🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2003

Platform:

NS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, auto enthusiasts, fleet maintenance, professional repair shops.

Competitors:

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza.

Vehicle Appeal:

Versatility, spacious interior, family-oriented features, affordability.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to professional labor rates.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine performance, emissions control.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (41TE/42LE), manual transmission (rarely specified for this year, but coverage assumed for applicable variants).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (torsion beam axle), steering system.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common), ABS system, hydraulic lines, parking brake.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, audio system, HVAC controls, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant charging, diagnostics.

Body:

Body structure, doors, hood, liftgate, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, body panel repair.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), procedures for identifying and resolving common issues.

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed procedures for using diagnostic tools and interpreting scan data, including live data streams and freeze frame information.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including tolerances and specifications.

Electrical Diagrams:

Detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical troubleshooting and repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution for clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EDZ

Engine Type 1:

3.3L V6 OHV 12-Valve

Displacement 1:

3301 cc (201.5 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke 1:

93.0 mm x 81.0 mm (3.66 in x 3.19 in)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.1:1

Horsepower 1:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 1:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System 1:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code 2:

EGA

Engine Type 2:

2.4L Inline 4 OHV 16-Valve

Displacement 2:

2429 cc (148.2 cubic inches)

Horsepower 2:

150 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.0 gallons

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (41TE / 42LE)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed manual (less common for this generation, typically only on base models or specific markets)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 10.5 quarts (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

189.4 inches

Width:

72.0 inches

Height:

68.4 inches

Wheelbase:

112.1 inches

Front Track:

61.0 inches

Rear Track:

61.4 inches

Passenger Volume:

140.0 cubic feet

Seating Capacity:

7 passengers

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

38.6 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

94.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With All Seats Folded:

144.1 cubic feet

Curb Weight Min:

3780 lbs (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

5700 lbs (approx.)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3800 lbs (with optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

4 Stars

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front-seat side airbags

Seat Belts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with cassette player, amplifier, and more speakers.

Rear Seat Entertainment:

Optional rear-seat entertainment system (VHS or DVD player with integrated screen).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically available on factory systems for this model year; aftermarket solutions exist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

30,000-60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per manual recommendation.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified, meets MS-6395)

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, Mopar OAT or equivalent (typically pink or orange)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Issues Engine:

Cracked cylinder heads (less common on 3.3L, more on earlier 3.0L), oil leaks, EGR valve issues, intake manifold gasket leaks.

Common Issues Transmission:

Slipping, harsh shifting, torque converter shudder, transmission fluid leaks.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, noisy suspension components.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty window regulators, power lock actuators, instrument cluster failures, BCM issues, alternator failure.

Common Issues HVAC:

AC compressor failure, blower motor resistor failure, evaporator leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing versatile and practical vehicles, with the Caravan being a pioneer in the minivan segment.

Generation:

Third Generation (NS, 1996-2000) and Fourth Generation (RS, 2001-2007). The 2003 model falls within the Fourth Generation.

Key Changes For 2003:

Minor updates and feature packaging adjustments from the 2001 redesign. Introduction of the Stow 'n Go seating was not yet available, which debuted in later years.

Production Location:

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

Production Years For Generation:

2001-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 2003 model are not widely publicized, the Dodge Caravan and its minivan siblings consistently ranked high in segment reviews for practicality and value. It was a staple in family transportation for decades.