Segment:
Mid-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, individuals needing versatile cargo and passenger space.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana SV6.
Versatility:
Known for its flexible interior seating (Stow 'n Go introduced later in the generation, but the basic platform offered good space), ample cargo room, and comfortable ride.
Powertrain Options:
Offered a choice of reliable V6 engines providing adequate power for a vehicle of its size and purpose.
Value Proposition:
Often positioned as a more affordable alternative to some competitors while maintaining strong functionality.
Model Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels (e.g., SE, SXT, ES, RT)
Estimated Page Count:
2500+
Type:
Factory Authorized Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially HTML)
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engines including: 2.4L DOHC (G4HC), 3.3L OHV V6 (EGA), 3.8L OHV V6 (EGH)
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions: 4-Speed 41TE/42LE (FWD), including torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, hydraulic system components, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, dashboard instruments.
Suspension Steering:
Front McPherson strut suspension, rear torsion beam axle, power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control module.
Body Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, liftgate, interior trim, seating systems, airbags, seat belts, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for engine component repair (e.g., head gasket, timing belt/chain), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, CV joint replacement, fuel pump replacement, alternator replacement.
Diagnostics:
Information on using diagnostic scan tools, interpreting live data, performing component tests, and understanding electronic control module (ECM) functions.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component rebuilds. Includes specifications, tolerances, and torque values for critical fasteners.
Transmission Type 1:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Type 2:
None (4-speed automatic was standard across most models)
Features:
Electronically controlled, Adaptive transmission logic, Lock-up torque converter.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 - 11.5 quarts (9.0 - 10.9 liters) (check dipstick for accurate level)
Length:
Approx. 181.5 - 184.7 inches (4610 - 4691 mm) (depending on configuration)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.5 - 68.5 inches (1715 - 1740 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.1 inches (2847 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 140 - 150 cubic feet (3964 - 4248 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 140 - 155 cubic feet (3964 - 4389 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 50 - 70 cubic feet (1416 - 1982 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600 - 4100 lbs (1633 - 1860 kg) (depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5300 - 5800 lbs (2404 - 2631 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3800 lbs (1724 kg) (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
Good (for models tested)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable or Good (depending on year and specific testing)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some later models.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side airbags were available on some later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, shoulder belt height adjusters, driver seat belt reminder.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette players. Optional Infinity premium audio systems available. Rear entertainment systems (DVD player) introduced on some later models.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were an option on higher trim levels in later model years.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were an option on some later models.
Phone Integration:
Limited connectivity options. Bluetooth integration was not standard in this era. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power sliding doors (optional), power liftgate (optional on some later models).
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (4,800 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 to 32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (specific interval depends on plug type and engine).
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 may be acceptable in specific temperature ranges (consult manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.4L, 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 3.3L, 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 3.8L (with filter change, always verify with dipstick).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically Mopar OAT or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Common Problems 1:
Transmission problems, particularly with earlier 4-speed automatics (shift solenoid issues, torque converter clutch shudder).
Common Problems 2:
Ignition coil failure, spark plug wire issues (on models with distributor ignition). Power window regulators can fail.
Common Problems 3:
Suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links) due to vehicle weight and use.
Common Problems 4:
EGR valve clogging, especially with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Common Problems 5:
Climate control module failures, leading to HVAC system malfunctions.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, including their pioneering minivan offerings.
Generation:
This period covers the third generation (RS) of the Dodge Caravan, launched in 1996 and significantly updated for the 2001 model year (often referred to as a mid-cycle refresh for the third generation).
Key Updates 2001:
Revised exterior styling, updated interior design, introduction of more powerful engine options, improved safety features, and enhancement of minivan technologies.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Sales Context:
The Dodge Caravan, along with its Chrysler Town & Country and Plymouth Voyager siblings, were best-selling minivans for much of their production run, defining the segment.