🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2005

Body Style:

Minivan

Chassis Code:

NS

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Caravan was a pioneer in the minivan segment, offering practicality and family-oriented features. This manual caters to owners and technicians needing comprehensive repair information for a popular family vehicle.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, and Chevrolet Venture. The 2005 model represented a mature iteration of the platform, benefiting from ongoing refinements.

Key Features:

Designed for family transport, offering flexible seating, ample cargo space, and a comfortable ride. The 2005 model saw continued updates to safety and powertrain options.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Maintenance, repair, diagnostics, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, specifications for all major vehicle systems.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era and scope).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Driveline, Differential, Suspension, Brakes, Clutch, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Steering System, Electrical Systems (including Audio, Chime/Buzzer, ECMs, Horn, Ignition Control, Instrument Cluster, Lamps, Message Systems, Power Systems, Speed Control, Vehicle Theft Security, Wipers/Washers, Wiring), Body, Heating & Air Conditioning, Emissions Control (including specific coverage for 2.5L Turbo Diesel).

Procedures Included:

Preventive maintenance, lubrication, routine maintenance schedules, step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic troubleshooting flowcharts, component removal and installation, torque specifications, electrical system testing, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, emissions control system testing and repair.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, ranging from basic maintenance and fluid changes to advanced diagnostics, component overhaul, and complete system repairs. Includes detailed schematics and specifications for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing. Features searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Binding Type:

Digital (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.3L OHV V6 (2005)

Engine Code Primary:

EGA

Optional Engine:

3.8L OHV V6 (2005)

Engine Code Optional:

L32

Turbo Diesel Engine:

2.5L Turbo Diesel (Specific markets, covered in manual)

Horsepower 3.3L:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 3.3L:

205 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Horsepower 3.8L:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3.8L:

236 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) for later models or specific engines.

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE family)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 2005 US market models, but manual mentions specific diesel transmission

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, with torque converter lock-up for improved fuel efficiency.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length Standard Wheelbase:

Approx. 189.4 inches (4811 mm)

Exterior Length Long Wheelbase:

Approx. 202.5 inches (5143 mm) for Grand Caravan

Exterior Width:

Approx. 72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Exterior Height:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Wheelbase Standard:

Approx. 113.0 inches (2870 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

Approx. 124.5 inches (3162 mm) for Grand Caravan

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Varies by configuration, typically 20-40 cu ft

Cargo Volume Max With Seats Folded:

Over 100 cu ft

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4000-4400 lbs (1814-2000 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2005:

4 out of 5 stars (provided by NHTSA for similar models of this generation)

Passive Features:

Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, three-point seat belts for all occupants, LATCH child seat anchors.

Active Features:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most trims, available Traction Control System (TCS).

Restraints System:

Occupant classification system for front passenger airbag, front seat belt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player was common. Optional upgrades included premium audio systems, rear-seat entertainment systems (DVD player), and in-dash navigation on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by 2005 standards. Features included optional parking assist sensors (rear), cruise control.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity with available aux input for aftermarket audio devices. No integrated Bluetooth or USB for 2005 models.

Electronic Control Modules Coverage:

Detailed information on Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Antilock Brake System (ABS) module, and other electronic modules. Includes diagnostic procedures and component locations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000 to 7,500 miles (or 6 months), depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for exact schedule based on oil quality and severe/normal service.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations, especially if towing or used in severe conditions.

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 3 years, using recommended Mopar OAT coolant.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API Certified (Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 recommended).

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) long-life coolant (specific Mopar part numbers usually required, e.g., P/N 05103533AA).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Known Issues Common:

Common issues can include transmission solenoid failures (especially the 41TE/42LE), EGR valve issues, power steering leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, and HVAC blower motor resistor failures. Door lock actuators and power window mechanisms can also be prone to wear.

Maintenance Schedule Coverage:

The manual details specific service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, belt inspections and replacements, spark plug changes, and other critical maintenance tasks based on mileage and time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a marque of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing versatile and family-oriented vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The 2005 Caravan is part of the fourth generation (2001-2007) of the Dodge Caravan, which saw significant updates in styling, safety, and interior features compared to previous generations.

Production Location:

Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years Fourth Generation:

2001-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Dodge Caravan and its sibling, the Chrysler Town & Country, have historically received numerous awards and accolades in the minivan segment for practicality, value, and family-friendliness.