🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Dakota Year: 2008 Product Name: 2008 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual (PDF) Codes Chassis Code: ND (North American Specification) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Pickup Truck Target Audience: Consumers seeking a versatile, capable pickup truck for work and personal use Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier Key Features Differentiators: Available V8 engine option (at the time), comfortable ride for a truck, diverse cabin configurations Powertrain Options: 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 (engine availability dependent on trim and configuration) Body Styles: Regular Cab, Extended Cab (Quad Cab), Crew Cab Bed Lengths: Short Bed, Long Bed 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Owner information for the 2008 Dodge Dakota Additional Coverage: Features, controls, maintenance schedules, DIY service, towing, safety Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for full owner's manual) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Electronic (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system overview Drivetrain: Transmission operation (automatic), 4WD system operation (if applicable) Chassis: Braking system basics, steering system basics, suspension system overview Electrical: Lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, basic warning indicators Interior: Seating, climate control, audio system, interior controls and features Exterior: Doors, windows, tailgate, mirrors, exterior features Procedures Included Operation: Starting and driving, parking, using vehicle features Maintenance: Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement Do It Yourself: Minor maintenance tasks suitable for owners (e.g., checking fuses, replacing bulbs) Safety: Seat belt usage, child restraint systems, airbag system explanation, emergency procedures Towing: Towing capacity, trailer towing guidelines, trailer brake controller information (if equipped) Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level understanding of vehicle operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or component-level repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux compatible Searchability: Typically searchable text within the PDF for easy information retrieval Print Quality Quality: High resolution, suitable for clear printing Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 3.7L V6 (2008) Displacement: 3.7 liters / 226 cubic inches Configuration: V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), 12 valves Horsepower Est: 210 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque Est: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Optional Engine 1 Engine Code: 4.7L V8 (2008) Displacement: 4.7 liters / 285 cubic inches Configuration: V8, SOHC, 16 valves Horsepower Est: 230 hp @ 4500 rpm Torque Est: 300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Optional Engine 2 Engine Code: 5.7L HEMI V8 (2008) Displacement: 5.7 liters / 345 cubic inches Configuration: V8, OHV (Overhead Valve), HEMI, 16 valves Horsepower Est: 345 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque Est: 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane (for V6 and 4.7L V8), 89 Octane recommended for 5.7L HEMI V8 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type V6: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE) Transmission Type V8: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5-45RFE) Optional Manual Transmission Availability: Not typically offered for the 2008 model year, automatic transmissions were standard. Features Drive Modes: 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) options available 4Wd System: Part-time 4WD system with electronic engagement (e.g., 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Short Bed: 120.0 inches Wheelbase Long Bed: 131.3 inches Overall Length Short Bed Reg Cab: 192.4 inches Overall Length Long Bed Ext Cab: 220.7 inches Width: 79.1 inches Height: 70.5 inches (approximate, varies by configuration) Cargo Bed Length Short Bed: 6.0 feet Bed Length Long Bed: 7.0 feet Weights Curb Weight Est Min: 4,200 lbs (approximate for base V6 model) Max Payload Capacity Est: Up to 1,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration and engine) Max Towing Capacity Est: Up to 7,450 lbs (with 5.7L HEMI and appropriate towing package) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Good (2008 model year, specific rating for Dakota) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (2008 model year, specific rating for Dakota) IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (2008 model year, specific rating for Dakota) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Electronic Stability Control: Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - often bundled with specific packages Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard front multi-stage airbags for driver and front passenger Airbags Side: Available front seat-mounted side airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Connectivity: Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on many trims), optional Uconnect hands-free communication system (late availability or optional). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Park Assist: Available ParkSense rear park assist system 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil...
Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on many trims), optional Uconnect hands-free communication system (late availability or optional).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Park Assist:
Available ParkSense rear park assist system
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific guidance).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Approximately every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or approximately every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Typically around 100,000 miles (check specific plug type recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Typically around 100,000 miles (check specific plug type recommended for HEMI)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., MS-6395)
Engine Oil Type V8:
SAE 5W-20 (API certified, refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., MS-6395)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Type 4Spd:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Transmission Fluid Type 5Spd:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Potential for water pump leaks, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators), some HVAC system issues, potential for early rust on frame components in certain climates.
Hemi Tick:
Some 5.7L HEMI engines may exhibit a 'hemi tick' noise, often related to lifters or exhaust manifold studs, typically addressed by dealers.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Origin:
Dodge, an American automotive brand with a history of performance and utility vehicles.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Third Generation (2002-2009)
Key Updates For 2008:
Introduction of the more powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 engine option, revised styling cues, interior refinements, and improved feature availability.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Dodge City Truck Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA
Production Years Of Generation:
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards:
While specific awards for the 2008 model year might be sparse, the Dodge Dakota consistently received recognition for its V8 engine options and towing capabilities within the mid-size pickup segment during its generation.