In short, a 1997 Dodge Dakota could have either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, depending on the engine and trim.
The Dakota lineup for 1997 offered two broad transmission choices rather than a single standard unit. The exact pairing depended on which engine and model you received. Below is a breakdown of what was commonly available and how to verify which one is in a particular truck.
Overview of Transmission Options
Two main transmission families were used across the 1997 Dakota lineup. The following details map out how those options were typically paired with engines and trims.
Manual options
Here are the manual configurations most often found on 1997 Dakotas.
- Five-speed manual transmission, typically paired with the 3.9L V6 and the 4.0L inline-six engines.
Manual transmissions offered a traditional clutch pedal and a 5-speed gate, with ratios tuned for mixed-use driving and trucks that prioritized a hands-on shifting experience.
Automatic options
Here are the automatic configurations most often found on 1997 Dakotas.
- Four-speed automatic transmission, commonly part of the 42RE family, paired with the 3.9L V6 and the 4.0L I6 engines.
- If a V8 option was present on a particular model, a heavier-duty four-speed automatic (such as a 46RE) could appear in some configurations.
Automatic transmissions in these trucks were typically electronically controlled four-speed units designed for durability in light trucks and mid-size pickups.
How to Identify Which Transmission Your Dakota Has
Use these steps to confirm the exact transmission installed in a given 1997 Dakota.
- Inspect the gear selector inside the cabin. If the shifter shows P, R, N, D, and 2–1, it’s a four-speed automatic. If there is a clutch pedal and a manual gear stick marked with 1–5 (and sometimes reverse), it’s a manual transmission.
- Look for a clutch pedal on the floor (manual) versus only an accelerator, brake, and automatic shifter (automatic).
- Check the transmission code stamped on the transmission case or pan (common codes include 42RE for many automatics and 46RE on heavier-duty configurations). A tag or stamp near the bellhousing or pan may indicate the model family.
- Consult the vehicle's VIN and build sheet or a dealer/parts database to confirm the exact transmission type based on the specific VIN.
- If in doubt, have a qualified mechanic read the transmission stamp or perform a quick diagnostic that can identify the transmission family.
Knowing the exact transmission is useful for maintenance, fluid specifications, and parts compatibility, especially if you’re sourcing a replacement or performing a rebuild.
Additional Context for Enthusiasts and Owners
The 1997 Dakota was part of a mid-cycle update that carried forward two primary transmission routes. The manual option offered an engaging driving experience for those who preferred control, while the automatic option provided ease of use for daily driving and work duties. The exact pairing depended on engine choice and trim level, so there was not a single universal transmission across all 1997 Dakotas.
Summary
For the 1997 Dodge Dakota, the transmission could be either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, with the specific choice tied to the engine and trim. Manual transmissions were commonly found with the 3.9L V6 and 4.0L I6, while automatics frequently used the 42RE family, with heavier-duty 46RE units appearing on some V8-equipped configurations. To know your truck’s exact setup, check the gear selector, look for a clutch pedal, examine the transmission code, or consult the VIN/build sheet.