Target Audience:
Families, commercial users, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana SV6, Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country
Vehicle Type:
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) minivan
Notable Features:
Versatile interior, Stow 'n Go seating (later models), family-oriented design
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE, 42LE), transaxle, clutch, drivetrain components
Brakes Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, springs, shocks), power steering system, steering column, steering gear
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks/seats, wipers, horn
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant handling
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hinges, latches, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags
Chassis Frame:
Frame construction, corrosion protection
Diagnostic Systems:
OBD-II diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, wiring diagrams, fault isolation
Repair Overhaul:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension and steering repair, electrical component repair
Installation Adjustment:
Component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, water pump), calibration, alignment specifications
Specifications Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, material specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostics and electrical schematics.
Engine Options:
2.4L I4 (2.4L DOHC EDZ), 3.3L V6 (3.3L OHV EBD), 3.8L V6 (3.8L OHV EGD)
2.4L Power:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5900 rpm
2.4L Torque:
Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
3.3L V6 Power:
Approx. 180 hp @ 5000 rpm
3.3L V6 Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
3.8L V6 Power:
Approx. 200-215 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm (varies by year)
3.8L V6 Torque:
Approx. 230-240 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.3 inches (3030 mm)
Length:
Approx. 198.5 inches (5042 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140-150 cubic feet (varies slightly by configuration)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg) for base models
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 5500-6000 lbs (2495-2722 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (for models with airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (for models with airbags)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some earlier configurations.
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side airbags available on select trims.
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional CD-changer, optional Infinity premium audio systems.
Rear Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment systems (DVD player and screens) available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park assist system available on select models.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most models.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power sliding doors (optional on some models).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as per severe service schedule. Consult manual for exact interval and procedure.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to specific engine: 2.4L I4 (e.g., 100,000 miles), 3.3L V6 (e.g., 100,000 miles), 3.8L V6 (e.g., 100,000 miles) with iridium-tipped plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
API certified SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine and temperature range)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, struts/shocks, exhaust system components, idler pulleys, alternator, power steering pumps.
Common Powertrain Issues:
Torque converter shudder in automatic transmissions, EGR valve issues, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on older V6s), coolant leaks (heater core, hoses).
Electrical Issues:
Power window motors, body control module (BCM) issues, instrument cluster failures, blower motor resistor failure.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing practical and family-oriented vehicles, including previous generations of the Caravan.
Generation:
This period (2001-2007) represents the third generation of the Dodge Caravan (RS body style), which debuted in 2001, offering significant updates over the previous generation.
Facelifts Updates:
Minor styling updates occurred during this generation, most notably in 2005. The introduction of 'Stow 'n Go' seating for the 2005 model year was a significant innovation.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saltillo, Mexico
Production Years:
2001-2007 for this specific generation.
