🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Years Covered:

2008, 2009, 2010

Platform:

RT Platform (Chrysler RT Minivans)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, commercial users needing cargo/passenger transport.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar/Windstar (earlier models), Chevrolet Uplander.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, flexible seating (Stow 'n Go), comfortable ride, available All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians with the critical data needed to maintain and repair the 2008-2010 Dodge Caravan efficiently and accurately.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Service, Maintenance, and Repair

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (FWD), Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC Controls, Audio Systems, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), SRS (Airbag) System, Chassis Control Modules

Body:

Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Seating Systems, HVAC System (Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation)

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement, Tire Rotation, Battery Testing & Replacement

Repair:

Engine Component Replacement (e.g., Alternator, Starter, Water Pump, Fuel Injectors), Transmission Service & Repair, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Repair/Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnostics & Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair & Replacement, Interior Trim Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Wiring Diagrams, Component Location Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, and complete component overhauls and rebuilds.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.3 L (3301 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

3.3L V6 (OHV 12-Valve)

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 175 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.8 L (3778 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

3.8L V6 (OHV 12-Valve)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 197 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

4.0 L (3952 cc)

Engine 3 Configuration:

4.0L V6 (SOHC 24-Valve) - "Hurricane" (for AWD models in some markets/trims)

Engine 3 Power:

Approx. 251 hp @ 5700 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 259 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 3.3L:

4-speed Automatic (40TE / 41TE)

Transmission Type 3.8L:

6-speed Automatic (62TE) - *common on later models within this range*

Transmission Type 4.0L:

6-speed Automatic (62TE) with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Features:

Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission, Torque Converter Lock-up, Overdrive Gear

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 121.6 inches (3089 mm)

Length:

Approx. 203.0 inches (5156 mm)

Width:

Approx. 78.5 inches (1994 mm)

Height:

Approx. 68.9 inches (1750 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 39.8 cu ft (1127 L)

Cargo Volume With 3Rd Row Folded:

Approx. 140.5 cu ft (3978 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,300 - 4,700 lbs (1950 - 2132 kg), varies by engine and configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,800 lbs (1724 kg) with optional towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

★★★★☆ (4-Star)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

★★★★☆ (4-Star)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

★★★★★ (5-Star)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

★★★★★ (5-Star)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good (varies by specific test date/configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - named 'ESC Plus' or similar

Airbags:

Frontal Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags (optional on some trims, standard on others)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Available Systems:

Uconnect Multimedia System (CD/DVD/MP3 player, auxiliary input, optional navigation), SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RES).

Parking Assistance:

Optional ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication with Uconnect.

Stow N Go:

Signature feature allowing second and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor for maximum cargo versatility.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, more often in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement 3.3L/3.8L:

At 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with recommended spark plugs (e.g., Iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific fluid type and procedure).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API SN, ILSAC GF-5 compliant).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 3.3L/3.8L V6 engines.

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent, typically pink).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification for 40TE/41TE and 62TE transmissions).

Common Complaints Transmission:

Potential for torque converter shudder, occasional harsh shifting, particularly in older 4-speed transmissions. The 6-speed (62TE) generally improved this, but can still experience electronic control issues.

Common Complaints Engine:

Lifter noise on startup (3.3L/3.8L), oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan, potential for intake manifold gasket leaks. The 4.0L Hurricane engine is generally robust but can be prone to exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Complaints Electrical:

Faulty power sliding door motors, interior light failures, intermittent issues with body control modules (BCM), HVAC blower motor resistor failures.

Common Complaints Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, premature failure of sway bar links, and strut mount bearings can lead to noise and poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge has a long history as a pioneer in the minivan segment, starting with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1984.

Rt Platform Intro:

The 2008 model year marked the introduction of the third generation (RT platform) for Chrysler minivans, shared with Chrysler Town & Country and Volkswagen Routan.

Styling Changes 2008:

The RT platform brought a significantly redesigned exterior and interior compared to the previous RS platform.

Assembly Locations:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Inc.)

Production End For This Generation:

The RT platform minivans were produced through the 2016 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward S 10 Best Engines:

The 3.8L V6 engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the '10 Best Engines' in 2003 and 2004, prior to this generation, indicating its inherent design strengths.

Kbb Consumer Ratings:

Generally receives good consumer ratings for practicality, space, and value.