Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners interested in in-depth vehicle knowledge
Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar/Galaxy, Chevrolet Uplander, Kia Sedona, Hyundai Entourage
Vehicle Attributes:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations (Stow 'n Go), comfortable ride, family-oriented features
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE, 42LE), transaxle, differential, driveshafts, CV joints
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD included), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows/locks, mirrors, seats, HVAC controls, body control modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), infotainment system wiring
Body And Trim:
Body exterior (panels, doors, hood, liftgate), interior trim, seats, upholstery, glass, sunroof (if equipped), collision repair information
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, components
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt systems, anti-theft system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P, B, C, U codes, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing, electrical circuit diagnosis, scan tool usage
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gaskets, pistons, valves), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering component replacement (tie rods, pumps), electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair/replacement
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal and installation, torque specifications for fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics, diagnostic procedures)
Engine Code 3.3L:
EGV (3.3L V6)
Engine Displacement 3.3L:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Engine Configuration 3.3L:
60-degree V6, SOHC, 12 valves
Horsepower 3.3L:
Approx. 175 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 3.3L:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code 3.8L:
L32 (3.8L V6)
Engine Displacement 3.8L:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Engine Configuration 3.8L:
90-degree V6, OHV, 12 valves
Horsepower 3.8L:
Approx. 197 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 3.8L:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Code 4.0L:
4.0L V6 (in some markets, less common for US 08-09 models)
Induction:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Compliance:
Federal EPA standards, California LEV II
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.2 inches (3028 mm)
Length:
Approx. 189.4 inches (4811 mm) (standard wheelbase), 203.7 inches (5174 mm) (long wheelbase - Grand Caravan/Town & Country)
Width:
Approx. 76.7 inches (1948 mm)
Height:
Approx. 68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Passenger Capacity:
7 or 8 passengers
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 31.1 - 39.6 cu ft (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 76.5 - 90.1 cu ft
Cargo Volume Max With Seats Folded:
Approx. 140.1 - 160.4 cu ft (Stow 'n Go)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 4200 lbs (1905 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5700-5900 lbs (2585-2676 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,800 lbs (1724 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 Stars (for 2008/2009 models)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available (Traction Control System - TCS)
Esp:
Available (Electronic Stability Program - ESP / Electronic Stability Control - ESC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags (optional), side curtain airbags (optional)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (severe) or 6,000-7,500 miles (normal) with synthetic blend/full synthetic oil, or as indicated by the Oil Change Indicator System.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.3L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if equipped with platinum or iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.8L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if equipped with platinum or iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check at 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter around 60,000 - 100,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule.
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or SAE 5W-20 for 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines. API certified, meeting MS-6395 specification. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid). Capacity approx. 4.0 - 4.5 quarts (3.8 - 4.3 L) for fluid change, higher for rebuild.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid OAT), or equivalent. Color typically orange/pink or yellow. Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 12.0 - 14.0 quarts (11.4 - 13.3 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. Consult manual for specific type.
Common Problems Powertrain:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially in earlier models of this generation), potential for rear main seal leaks on 3.8L, intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Problems Chassis:
Worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links), brake wear, power steering pump noise/leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty liftgate module, power window motor failures, CAN bus communication issues, instrument cluster problems (intermittent or dead).
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor issues, AC compressor clutch failure.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance and utility vehicles.
Chrysler Heritage:
Chrysler, founded by Walter P. Chrysler, has been a pioneer in automotive engineering and design, introducing innovations like the minivan.
Minivan Introduction:
The Chrysler minivan, introduced in 1983 (Dodge Caravan alongside Plymouth Voyager), revolutionized the family vehicle market.
Fourth Generation Launch:
The fourth generation (RS/RG) debuted for the 2001 model year, with significant updates for 2008 (RG generation).
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (primarily)
Production Years Rg Generation:
2008-2010
