700AA or equivalent).
Approximately 4,200 - 4,800 lbs depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR typically ranges from 5,750 lbs to 6,400 lbs.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000-6,600 lbs (with appropriate engine and towing package).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (NHTSA rating for 2005 models).
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (NHTSA rating for 2005 models).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (IIHS rating for models tested).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Traction Control:
Available traction control system (TCS), especially with V8 engines and 4WD.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became more widely available in later years of this generation.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front airbags. Side curtain airbags and side seat-mounted airbags became optional or standard on higher trims in later years.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Upgraded Boston Acoustics audio system available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional in-dash GPS navigation system on later models.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Available rear park assist sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system became available on later models.
Usb:
Not commonly available on this generation; typically aftermarket or dealer-installed accessory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Check manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or sooner in dusty conditions).
Spark Plugs:
3.7L V6: Spark plugs (double platinum) every 100,000 miles. 4.7L V8: Spark plugs (double platinum) every 100,000 miles. 5.7L HEMI V8: Spark plugs (long-life) every 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles or under severe towing conditions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (3.7L V6, 4.7L V8), SAE 5W-30 (5.7L HEMI V8). API SN or equivalent certified.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5978) or equivalent.
Known Issues
Intake Manifold:
Cracking or leaking intake manifold gaskets on Magnum V6 and V8 engines, leading to vacuum leaks and rough idle.
Transmission Cooler:
Internal transmission cooler failure in radiators, leading to coolant contamination of the transmission fluid, often requiring a complete transmission rebuild.
Throttle Body:
Electronic throttle body (ETB) issues leading to 'limp mode' or erratic idle on models equipped with it.
Rear Main Seal:
Potential for rear main seal leaks, particularly on V8 engines.
Fuel Pump:
Premature fuel pump failure can occur.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on control arm bushings and ball joints, especially in trucks used for heavy-duty purposes.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks dating back to the 1930s, building a reputation for ruggedness and V8 power.
Model Evolution
Generation Launch:
The 4th generation Dakota was launched for the 2005 model year, featuring a significant redesign and shared platform with Dodge Durango SUVs.
Key Updates:
Introduction of the 5.7L HEMI V8 option, larger interior dimensions, and updated styling. Major facelift occurred for the 2008 model year.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
2005-2011.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year:
While not a dominant award winner, the Dakota was often praised for its V8 power and was a strong contender in its segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied by model year and specific configurations, with some areas like predicted reliability sometimes cited as average.
Certifications
Emissions:
Designed to meet U.S. Federal EPA emission standards for its production years.
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