🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2008, 2009

Platform:

JS (Chrysler Minivan Platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, Fleet operators, Individuals seeking versatile cargo and passenger transport

Key Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, Hyundai Entourage, Ford Freestar/Windstar (previous generation)

Distinctive Selling Points:

Spacious interior, Flexible seating arrangements (Stow 'n Go availability), Comfortable ride, Practicality, Available AWD (on some variants, though less common in these years), Strong V6 engine options

Manual Value Proposition:

Enables DIY repairs, reduces reliance on costly dealership service, aids in troubleshooting, provides accurate technical specifications for maintenance and repair, supports efficient diagnostics.

📋 Manual Details

Areas Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Overhaul, Repair

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (NSG), 4.0L V6 (2S7) engines; 4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE), 6-Speed Automatic (62TE) transmissions

Chassis:

Front Independent Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Torsion Beam Axle, Power Rack and Pinion Steering, Power-Assisted Four-Wheel Disc Brakes (ABS, ESP availability)

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Climate Control Module (CCM), Entertainment Systems

Body And Interior:

Body panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Glass, Seating, Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts), HVAC system, Exterior lighting

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil and filter changes, Fluid level checks and top-offs, Filter replacements (air, fuel, cabin), Spark plug replacement, Belt and hose inspections/replacements

Diagnostics And Repair:

Engine mechanical diagnostics and repair, Fuel system diagnostics and repair, Ignition system diagnostics and repair, Cooling system diagnostics and repair, Exhaust system diagnostics and repair, Transmission removal, overhaul, and installation, Drivetrain component repair (CV joints, driveshafts), Suspension and steering component repair, Brake system repair (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), Electrical system troubleshooting (wiring diagrams, component testing), HVAC system repair (compressor, evaporator, heater core), Body panel repair, Door and liftgate adjustment/repair

Special Procedures:

Timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine variant), Airbag system diagnosis and service, ABS/ESP system bleeding and calibration, PCM/BCM programming and initialization, Key fob programming, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation and resolution

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers general practices, detailed step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, component specifications, torque values, electrical schematics, and troubleshooting guides. Assumes a qualified technician.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear reproduction of diagrams, schematics, and text. Searchable text is generally included in professionally produced PDF manuals.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2008:

EGA

Engine Displacement 2008:

3.3 Liters (3301 cc)

Engine Configuration 2008:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V6

Horsepower 2008:

175 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 2008:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code:

NSG

Engine Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc)

Engine Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V6

Horsepower:

197 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code:

2S7

Engine Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3952 cc)

Engine Configuration:

Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V6

Horsepower:

251 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

259 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Required Octane:

87 Octane (minimum recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type 2008:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)

Type:

N/A (4-Speed Automatic was standard for most variants)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE) or 6-Speed Automatic (62TE) depending on engine and trim

Type:

6-Speed Automatic (62TE)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 4.7-5.2 quarts (4.5-4.9 liters) for pan drop and refill, higher for complete overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on select 3.8L models in 2008.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 199.0 - 202.5 inches (5055 - 5143 mm) depending on configuration

Width:

Approximately 78.2 inches (1986 mm) excluding mirrors

Height:

Approximately 68.2 - 69.0 inches (1732 - 1753 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 119.2 inches (3028 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 30.5 - 39.0 cubic feet (864 - 1104 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 80.7 - 90.0 cubic feet (2285 - 2548 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approximately 140.0 - 160.0 cubic feet (3964 - 4530 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,300 - 4,600 lbs (1950 - 2087 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,800 - 6,000 lbs (2630 - 2721 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2008, 2009 models) for 2008 models, some improvements may be present for 2009.

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2008, 2009 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars (2008, 2009 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars (2008, 2009 models)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for applicable years)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for applicable years)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Esp:

Available (Electronic Stability Program) - often branded as 'Electronic Stability Control' (ESC)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), available front side-impact airbags, available third-row side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchor system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 compatibility, SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Optional navigation system and rear-seat entertainment system.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack standard on most models. Bluetooth connectivity (Uconnect) was an option on higher trims.

Parking Assist:

Available rear park assist system (ParkSense).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe service) or 6,000 miles or 6 months (normal service) with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, depending on oil type and driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or as needed based on inspection and driving environment.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 1 year, or as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.3L/3.8L OHV: ~100,000 miles (Long Life Platinum). 4.0L SOHC: ~100,000 miles (Long Life Platinum/Iridium).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years is a common recommendation, but severe service may warrant more frequent changes. The manual will specify precise intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or SAE 5W-30. Refer to manual for specific API service classification (e.g., API SN, SP).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically purple or pink. Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specifications.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Chrysler MS-5901 or equivalent ATF+4. Refer to manual for confirmation.

Transmission Issues:

Intermittent shifting problems, torque converter shudder, solenoid failures (especially with the 41TE/42LE transmissions). The 62TE generally improved on this but can still have electronic control module (ESM) issues.

Suspension And Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings can occur due to mileage and vehicle weight. Power steering pump leaks are also a possibility.

Engine Issues:

Rear main seal leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on older OHV engines), and oil filter housing leaks are reported. Timing chain stretch can occur on the 4.0L SOHC engine over time.

Electrical Issues:

Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, and issues with the instrument cluster illumination are common.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in the 1980s, establishing a strong market presence and reputation for practicality and innovation.

Generation:

Fourth Generation (RS) - facelifted for 2008

2008 Updates:

Significant redesign including new exterior styling, updated interior, introduction of the 4.0L V6 engine, and available 6-speed automatic transmission.

Production Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant)

Model Years Covered:

2008, 2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

The Dodge Caravan, as part of the Chrysler minivan family, has historically received various accolades and 'best of' mentions from automotive publications for its practicality and innovation, though specific awards for the 2008-2009 facelifted generation might be more niche.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Historically, reliability ratings for Dodge minivans have varied. Specific ratings for 2008-2009 models should be consulted from reliable sources like Consumer Reports, which often indicated average to below-average reliability for some components.