🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Grand Caravan

Generation:

Fourth Generation (RT Body Style)

Model Years Covered:

2008-2009

Platform:

RT Body Style (shared with Chrysler Town & Country, Volkswagen Routan)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, fleet operators, individuals seeking versatile passenger and cargo transport.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar/Fusion, Kia Sedona, Hyundai Entourage.

Versatility:

Known for its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements (Stow 'n Go), and family-friendly features.

Value Proposition:

Offered a compelling blend of space, features, and affordability in its segment.

Diy Support:

Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and increasing vehicle longevity.

Professional Tool:

Provides the same level of detail and accuracy used by dealership service departments and independent repair shops.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ (typical for a comprehensive factory-level manual for this era)

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 40TE/41TE, 62TE for later models), transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics, service procedures, fluid specifications, torque converter.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), axle shafts, differential, hub bearings, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake hydraulic system, brake pad/rotor replacement, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (e.g., MacPherson strut), rear torsion beam axle or independent suspension depending on configuration, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering components.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering fluid specifications.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, power sliding doors, power liftgate, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM) diagnostics.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant types and capacities, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control module.

Body:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, headliner, glass replacement, body sealing, corrosion protection.

Restraints:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) module diagnostics.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, live data interpretation, troubleshooting flowcharts.

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and replacements (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission), spark plug replacement, belt replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all covered systems. Includes engine teardown and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit tracing, and component testing.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters, alignment specifications, tire pressure recommendations.

Wiring:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, signal paths, and connector pinouts.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if the PDF was created from a digital source, allowing for quick keyword-based information retrieval.

Printability:

Full printable, allowing users to print specific pages or sections as needed.

Zoom Capability:

YES, allowing users to zoom in on diagrams and text for clarity.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with All Versions of Windows & Mac

Software:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.3L (3301cc) V6

Engine 1 Type:

SOHC V6

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.72 in x 3.19 in (94.5 mm x 81.0 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approximately 175-180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approximately 205-210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.8L (3778cc) V6

Engine 2 Type:

OHV V6 (L32)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.92 in x 3.38 in (99.5 mm x 86.0 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approximately 193-200 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approximately 230-235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Requirement:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane)

System Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2008:

4-speed Automatic (40TE/41TE)

Transmission Type 2009:

6-speed Automatic (62TE) for 3.8L, 4-speed Automatic (40TE/41TE) for 3.3L

Optional Transmission:

N/A (typically one automatic transmission per engine option)

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with diagnostic capabilities.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar material number 05013457AA or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 199.5 - 203.0 inches (depending on configuration)

Width:

Approximately 78.5 inches

Height:

Approximately 68.0 - 69.0 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 121.6 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,300 - 4,700 lbs (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 31.3 - 31.8 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 70.1 - 72.4 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Max:

Approximately 140.5 - 143.7 cubic feet (with 2nd and 3rd rows folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars (2008 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars (2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5 Stars (2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5 Stars (2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4 Stars (2008 models)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good (for models tested)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Esp:

Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side curtain airbags for all rows, available front seat-mounted side airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Available premium audio systems, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system.

Rear Seat Entertainment:

Available rear-seat entertainment systems with DVD players and screens.

Parking Assistance:

Available rear parking assist sensors.

Auxiliary Input:

Available auxiliary audio input jack for portable media players.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles (severe service) or 6,000 miles (normal service) with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact plug type and interval).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as recommended in the owner's manual, especially for heavy use.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine and temperature ranges).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (with filter, depending on engine).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent.

Transmission Problems:

Some instances of rough shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement, particularly with the 4-speed automatic. The 62TE is generally more robust but can also experience issues.

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear of engine and transmission mounts, leading to vibration and clunking noises.

Power Sliding Door Motors:

Failure of the motors or mechanisms for the power sliding doors, causing them to operate intermittently or not at all.

Cv Axle Boots:

Tearing of the CV axle boots, leading to grease leakage and eventual joint failure.

Heater Core:

Leaking heater cores, which can cause a sweet smell inside the cabin and fogging windshields.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Van Legacy:

Dodge has a long history with minivans, starting with the iconic Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in the mid-1980s, effectively creating the segment.

Fourth Gen Introduction:

The fourth generation (RT body style) was introduced for the 2008 model year, marking a significant redesign from the previous generation.

Platform Sharing:

This generation was built on the Chrysler RT platform, shared with the Chrysler Town & Country and later the Volkswagen Routan.

Assembly Locations:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant).

Lifespan Of Generation:

2008-2016 (with updates).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Family Car Awards:

Frequently recognized by automotive publications for its family-friendly features and value.

Segment Leader:

Competed strongly in the minivan segment, often praised for its Stow 'n Go seating practicality.