🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2001

Platform Code:

NS (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Key Selling Points:

Versatile interior, comfortable ride, spacious cabin, family-oriented features

Key Competitors:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey

Powertrain Options:

Available V6 engines providing good power for a vehicle of its size and weight.

Chassis Design:

Front-wheel drive platform offering stable handling and good traction.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Total Pages:

4287

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (3.3L V6, 3.8L V6), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control

Transmission Systems:

Automatic Transaxle (3-speed 30LE, 4-speed 41TE/42LE), clutch, torque converter, shift control

Drivetrain Systems:

Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential

Suspension Systems:

Front independent suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (torsion beam axle, trailing arms), springs, shock absorbers, bushings

Steering Systems:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering, steering column, linkages

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), hydraulic lines, parking brake

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), ignition system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body And Frame:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, liftgate, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping, corrosion protection

HVAC Systems:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, controls

Interior Systems:

Seating, seat belts, airbags, instrument cluster, interior lighting, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault codes, electrical circuit testing

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific system diagnostics, live data interpretation

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, component dimensions, alignment specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scanned pages, clear text, legible diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.3L (3301 cc)

Engine 1 Type:

SOHC V6

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

158 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.8L (3778 cc)

Engine 2 Type:

SOHC V6

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

180 hp @ 4500 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20.0 gallons (75.7 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

3-speed Automatic Transaxle (Model 30LE)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (Model 41TE/42LE) with Electronic Pressure Control (EPC)

Overdrive Gears:

Available on 4-speed models for improved fuel economy.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent (refer to manual for precise OE fluid type)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.1 inches (2847 mm)

Length:

189.7 inches (4818 mm)

Width:

76.8 inches (1951 mm)

Height:

68.0 inches (1727 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

3800-4100 lbs (1724-1860 kg) depending on configuration

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 29.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 85.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 140.0 cu ft (with seats removed)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1999-2004 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1999-2004 models)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on base trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags available on some trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions. Front seat belt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options. Optional Infinity sound system.

Navigation:

Not commonly available from the factory for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Power Outlets:

12V auxiliary power outlets.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific oil type and weight).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

At 100,000 miles for original spark plugs (refer to manual for specific type and gap).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred for synthetic) or SAE 10W-30. Check manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT), typically Mopar orange or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Transmission Problems:

Torque converter shudder, solenoid failures, transmission fluid leaks, premature wear on the 41TE/42LE transmission, especially with inadequate fluid changes.

Common Engine Problems:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, EGR valve issues, oil leaks (e.g., valve cover gaskets), exhaust manifold cracks (especially on 3.8L).

Common Suspension Issues:

Worn control arm bushings, worn sway bar links, front strut mounts.

Common Electrical Issues:

Faulty instrument cluster gauges, power window motor failures, intermittent electrical gremlins due to aging wiring and connectors.

Common HVAC Issues:

Blend door actuator failures, AC compressor clutch failures, clogged heater cores.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the modern minivan segment with the introduction of the original Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983.

Generation Name:

NS (Second Generation)

Generation Years:

1996-2000 (with a facelift in 2001 for the 2001 model year)

Design Changes 2001:

Updated front and rear fascia, revised interior styling, new wheel options.

Manufacturing Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager counterpart) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks list in the minivan category during its earlier generations, establishing its segment leadership.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings varied for this model year; specific year-over-year data should be consulted, but common themes included average reliability for engines and transmissions, with some recurring issues noted in the 'known_issues' section.