Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size minivan, family vehicle
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar, Mazda MPV
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, versatile seating, comfortable ride, affordable price point
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive knowledge for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, reducing labor costs and improving vehicle longevity.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine diagnosis, repair, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling systems
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (41TE/42LE variants), manual transmission (if offered), differentials, axles, CV joints
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, power assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical Lighting:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, interior/exterior lights, fuses, relays
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, body repair, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt and hose inspection
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, internal engine repair, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension and steering linkage repair
Troubleshooting Guidelines:
System-specific troubleshooting trees, diagnostic flowcharts, common problem diagnosis
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using diagnostic scan tools and specialized equipment
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Engine Type:
3.3L V6 SOHC MPI
Displacement:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 x 3.57 inches (89.0 x 90.7 mm)
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Long Life OAT (Orange) Coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.0 Quarts (11.4 Liters)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual, often serviced with filter)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if original type)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Automotive Washer Fluid
Common Problem 1:
Transmission solenoid issues (slipping, harsh shifting)
Common Problem 2:
CV joint wear and failure
Common Problem 3:
Rear evaporator core leaks (in vehicles with dual-zone climate control)
Common Problem 4:
Power window motor failures
Common Problem 5:
Alternator failure
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler is credited with inventing the minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983.
Caravan Generation:
Fourth Generation (2001-2007), specifically the 2006 model year is part of this generation, a facelifted version.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA (discontinued prior to 2006 for St. Louis)
Model Production Span:
1984-2007 (for the Caravan nameplate in North America, though variants continued longer globally)
Automotive Journalist Recognition:
The 2006 Caravan, as part of the RS platform, was generally well-regarded for its value and practicality, though often criticized for interior material quality compared to key competitors.
Consumer Reports Rating Context:
Consumer Reports ratings for this model year often varied, with some areas receiving average scores and others below average, particularly concerning predicted reliability.