Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder heads, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing components, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical and electronic), emission control systems.
Engine Performance:
Engine tuning, performance diagnostics, power output analysis, fuel economy optimization.
Transmission Automatic:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (40TE/41TE), removal, installation, overhaul, internal components, valve body, torque converter, electronic controls, diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
If applicable (less common for this generation of Caravan), details on manual gearboxes.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), drive axles, CV joints, wheel bearings, differential.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut system, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, springs, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, alignment specifications.
Suspension Rear:
Independent rear suspension (IRS) with trailing arms and coil springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes Front:
Vented disc brakes, caliper, pads, rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS system components.
Brakes Rear:
Solid disc or drum brakes (depending on configuration), caliper/wheel cylinder, pads/shoes, rotors/drums, parking brake system.
Steering:
Power rack and pinion steering, steering column, intermediate shaft, power steering pump, fluid, system diagnostics, alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), ignition system (coils, plugs, wires), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb replacement, headlight aim adjustment.
Instrument Panel Controls:
Gauges, warning lights, indicators, switches, climate controls, infotainment system controls.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant, system charging, diagnostics, climate control unit.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass, mirrors, weatherstripping, paint, rust prevention.
Body Interior:
Seating, upholstery, trim panels, carpeting, headliner, cargo area, interior lighting, accessory installation.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pre-tensioners, SRS module diagnostics and replacement.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, power sliding doors (if equipped), power liftgate (if equipped), tailgate glass operation.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, battery maintenance, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Diagnostics:
ECM/PCM diagnostic procedures, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit testing, scan tool usage, wiring diagrams for diagnostic purposes.
Overhaul:
Complete overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions, including detailed component specifications and tolerances.
Calibration Adjustment:
Wheel alignment procedures and specifications, headlight aiming, idle speed adjustments, throttle body cleaning and relearn procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic routines, including specific tests for sensors, actuators, and control modules, utilizing scan tools and multimeter testing.
Component Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and material specifications for all critical components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine 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 annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum: 100,000 miles. Copper (less common): 30,000 miles. Refer to engine type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as per severe duty schedule.
Coolant Change:
First change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (most common for all engines).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 certified synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Orange or Pink Coolant (Chrysler Mopar OAT).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar).
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Common with the 40TE/41TE transmission; often related to solenoid pack failure or valve body issues. Requires diagnostic testing.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, or front crankshaft seals can occur over time.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts are common due to vehicle weight and mileage.
Power Sliding Door Mechanism:
Malfunctioning motors, rollers, or cables for power sliding doors can be an issue.
PCM Failure:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures have been reported, leading to various engine and transmission performance issues.