🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2003

Platform:

NS (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Minivan

Key Selling Points:

Versatility, passenger and cargo capacity, family-oriented features.

Competitors 2003:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza, Mercury Monterey.

Vehicle Features:

Optional Stow 'n Go seating (introduced later, but versatility is a hallmark), multiple engine options, front-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD not available in 2003 for Caravan), diverse trim levels.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential, authorized technical information for maintenance and repair, enabling cost savings and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Regional Variations:

Covers specifications and procedures applicable to North American market models.

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.4L I4 (EDZ), 3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (EWG)

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (41TE, 42LE)

Brakes:

Front Disc/Rear Drum, Front Disc/Rear Disc (optional), ABS

Suspension:

Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Torsion Beam Axle

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Electrical:

Full schematics, wiring diagrams, diagnostics, body control module (BCM), lighting, power accessories.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, diagnosis, and repair.

Body And Trim:

Interior and exterior trim removal/installation, body panel repair, door mechanisms, liftgate.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, belt replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.

Special Tools:

Identification of specific Chrysler/Dodge special tools required for various procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Features:

Searchable text, interactive diagrams, printable pages, cross-referencing of procedures.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution digital rendering suitable for on-screen viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4 L (147 cu in)

Engine 1 Cylinders:

Inline-4 (I4)

Engine 1 Code:

EDZ

Engine 1 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5900 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.3 L (201 cu in)

Engine 2 Cylinders:

V6

Engine 2 Code:

EGA

Engine 2 Horsepower:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.8 L (231 cu in)

Engine 3 Cylinders:

V6

Engine 3 Code:

EWG

Engine 3 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Management:

Chrysler's proprietary Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Code:

41TE

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (Heavy Duty)

Transmission Code Optional:

42LE

Transmission Features:

Electronic control with overdrive, torque converter lock-up for improved fuel economy.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.1 inches (2847 mm)

Length:

187.0 inches (4750 mm)

Width:

72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Height:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

approx. 140 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

approx. 77 cu ft

Curb Weight Min:

approx. 3,700 lbs (1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

approx. 5,700 lbs (2585 kg) (Varies by configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

Four Stars (2003 models)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

Four Stars (2003 models)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Acceptable (Varied by year/equipment, consult specific test data)

ABS:

Standard or Optional (depending on trim and engine)

Traction Control:

Optional

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions. Pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, optional premium sound system with amplifier.

Rear Entertainment:

Optional rear-seat video system (DVD player with screen) available on some higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist system.

Auxiliary Inputs:

Typically not present on base models; some premium systems might have aftermarket adapter options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe duty intervals may be shorter.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.4L I4: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km). 3.3L/3.8L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (Meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification for 3.3L/3.8L V6; 5W-20 for 2.4L I4 may also be recommended).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Mopar 5-Year Coolant or equivalent meeting MS-9769 spec). Typically a pink or orange color.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-5901 specification.

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier 3.3/3.8L engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, rear main crankshaft seal leaks, camshaft position sensor failure.

Common Problems Transmission:

Transmission solenoid issues, torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder or failure, internal seal leaks.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, rear axle bearing noise (on some models), sway bar links.

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty power window regulators, intermittent door lock issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, ABS sensor faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Caravan in 1984, establishing a benchmark for family vehicles.

Third Generation Ns:

The 2003 model is part of the third generation (NS platform), which ran from 1996 to 2007. This generation saw significant styling updates and powertrain improvements over the second generation.

Assembly Locations:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Production Run:

1996-2007 (NS platform).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automobile Magazine All Stars:

The Dodge Caravan and its Plymouth Voyager/Chrysler Town & Country siblings were frequent recipients of 'All-Star' awards from various automotive publications during this era for their practical design and versatility.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific components; the manual will help address common weak points.