Target Demographic:
Families, individuals requiring flexible cargo and passenger space
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Venture, Ford Windstar
Vehicle Selling Points:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, comfortable ride, practical for families
Primary Use Case:
DIY repairs, professional diagnostics, preventative maintenance
Powertrain:
Engine (3.3L V6, 3.8L V6), Transmission (4-speed automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (front and rear disc, ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Ignition system, Charging system, Starting system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power accessories, Body control module (BCM), Powertrain control module (PCM), Antitheft system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), Restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), Trim components
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter change, Air filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush and fill, Brake fluid flush, Transmission fluid change, Differential fluid check/change (if applicable)
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), Brake caliper/rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement (e.g., struts, ball joints), Exhaust system repair, HVAC component repair, Electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts for common symptoms, OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, Component testing procedures, Wiring diagrams for electrical systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical component specifications, Engine timing specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams for all major circuits
Diagnostic Complexity:
Advanced diagnostics including PCM/BCM scan tool data analysis
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed engine and transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Step-by-step troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees
Wheelbase:
119.3 inches (3030 mm)
Length:
190.5 inches (4839 mm)
Width:
76.7 inches (1948 mm)
Height:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
38.0 cubic feet (1.07 m³)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
83.7 cubic feet (2.37 m³)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
144.4 cubic feet (4.09 m³)
Curb Weight Min:
4260 lbs (1932 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
5750 lbs (2608 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2005)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2005)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (2005 - CRASH TESTED)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems, rear-seat entertainment systems
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard, may be present on aftermarket audio systems
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 3-4 years
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 3.3L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 3.8L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium plugs
Engine Oil Specification:
API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if ambient temp is above 0°F/-18°C)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.3L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) Antifreeze/Coolant - Mopar or equivalent
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Complaints:
Transmission issues (solenoids, torque converter), EGR valve problems, Suspension wear (ball joints, struts), Oil leaks (valve covers, oil pan), Power sliding door malfunctions
Recall Information:
Consult NHTSA or dealer for specific recalls related to the 2005 Dodge Caravan.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in the automotive industry, known for performance and practical vehicles.
Caravan Generation:
Third Generation (NS) - 1996-2000, Facelifted for 2001-2007
2005 Model Updates:
Minor styling updates, potential feature additions across trim levels.
Production Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
