🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2003

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size minivan, positioned as a practical and versatile family vehicle.

Target Audience:

Families seeking a spacious and affordable vehicle for daily commuting, errands, and road trips.

Key Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager.

Versatility:

Flexible seating configurations (Stow 'n Go not yet introduced), ample cargo space.

Powertrain Options:

Reliable V6 engine options known for durability.

Value Proposition:

Often offered at a competitive price point compared to rivals.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic procedures for the 2003 Dodge Caravan.

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, component locations, specifications, and special tools.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3.3L V6, 3.8L V6), transmission (3-speed Automatic 30LE, 4-speed Automatic 41TE/42LE/45RFE), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, ignition system, starting and charging system.

Chassis:

Braking system (ABS, rear drum/disc), suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam), steering system (power assisted rack and pinion), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Body control module (BCM), power distribution, lighting systems (headlamps, tail lamps, interior lights), instrument cluster, infotainment system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC controls, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and diagnostic procedures.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, seats, glass, climate control (HVAC) components, body seals, and rust prevention.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, air filter replacement.

Repair:

Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission repair and rebuild, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints), steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical system tracing, pressure testing (fuel, coolant), component testing procedures.

Depth:

Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Includes detailed torque specifications, alignment procedures, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans with clear text and legible diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Displacement 1:

EGA, 3.3L (201 ci) V6 OHV

Horsepower Torque 1:

Approx. 158 hp @ 4600 rpm, 195 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code Displacement 2:

EPM, 3.8L (230 ci) V6 OHV

Horsepower Torque 2:

Approx. 180 hp @ 4000 rpm, 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Compression Ratio 3.3L:

8.9:1

Bore X Stroke 3.3L:

3.66 in x 3.19 in (93 mm x 81 mm)

Compression Ratio 3.8L:

8.9:1

Bore X Stroke 3.8L:

3.92 in x 3.19 in (99 mm x 81 mm)

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 gallons (75.7 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

30LE 3-speed Automatic

Transmission Type 2:

41TE/42LE 4-speed Automatic (with O/D)

Optional Transmission:

45RFE 4-speed Automatic (available on certain 3.8L models)

Transmission Fluid Spec 30Le/41Te/42Le:

ATF+4 (Mopar Material Specification MS-9224)

Transmission Fluid Spec 45Rfe:

ATF+4 (Mopar Material Specification MS-9224)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx Drain Fill:

4-5 quarts (3.8-4.7 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 189.7 inches (4818 mm)

Width:

Approx. 72.5 inches (1842 mm)

Height:

Approx. 68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112.1 inches (2847 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:

Approx. 150.4 cu ft (4.26 m³)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Seats:

Approx. 88.7 cu ft (2.51 m³)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 4,400 lbs (1996 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating 2003:

4 Stars (driver)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating 2003:

4 Stars (front passenger)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating 2003:

Acceptable

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point active-locking retractors for all seating positions. LATCH child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette or CD player. Optional Infinity speaker systems available.

Rear Entertainment:

Optional rear-seat entertainment system with a VHS player was available.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Power Outlets:

12V power outlets for accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 3.3L:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with original equipment spark plugs (e.g., platinum).

Spark Plug Replacement 3.8L:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with original equipment spark plugs (e.g., platinum).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect more frequently under severe service.

Coolant Flush And Refill:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.3L: 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter; 3.8L: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/100 Formula (50/50 mixture with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Transmission Reliability:

Some reports of transmission solenoid issues and valve body problems in higher mileage units, particularly with the 41TE/42LE.

Heater Core:

Leaking heater cores are a common complaint, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.

Power Sliding Door Motors:

Problems with power sliding door motors and mechanisms can occur.

Alternator Failure:

Premature alternator failure has been reported on some models.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in the mid-1980s, setting the standard for family utility vehicles.

Second Generation Introduction:

The 2003 model year falls within the second generation of the Dodge Caravan, which debuted for the 1996 model year and received significant updates.

2003 Updates:

The 2003 model received minor updates, including potential revised interior trim and features depending on the trim level.

Manufacturing Plant:

Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kid Car Safety Award 2003:

The 2003 Dodge Caravan (and its sibling, the Plymouth Voyager) were recognized by some publications for their family-friendly features and safety.