Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, commercial users, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country
Versatility:
Known for its spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, and Stow 'n Go (though optional and might vary by year/trim)
Value Proposition:
Offered a strong balance of space, features, and affordability in its class
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for Dodge Caravan 2003-2005 models
Secondary Coverage:
All major repair and maintenance aspects
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (e.g., PDF), Printable
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic Transaxle (41TE/42LE variants), Clutch, Drivetrain
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes, ABS, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, interior/exterior electronics, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, wheels, tires
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body control modules
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, adjustments
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, sensor testing
Depth:
Full rebuild procedures, component-level diagnostics, wiring schematics, torque specifications, tolerances
Engine Type:
3.3L V6 OHV 12-Valve
Bore X Stroke:
3.80 in x 3.81 in (96.5 mm x 96.8 mm)
Displacement:
3301 cc (201.5 cu in)
Horsepower (@Rpm):
Approx. 180 hp @ 4800 RPM (for 2003-2004)
Torque (@Rpm):
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (for 2003-2004)
Engine Code Optional:
ERG
Engine Type Optional:
3.8L V6 OHV 12-Valve (Available on some higher trims/later models)
Horsepower Optional (@Rpm):
Approx. 200-215 hp @ 4800-5000 RPM
Torque Optional (@Rpm):
Approx. 230-240 lb-ft @ 3600-3800 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 18.2 gallons (69 liters)
Transmission Type Std:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (41TE or 42LE)
Transmission Type Opt:
Not Applicable (4-speed auto was standard across most models)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.2 quarts (5.9 liters) for a drain and fill
Wheelbase:
119.2 inches (3028 mm)
Length:
193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Width:
76.0 inches (1930 mm)
Height:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 140-160 cubic feet (varies by seating configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 14-20 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 70-80 cubic feet
Cargo Volume All Seats Folded:
Approx. 140-160 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4000-4400 lbs (1814-2000 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Gvwr):
Approx. 5700-5900 lbs (2585-2676 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:
Good (2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:
Good (2003-2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (2003-2004 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (Traction Control System - TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Not typically available on this generation
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and premium sound systems (e.g., Infinity).
Rear Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment system with video screens and headphone jacks available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Auxiliary Inputs:
No standard auxiliary inputs or USB ports for this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium recommended for longer life)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for optimal performance and longevity
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific Mopar approval)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Organic Additive Technology), usually HOAT orange type. Check manual for specific P/N.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 3.3L V6
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.3 quarts (11.6 liters)
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks (especially from valve covers and oil pan gaskets), intake manifold gasket leaks, EGR valve issues, occasional head gasket concerns.
Common Problems Transmission:
Torque converter shudder, transmission fluid leaks, solenoid pack failures, occasional internal wear.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and sway bar links. Power steering leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures, power window/lock actuators, HVAC blower motor resistor, door lock actuators.
Common Problems Brakes:
Brake pad and rotor wear, seized caliper pins, parking brake issues.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, often focusing on value and utility.
Caravan Origin:
The Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager sibling, pioneered the minivan segment in the early 1980s.
Generation Details:
This 2003-2005 range represents the latter part of the third generation (RS/NS), known for significant updates over its predecessors.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Production Years For Generation:
1996-2007 (RS platform was an evolution of NS)
