Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana
Vehicle Selling Points:
Spacious interior, versatile seating (Stow 'n Go on later models), affordability, towing capacity
Manual Benefit:
Enables owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving time and money
Manual Advantage:
Provides access to factory-level procedures and specifications, ensuring accuracy and proper repair
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, repair, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, axles, CV joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (torsion beam, shock absorbers)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum configurations), ABS system, hydraulic system
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, power distribution
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, seats, glass, HVAC system, fuel tank, exhaust system mounting
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, operation, and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, SRS diagnostics
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, DTC retrieval and interpretation, diagnostic charts
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement
Engine Repair:
Engine removal and installation, cylinder head service, piston and ring replacement, timing belt/chain service, component overhauls
Transmission Repair:
Transmission fluid and filter changes, internal component repair, torque converter service, valve body diagnosis
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake adjustment
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement
Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:
Wiring harness repair, component testing (sensors, actuators), starter and alternator testing, lighting system repair
HVAC System Repair:
A/C compressor replacement, refrigerant service, heater core replacement, blower motor replacement
Body And Interior Repair:
Door panel removal, seat removal, glass replacement, body panel alignment
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Complete overhaul and rebuild procedures, advanced diagnostics, factory specifications
Detail Level:
Detailed torque specifications, component tolerances, diagnostic flowcharts
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using scan tools and specialized diagnostic equipment
Engine Options:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32), 2.4L 4-Cylinder (ED1 - less common in US)
Engine Displacement 3 3L:
3.3 Liters (201 cubic inches)
Engine Displacement 3 8L:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower 3 3L:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4800 RPM
Torque 3 3L:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Horsepower 3 8L:
Approx. 200 hp @ 4800 RPM (later models ~215 hp)
Torque 3 8L:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM (later models ~245 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (2003-2007 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (2003-2007 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Good (2003-2007 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Good (2003-2007 models)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Acceptable (for relevant years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side curtain airbags available on some trims
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.3L: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum plugs; 3.8L: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic blend recommended for optimal performance and protection)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.3L: 4.5 quarts (4.3L) with filter; 3.8L: 4.5 quarts (4.3L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4)
Common Issue 1:
Transmission problems: Torque converter shudder, solenoid failures, and delayed shifting are reported.
Common Issue 2:
Front suspension wear: Ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts can wear prematurely.
Common Issue 3:
Power steering pump leaks or noise.
Common Issue 4:
Rear axle seal leaks.
Common Issue 5:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure leading to loss of fan speeds.
Common Issue 6:
Interior trim rattles and squeaks.
Common Issue 7:
Water pump leaks, especially on the 3.3L engine.
