🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2003

Generation Code:

GS

Platform:

Chrysler NS Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, commercial users requiring passenger or cargo transport.

Key Competitors 2003:

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

Practicality:

Known for its spacious interior, versatile seating configurations (Stow 'n Go functionality introduced later, but early models offered flexible seating), and family-friendly features.

Authenticity:

Directly sourced from factory documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Value Proposition:

Cost-effective alternative to dealership service for maintenance and repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Trims:

All trims

Covered Engines:

2.5L Diesel, 2.8L Diesel, 2.4L 4-Cyl, 3.3L V6, 3.8L V6

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (estimated for a comprehensive factory manual)

Type:

Factory Service Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems, engine diagnostics.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE, 42LE, 45RFE), manual transmission (if applicable for diesel), drivetrain components (axles, CV joints, differentials), transfer case (if applicable).

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS system, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, audio system.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, components, and troubleshooting.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, bumpers, frame, underbody.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. Includes overhaul and rebuild procedures.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, scan tool usage, data stream interpretation, specific diagnostic tests for various systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and assembly instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4L (2429 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (DOHC)

Engine 1 Power:

150 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.3L (3301 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V6 (OHV)

Engine 2 Power:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.8L (3778 cc)

Engine 3 Configuration:

V6 (OHV)

Engine 3 Power:

200 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Diesel Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5L (2499 cc)

Diesel Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (Turbocharged Diesel)

Diesel Engine 1 Power:

114 hp @ 4200 rpm (approx.)

Diesel Engine 1 Torque:

177 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm (approx.)

Diesel Engine 2 Displacement:

2.8L (2776 cc)

Diesel Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (Turbocharged Diesel)

Diesel Engine 2 Power:

147 hp @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Diesel Engine 2 Torque:

259 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm (approx.)

Gasoline Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Diesel Fuel Delivery:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for 2.8L, likely Indirect Injection for 2.5L.

0 60 Mph:

Varies by engine, generally 9-12 seconds.

🔧 Transmission

Gasoline Trans Type:

4-speed automatic (e.g., 41TE for 2.4L, 42LE for V6s)

Diesel Trans Type:

4-speed automatic (e.g., 45RFE for 2.8L Diesel, manual possible for 2.5L)

Optional Trans:

5-speed manual (available on some diesel models).

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive.

Trans Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (Chrysler specification) for most automatic transmissions, manual transmission fluid for manual gearboxes.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

113.0 inches (standard wheelbase), 119.3 inches (long wheelbase option on some models)

Length:

186.0 inches (standard), 197.5 inches (long)

Width:

72.0 inches

Height:

68.4 inches

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 30-40 cu ft (varies by wheelbase)

Curb Weight:

3500-4500 lbs (approx., varies by engine and configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (with optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (for most configurations)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Front airbags standard. Optional side airbags available on some trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems, rear-seat entertainment systems available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed (if equipped).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 miles (conventional) or 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium, if applicable).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, change approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on usage).

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine requirements and ambient temperature suitability).

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent meeting MS-9769. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Transmission solenoid issues (especially on 41TE/42LE), EGR valve clogging (particularly on V6 engines), heater core leaks, power sliding door issues (if equipped), front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in the mid-1980s.

Third Generation:

The 2003 Caravan belongs to the third generation (1996-2007), which saw significant redesigns and updates over its lifespan.

Manufacturing Location:

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

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Konsumen Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings varied by year and configuration, often citing average to below-average reliability for transmissions.