🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2005

Body Style:

Minivan

Platform:

NS (North America)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Minivan

Key Selling Points:

Versatility, passenger capacity, family-oriented features, practicality

Primary Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Venture, Kia Sedona

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, critical for accurate and efficient maintenance.

Vehicle Benefits:

Popular family vehicle known for its spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchability implied)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic), drivetrain components (front-wheel drive)

Chassis:

Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Power distribution, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), comfort systems (HVAC), infotainment system wiring, safety systems wiring

Body:

Body and frame construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components, body hardware

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, HVAC diagnostics

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, camshafts), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement

Specifications:

Torque specifications, diagnostic specifications, alignment specifications, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.

Audience:

Professional Technicians (dealership equivalent), advanced DIY enthusiasts

Wiring Diagram Availability:

Extensive, covering all major electrical systems including engine, transmission, ABS, HVAC, lighting, and power accessories.

Diagnostic Charts:

Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting charts for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Special Tool Identification:

Identifies specific tools required for certain procedures, ensuring correct repair methods.

Engine Rebuild:

Includes detailed steps for engine disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly.

Transmission Rebuild:

Covers overhaul procedures for the 42LE and 41TE automatic transmissions, including component identification and replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital (PDF expected)

Searchability:

Searchable text (standard for quality PDFs)

Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EGA

Engine Type:

3.3L V6 (3301 cc)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Valve Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

3.50 x 3.57 inches (89.0 x 90.7 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Horsepower Est:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Est:

205 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87

Engine Option 2:

2.4L 4-Cylinder (2378 cc, ED3), 150 hp (approx.) - Less common in US market for 2005

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V6:

42LE Automatic

Gears:

4-speed automatic

Transmission Type 4Cyl:

41TE Automatic

Gears 4Cyl:

4-speed automatic

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Initial Fill:

Approx. 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

119.3 inches (3030 mm)

Length:

189.8 inches (4821 mm)

Width:

76.7 inches (1948 mm)

Height:

68.4 inches (1737 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 21.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 79.6 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 141.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight Est:

4,000 - 4,400 lbs (1814 - 2000 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

5,600 - 5,800 lbs (2540 - 2630 kg)

Standard Tire Size V6:

P215/65R16

Optional Tire Size:

P225/60R17 (on some higher trims)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inch)

Wheel Size Standard:

16 x 6.5 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

5 Stars (for models equipped with front-seat airbags)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

5 Stars (for models equipped with front-seat airbags)

NHTSA Side Crash Front Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Front Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Rear Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:

4 Stars

ABS:

Standard on most trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags Front:

Standard advanced driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front and rear side curtain airbags on some trims

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional rear-seat entertainment system, premium audio upgrades available

Display:

Central display for radio and climate control information

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist system

Auxiliary Input:

Typically not standard in 2005; aftermarket solutions common

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, based on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or sooner under severe use

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred), SAE 10W-30 also permissible (check owner's manual for exact specification and API service category)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent (e.g., ethylene glycol with organic additives), typically purple or orange

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 13.4 quarts (12.7 liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problem 1:

Transmission problems (e.g., slipping, delayed engagement, solenoid issues) - especially with the 42LE transmission

Common Problem 2:

Power sliding door mechanism failures or issues

Common Problem 3:

Brake wear and rotor warping

Common Problem 4:

Oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan gaskets

Common Problem 5:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure

Common Problem 6:

CV axle boot failures leading to clicking noises

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of building trucks and performance vehicles, venturing into minivans with the Caravan to capture the family market.

Caravan History:

The Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) revolutionized the minivan segment, introduced in 1984. The 2005 model is part of the fourth generation (2001-2007), which saw updates in styling, powertrains, and features.

Assembly Location:

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

Production Years For Generation:

2001-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Generation Awards:

While specific 2005 awards are scarce, the Caravan platform has historically been a strong performer in family vehicle evaluations and sales.

Konsumen Reports History:

Often ranked as average to below average in reliability by sources like Consumer Reports, particularly concerning transmission durability.