🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Years Covered:

2008, 2009

Platform:

RS (Chrysler minivans)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size minivan.

Key Selling Points Vehicle:

Versatility, passenger and cargo capacity, family-oriented features, affordability.

Main Competitors:

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar, Chevrolet Uplander, Kia Sedona, Hyundai Entourage.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information for technicians and advanced DIYers, enabling efficient and accurate maintenance and repair, thereby saving time and money.

Vehicle Highlights 2008-2009:

Continues the established platform with updated styling and features, offering practicality and comfort for families.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service information for the 2008-2009 Dodge Caravan.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era).

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual.

Language:

English.

Format:

PDF Download.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), transmission (automatic).

Chassis:

Steering, suspension (front and rear), brakes (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), wheels, tires, driveline (front-wheel drive).

Body And Electrical:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, lighting, HVAC system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, instrument cluster, airbags, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Diagnostics:

Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, component testing.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and body components.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic data.

Depth:

Full mechanical, electrical, and body repair procedures, including complex diagnostics and component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF.

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download).

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EDG (3.3L V6 G)

Engine Displacement:

3.3 Liters (3301 cc).

Engine Type:

SOHC V6.

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 76.9 mm.

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1.

Horsepower Net Hp:

175 hp @ 5000 RPM (approximate).

Torque Net Lb-Ft:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (approximate).

Engine Code:

EGA (3.8L V6 E)

Engine Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc).

Engine Type:

OHV V6.

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm.

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1.

Horsepower Net Hp:

197 hp @ 5000 RPM (approximate).

Torque Net Lb-Ft:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (approximate).

Induction:

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler specified OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, typically HOAT (Hybrid OAT) or P-HOAT

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.

ECU:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic transaxle (41TE/42LE family).

Type:

Not applicable for these model years in this trim.

Torque Converter Lockup:

Yes, electronically controlled.

Fluid Specification:

ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602).

Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for a drain and fill.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

119.3 (Standard Wheelbase).

Length Inches:

189.4 (Standard Wheelbase).

Width Inches:

77.0.

Height Inches:

68.9.

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 3Rd Row:

16.3 (Standard Wheelbase).

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 2Nd Row:

74.2 (Standard Wheelbase).

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Maximum:

140.5 (Standard Wheelbase).

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 4100-4400 lbs (depending on engine and trim).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Approx. 5700-6000 lbs (depending on configuration).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5-star (for 2008 model year).

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5-star (for 2008 model year).

NHTSA Side Driver:

5-star (for 2008 model year).

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

5-star (for 2008 model year).

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for 2008 model year, based on equipped airbags).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS).

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Airbags:

Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts in all seating positions, driver and front passenger pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional CD/DVD changer, satellite radio readiness.

Rear Seat Entertainment:

Available rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player.

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking assist system (ParkSense).

Power Outlets:

12V accessory power outlets.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-4 months, or as indicated by the Oil Change Indicator system.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid condition.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.3L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles. 3.8L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (with platinum-tipped plugs).

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler power steering fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent ATF+4.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Commercial windshield washer fluid, or a mixture of water and methyl alcohol.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Can be related to solenoids, valve body issues, or low/degraded fluid. The manual details diagnostic procedures.

Power Sliding Doors:

Actuator failures, cable issues, or switch problems are common. The manual provides troubleshooting for these.

Suspension Noise:

Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, or sway bar links can cause clunking or rattling sounds. Detailed inspection procedures are in the manual.

HVAC Blower Motor Failure:

Blower motor resistor or the motor itself can fail, affecting cabin temperature control. The manual guides on diagnosis and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and practical vehicles, with minivans being a significant part of its product line.

Third Generation:

The 2008-2009 models represent the later part of the Dodge Caravan's fourth generation (2001-2007) but were part of the extended RS platform production.

Plant Locations:

Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis Assembly Plant, Fenton, Missouri, USA.

Current Generation Start:

2001 (for the RS platform).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Ratings varied annually; typically considered average to below average in predicted reliability for this generation by Consumer Reports, highlighting the importance of thorough maintenance and repair as detailed in the manual.

Segment Awards:

While not consistently award-winning for reliability, the Caravan was a consistent top seller in its segment for value and practicality.