Dodge›Dakota›2009›3.7L/dodge/dakota/2009/3-7l/

ND platform

2009 Dodge Dakota — 3.7L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Dakota 3.7L.

Body TRUCKEngine 3.7LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2009 Dodge Dakota 3.7L is a midsize pickup built on the ND chassis, powered by a 3.7‑liter engine paired with an automatic four‑speed transmission and requiring a 5‑quart oil change with 5W‑20 or 5W‑30 API‑rated fluid. Its EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined places its fuel economy squarely in the expected range for a truck of its era, while the modest oil capacity and standard filter simplify routine maintenance. In the model’s broader reliability record—spanning 1990 to 2011—2009 registers the fewest owner complaints at just 18, a sharp contrast to the peak of 842 complaints in 2000, indicating that this year represents a comparatively low‑issue point in the Dakota’s history despite five air‑bag‑related recalls.

Model year2010 2009 2008 2004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque135 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy15/20/17 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP245-70R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04884899AC alt 05184231AB
Engine air filter	53004383AC
Spark plug	SPFR8TI332 alt SPFR8TE2AA
Battery	BB65F111AA alt BB65F121AA
Front wiper blades	55077091AD
Thermostat	68174083AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	218.9 in
Overall width	71.7 in
Overall height	68.5 in
Wheelbase	131.1 in
Curb weight	4295 lb
Track (front / rear)	63 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	58/42

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	15 / 20 / 17 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-85 · 75W-140 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.5
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	6.2
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-85 · 75W-140

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	8.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	130 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head Steps	1.
Engine Flywheel Bolts	70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	21 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	135 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	15.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	15.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	185 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	6000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.25-1.37 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	4.00-6.00 oz
Optional BCI Group Number	65
Optional BCI Cranking Performance	750 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	65

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-199 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	56.0-60.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure	25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in
Exhaust Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	130 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.001 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.102 in / 0.6 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.102 in / 0.6 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	1.039 in / 0.585 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

20 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

20 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	Tighten bolts 1-8, 27 N##m (20 ft. lbs.).	20 ft. lbs
2	Verify that bolts 1-8, all reached 27 N##m (20 ft. lbs.), by repeating step 1 without loosening the bolts. Tighten bolts 9 thru 12 to 14 N##m (10 ft. lbs.).	20 ft. lbs
3	Tighten bolts 1-8, 90 degrees .	90 degrees
4	Tighten bolts 1-8, 90 degrees, again. Tighten bolts 9-12, 26 N##m (19 ft. lbs.)	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown.

1	Hand tighten bolts 1D, 1G and 1F until the bedplate contacts the block.
2	Tighten bolts 1A - 1J to 40 ft. lbs.	40 ft. lbs
3	Tighten bolts 1 - 8 to 5 ft. lbs.	5 ft. lbs
4	Turn bolts 1 - 8 an additional 90 degrees.	90 degrees
5	Tighten bolts A - E 20 to 20 ft. lbs.	20 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 12,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 18,000 mi	Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
At 30,000 mi	Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Spark Plug Wires (replace)
At 48,000 mi	Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 Dodge Dakota sits at the tail end of a clear downward trend in owner complaints that began after the model's peak of 842 complaints in 2000, with the third generation (2005–2011) showing a steep decline from 470 complaints in 2005 to just 18 in 2009—the lowest figure in the entire 1990–2011 record. Recalls also generally fell across the generation, though 2009's 5 recalls represent a slight uptick from 2008's 2, yet remain well below the generation's high of 7 in 2005. The top complaint areas for 2009 are air bags and power train, each with only 5 reports, and the year saw just 1 crash complaint and 0 fire complaints, indicating no widespread safety crisis. While the data doesn't specify root causes for these few issues, the overall pattern suggests that by 2009, many earlier problems had been resolved, making this a particularly reliable model year. For a used buyer, the 2009 Dakota stands out as an excellent choice within the generation, provided any open recalls are addressed.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

1 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08’09’11

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 18 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags5

Power Train5

Electrical System2

Service Brakes1

Electrical System,Engine1

Unknown Or Other1

Tires,Wheels1

Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V021000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator…

16V352000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 24/05/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 50 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
101232	2024-10-29	Power Train	Plate - Planetary
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9004009	2021-04-07	Power Train	Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles…
9004350	2021-03-10	Engine And Engine Cooling	GEAR MOTOR, Transfer Case The gear motor assembly is shipped in AWD/2WD position. The…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Dakota. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 battery Vehicles taking 5 qt w/ filter ND-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 04884899AC Engine air filter 53004383AC Spark plug SPFR8TI332 Battery BB65F111AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Dakota 3.7L take?

5 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API OR 5W-30 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Dakota have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.7L get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined mpg.