🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2005

Body Style:

Minivan

Platform:

NS (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring versatile cargo and passenger space, fleet operators.

Key Competitors 2005:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Chevrolet Uplander, Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana.

Selling Points:

Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations (Stow 'n Go system debuted in later models, but versatility was a hallmark), practicality, affordability, wide range of powertrain options.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential knowledge for DIY maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics, saving time and money on dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

Gasoline and Diesel variants

Market Regions:

North America (primarily), with applicable international variations

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF assumed, as common for sales listings)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual, if applicable), drivetrain (front-wheel drive)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Body electrical, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, HVAC controls, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays

Body:

Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, body panels, glass, convertible top (if applicable - though unlikely for Caravan)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacement, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, common problems and solutions, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, calibration, adjustment, system component testing

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, PCM/ECM programming and diagnostics

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Print Readability:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and text, suitable for printing individual pages

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Document)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital Document)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Gasoline 1:

2.4L (2429cc) DOHC Inline-4 (EDZ)

Horsepower Gasoline 1:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Gasoline 1:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Gasoline 2:

3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6 (EGA)

Horsepower Gasoline 2:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Gasoline 2:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Gasoline 3:

3.8L (3778cc) OHV V6 (L32)

Horsepower Gasoline 3:

200 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Gasoline 3:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Diesel:

2.5L (2500cc) Turbocharged SOHC Inline-4 Diesel (VM Motori)

Horsepower Diesel:

116 hp @ 4000 rpm

Torque Diesel:

215 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Gasoline Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection, Turbocharged

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug for V6 engines, Single Coil for 4-cylinder

Cooling System:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic (41TE/42LE for V6, 40TE/41TE for 4-cylinder)

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (M4VS, primarily with 2.4L engine, less common)

Transmission Control:

Electronic controlled transmission (ECT) for automatics

Transfer Case:

N/A (Front-Wheel Drive)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 193.7 inches (4920 mm)

Width:

Approx. 77.5 inches (1969 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.0 inches (2870 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 20.4 cu ft (170.5 cu ft with seats folded/removed)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg) for base 4-cyl model

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg) for V6 long-wheelbase models

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2005 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2005 model year)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable (2005 model year)

ABS:

Standard on most trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags Front:

Standard front driver and passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts for all seating positions, front pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (on some models), optional premium audio systems, optional rear-seat entertainment systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Parking Sensors:

Optional on some higher trims

Satellite Radio:

Optional Sirius Satellite Radio

Diagnostics Port:

Standard OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) connector, typically located under the dashboard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, recommended synthetic diesel oil.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect annually, replace as needed, often recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).

Spark Plugs Gasoline 4Cyl:

Platinum: ~100,000 miles (160,000 km). Copper: ~30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs Gasoline V6:

Platinum: ~100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Timing Belt Gasoline 4Cyl:

Interference engine. Check manual; typically around 90,000-100,000 miles (145,000-160,000 km).

Timing Belt Gasoline V6:

Non-interference engine, uses a timing chain.

Engine Oil Gasoline 4Cyl:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual/oil cap). API Certified.

Engine Oil Gasoline V6:

SAE 3.8L: 5W-30. SAE 3.3L: 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual/oil cap). API Certified.

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CI-4 rated diesel engine oil, SAE 5W-40 (recommended for turbo).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Coolant:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 50/50 mix, color is usually orange/red (MS-9769).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems General:

Transmission solenoid issues (especially in higher mileage vehicles), power window regulators failing, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, rear suspension sag (especially with heavy loads), EGR valve issues (especially on V6 engines), potential oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan gaskets.

Common Problems Diesel:

Glow plug failure, injection pump issues, turbocharger problems if not maintained, EGR system clogging, exhaust manifold cracks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, with the Caravan/Grand Caravan being a segment-defining product.

Generation:

Third Generation (NS), 2001-2007. The 2005 model represents a mid-cycle refresh, with updated styling and features.

Key Updates 2005:

Minor styling tweaks, potential new feature availability (e.g., Sirius Satellite Radio option).

Manufacturing Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Popularity:

Consistently one of the best-selling minivans in North America for many years, indicating strong market acceptance and utility.

Consumer Reports Typical:

Often rated average to below average for reliability in its class, with transmission and some electrical components noted as frequent issues, making a comprehensive repair manual invaluable.

Manual Type Certification:

Industry-standard automotive repair manual, mirroring factory service information.