Segment:
Mid-size Minivan
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture
Vehicle Identity:
The Chrysler Caravan was a benchmark for the minivan segment, known for its versatility, family-friendly features, and comfortable ride.
Manual Purpose:
Essential for DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics, and fleet managers seeking to maintain or repair their 2003-2007 Chrysler Caravan.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (including MPI), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (41TE/42LE), transaxle, clutch (if applicable), drive axles, differentials
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Systems:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), exterior body panels, collision repair basics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for major components, engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical module repair
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, timing belt/chain replacement, accessory installation (e.g., alternator, starter), brake pad and rotor replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to in-depth engine, transmission, and electrical diagnostics and repair. Includes detailed specifications and torque values.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF for quick access to information
Printability:
Printable pages for easy reference while working
Digital Format:
Downloadable file, no physical binding
Digital Medium:
Digital delivery
Engine Code And Type:
EDZ 3.3L V6 SOHC (OHV in earlier variants, SOHC for this generation)
Displacement:
3.3 Liters (201 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.77 x 3.58 inches (96mm x 91mm)
Horsepower Est:
180 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Est:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code And Type:
EGA 3.8L V6 OHV
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (230 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est:
200-215 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Torque Est:
230-245 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
0 60 Mph Est:
9.0 - 10.5 seconds (depending on engine and load)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., 41TE/42LE series)
Type:
Not typically offered, but some Heavy Duty models might have variations.
Electronic Control:
Electronically controlled with a focus on driver comfort and fuel economy.
Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid type 9602)
Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (dry fill), 8.5-9.5 quarts (total capacity)
Length:
Approx. 189.4 inches (standard wheelbase), 201.1 inches (long wheelbase)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 inches
Height:
Approx. 66.0 - 68.7 inches (depending on roof rack)
Passenger Volume Cu Ft:
Approx. 145-165 cu ft (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 140-150 cu ft
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 25-35 cu ft
Curb Weight Lbs Est:
3700 - 4300 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs Est:
5300 - 5700 lbs
Towing Capacity Lbs Est:
Up to 3,800 lbs (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars (for most models in this range)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars (for most models in this range)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for many models in this range)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and front passenger; optional side curtain airbags available on later models
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH child seat anchor system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette, premium Infinity sound systems available.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat video screens and DVD players available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power sliding doors and liftgate available on many models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually, depending on environment.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Platinum-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles. Standard plugs (if used): 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, or sooner under severe driving conditions. Consult manual for specific severe service intervals.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, color may vary (typically orange/pink). Mopar OAT is also acceptable if compatible.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Chrysler MS-5901 or equivalent ATF+4 (check specific year/model).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Idle Roughness:
Can be caused by intake manifold gasket leaks, vacuum leaks, or faulty EGR valve.
Transmission Slipping Harsh Shifts:
Often related to low fluid level, worn clutch packs, or faulty solenoids. Torque converter issues can also occur.
Power Door Lock Failure:
Actuators and control modules are common failure points.
Rear Wiper Failure:
Motor failure or wiring issues.
HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
Blower motor and resistor failure are common.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager (which shared platforms with the Chrysler Caravan) in the mid-1980s.
Third Generation:
This 2003-2007 period represents the latter half of the third generation (NS/RS platform) of the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan and Chrysler Voyager/Town & Country, with the Chrysler Caravan being a specific trim or variant within this lineup.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Model Timeline:
Introduced as part of the third generation in 1996, with significant updates for 2001. The 2003-2007 period received minor refreshes and feature packaging updates.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
While not always winning, minivans of this era, including the Caravan, were consistently strong contenders on Car and Driver's 10 Best lists for their segment.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Ratings varied by year and specific model, with some praise for comfort and utility, and criticisms often directed at reliability for certain components.
Federal Safety Standards:
Designed to meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the respective model years.
