Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Value Proposition:
Cost-effective solution for vehicle maintenance and repair, enabling users to fix problems cheaply and maintain vehicle health.
Manual Type Advantage:
Comprehensive and detailed, offering step-by-step instructions with hundreds of photos and illustrations for complete disassembly and reassembly.
Content Depth:
Covers everything needed to repair, maintain, rebuild, refurbish, or restore the vehicle.
User Empowerment:
Empowers users to understand their vehicle better, prevent future problems, and perform repairs themselves.
Engine:
Complete engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, emission controls
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 40TE/41TE, 62TE) - diagnostics, repair, fluid service, removal/installation
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires, driveline, exhaust system
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), HVAC controls, body control modules (BCM)
Bodywork:
Interior and exterior trim removal/installation, body panels, doors, glass, seats, body repair procedures
Emission Control Information:
Evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problem solutions
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for various systems
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Options:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32), 4.0L V6 (N/A for 2008-2009. Likely refers to the 3.8L as the primary option for older models, but the 3.3L and 3.8L were common. The 4.0L was in earlier generations. The 3.6L Pentastar arrived later. For 2008-2009, the common engines were the 3.3L and 3.8L V6.)
Engine Code Example 3.3L:
EGA
Engine Code Example 3.8L:
L32
Horsepower 3.3L:
Approx. 175 hp @ 5000 rpm (Varies slightly by year and calibration)
Torque 3.3L:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Varies slightly by year and calibration)
Horsepower 3.8L:
Approx. 197 hp @ 5000 rpm (Varies slightly by year and calibration)
Torque 3.8L:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Varies slightly by year and calibration)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Codes Examples:
40TE/41TE
Transmission Type Optional:
6-Speed Automatic (available on some models)
Transmission Code Optional:
62TE
Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (dry fill), 3.0-3.5 quarts (service fill) - verify with manual
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.2 inches (3028 mm)
Length:
Approx. 189.8 - 201.2 inches (4821 - 5111 mm) (depending on wheelbase/configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 31.5 - 39.6 cubic feet (varies by configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 70.5 - 78.7 cubic feet (varies by configuration)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140.1 - 167.7 cubic feet (varies by configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,500 lbs (1814 - 2041 kg) (varies by engine and trim)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2008 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2008 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (2008 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars (2008 model year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (2008-2009 models rated Good for frontal offset)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2008-2009 models rated Good for side impact)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Infotainment Options:
Available SiriusXM satellite radio, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkView rear backup camera (optional), rear parking assist sensors (optional).
Connectivity Options:
Uconnect hands-free communication system (optional on some trims).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Approx. every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years (refer to manual).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Approx. every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years (especially for heavy use).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum, iridium).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20, API certified (Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.3L V6: Approx. 4.5 quarts; 3.8L V6: Approx. 4.5 quarts (verify with manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or specific power steering fluid (verify with manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual)
Common Issues General:
Transmission issues (slipping, shifting problems, torque converter clutch issues), power window motor failures, HVAC system problems (blower motor, blend door actuators), suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system rust/leaks, potential for oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets).
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty window switches, problematic body control modules (BCM), intermittent power to accessories.
Brand:
Dodge (a division of Chrysler)
Model Lineage:
The Caravan and its sibling, the Chrysler Town & Country, have been pioneers and leaders in the minivan segment since their introduction in 1984. The 2008-2009 models represent the latter part of the fourth generation (RS body style).
Production Period:
2008-2009 model years
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saltillo, Mexico
