🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Grand Caravan

Year:

2012

Platform Code:

RT

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Owner maintenance, independent repair shops, fleet management

Competitors:

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Ford Freestar (previous generation)

Vehicle Features:

Stow 'n Go seating, versatile cargo options, family-oriented design

Manual Benefit:

Empowers users with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on dealerships and improving DIY capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Service & Repair

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000+ (digital format)

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.6L Pentastar V6 (GWA engine code)

Transmission:

62TE (6-Speed Automatic)

Brakes:

ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Brake System Hydraulics & Components

Steering:

Power Steering System (Hydraulic), Steering Column, Wheel Alignment

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (MacPherson Struts), Rear Torsion Beam Axle, Shock Absorbers, Springs

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls

HVAC:

Air Conditioning System, Heater, Ventilation, Climate Control System

Body Exterior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hinges, Latches, Bumpers, Glass, Wipers, Mirrors

Body Interior:

Seats, Upholstery, Interior Trim, Stow 'n Go System Components, Power Sliding Doors, Power Liftgate

Infotainment:

Radio, Navigation System, Uconnect System, Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)

Safety Systems:

Airbags, Seatbelts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Electrical Fault Tracing

Repair:

Engine Mechanical Repairs, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Diagnostics:

OBD-II System Diagnostics, Scan Tool Procedures, Live Data Analysis

Installation:

Component Installation and Removal (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump)

Depth:

Complete Factory Level Repair Procedures

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Searchable text, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations, printable pages

Illustration Quality:

High-quality, detailed technical illustrations and schematics

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

Pentastar V6

Engine Code:

GWA

Displacement:

3.6 Liters (3604 cc)

Configuration:

V6 (60-degree bank angle)

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Bore X Stroke:

3.72 in x 3.35 in (94.5 mm x 85.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

283 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20.0 gallons (75.7 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Model:

62TE

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Optional Transmissions:

N/A for 2012 model year

Transmission Features:

AutoStick driver-selectable manual control

Transmission Fluid Type:

MOPAR ATF+4 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 10.5 Quarts (9.9 Liters) (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

202.7 inches (5148 mm)

Width:

78.2 inches (1986 mm)

Height:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Wheelbase:

121.6 inches (3089 mm)

Front Track:

65.1 inches (1654 mm)

Rear Track:

65.0 inches (1651 mm)

Passenger Volume:

159.5 cubic feet (4.5 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

31.1 cubic feet (0.9 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

78.1 cubic feet (2.2 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

140.5 cubic feet (4.0 cubic meters)

Curb Weight Min:

4509 lbs (2045 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

4640 lbs (2105 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

6350 lbs (2880 kg)

Max Towing Capacity:

3600 lbs (1633 kg) (with optional trailer tow package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for some configurations, check specific model)

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard

Traction Control TCS:

Standard

Anti Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Brake Assist Bas:

Standard

Airbags:

Driver Frontal, Passenger Frontal, Front Side Curtain, Rear Side Curtain, Driver Knee

Seatbelts:

3-point with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Uconnect system with touchscreen interface (availability varies by trim)

Audio Options:

AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Capability, Auxiliary Input, USB Port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Navigation:

Optional SiriusXM Navigation

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional ParkSense Rear Park Assist

Backup Camera:

Optional ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on oil type and usage).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 20,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Recommended replacement at 100,000 miles (iridium-tipped spark plugs).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter as recommended (typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, refer to manual).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.9 Quarts (6.5 Liters) (with filter change)

Coolant Type:

MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) - Orange (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MOPAR Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent)

Common Issues Potential:

Water pump leaks, shifting issues in transmission (62TE), power sliding door malfunctions, climate control system problems, potential for oil consumption (early Pentastar engines).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge has a long history of producing practical and powerful vehicles, including a strong presence in the minivan segment.

Grand Caravan Evolution:

The Grand Caravan has been a benchmark in the minivan segment since its introduction, evolving through multiple generations to offer increased comfort, versatility, and technology.

2012 Model Notes:

The 2012 Grand Caravan received a significant update with the introduction of the Pentastar V6 engine, improving performance and fuel efficiency over previous models. It also featured updated styling and interior amenities.

Assembly Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Inc.)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Notes:

While specific awards for the 2012 model year are less prominent than general segment recognition, the Grand Caravan consistently ranked as a popular and practical choice in the minivan category. Its Pentastar V6 engine was widely praised for its performance and refinement.