🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 2003 Codes Platform Code: AN 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Mid-size Pickup Truck Target Audience: Owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier Key Features Unique Selling Points: V8 engine option in its class, comfortable ride for a pickup, competitive pricing. Manual Value Proposition: Provides dealership-level technical information for efficient and accurate repairs and maintenance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Service, Repair, Maintenance Market Segment: North America Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 2000-3000 pages (typical for full factory service manual) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics. Transmission: Manual transmission (NV3500, NV1500), automatic transmission (42LE, 45RFE), transfer case (2WD, 4WD), driveline components, clutches, torque converters. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension (independent front suspension, solid rear axle), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms. Electrical Chassis: 12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, locks, mirrors, body control module (BCM). Body Interior: Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, door mechanisms, glass, exterior trim, bumpers. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, diagnostic tool usage. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections. Repair: Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repairs, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, electrical circuit tracing, mechanical fault diagnosis. Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, alignment angles, engine timing parameters. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content Print Quality Print Readability: High-resolution, printable quality Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) Completeness Coverage Scope: Full factory service manual covering all aspects of vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine Displacement: 2.4L (2429 cc) Base Engine Configuration: Inline-4 (I4) Base Engine Power: 122 hp @ 5200 rpm Base Engine Torque: 139 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Optional Engine 1 Optional Engine Displacement: 3.7L (3701 cc) Optional Engine Configuration: V6 (Magnum) Optional Engine Power: 210 hp @ 5200 rpm Optional Engine Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Optional Engine 2 Optional Engine Displacement: 4.7L (4701 cc) Optional Engine Configuration: V8 (Magnum) Optional Engine Power: 230 hp @ 4800 rpm Optional Engine Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) based systems 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Base: 5-Speed Manual (NV1500 / NV3500) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-Speed Automatic (42LE / 45RFE) Features Transfer Case Options: 2WD, 4WD part-time electronic shift on the fly Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (MS-9602) Manual Transmission Fluid: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 111.9 inches (Standard Cab), 124.2 inches (Club Cab) Overall Length: Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., 197.5 inches for standard cab short bed) Body Styles: Regular Cab, Club Cab Bed Lengths: 6.25 ft (75 inches), 8.0 ft (96 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,700 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw: Up to 6,000 lbs Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 lbs (with appropriate engine and towing package) Payload Capacity: Up to 1,700 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: 5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for models equipped with airbags) IIHS Side Impact Test: Acceptable (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Standard on all models Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags (standard), optional side airbags Seatbelts: Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts, three-point rear seat belts (Club Cab) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, 4 or 6 speaker systems. Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not standard, typically aftermarket additions 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (severe service may require more frequent changes) Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions) Spark Plug Replacement: Approx. 100,000 miles for V8, 60,000-100,000 miles for V6 and I4 (refer to manual for specific types) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SN, SAE...
Manual transmission (NV3500, NV1500), automatic transmission (42LE, 45RFE), transfer case (2WD, 4WD), driveline components, clutches, torque converters.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (independent front suspension, solid rear axle), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms.
Electrical Chassis:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, locks, mirrors, body control module (BCM).
Body Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, door mechanisms, glass, exterior trim, bumpers.
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, 4 or 6 speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, typically aftermarket additions
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (severe service may require more frequent changes)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles for V8, 60,000-100,000 miles for V6 and I4 (refer to manual for specific types)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN, SAE 5W-30 (for 3.7L and 4.7L engines), SAE 10W-30 (for 2.4L engine). Check manual for exact viscosity and certification.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Some reports of intermittent stalling due to issues with the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) or ignition coils.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Truck Lineage:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and capable trucks, dating back to the Dodge Power Wagon.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation Dakota, including the 2003 model, debuted for the 1997 model year, bringing a larger, more substantial design than its predecessor.
Key Updates For 2003:
Minor styling tweaks, improved interior materials, and potential updates to powertrain management for emissions and performance.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Not a winner for 2003, but consistently a strong contender in its segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings over its lifecycle, often average to above average for its class.