Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics, professional technicians.
Competitors 2004:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza, Kia Sedona.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, Stow 'n Go seating (available on later models of this generation but not standard on all 2004 trims), affordable pricing, robust powertrain options.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive DIY repair capabilities, reduces dealership service costs, ensures proper maintenance for longevity.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, starting and charging system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Automatic Transmission (41TE/42LE), Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Axles, Drivelines, Torque Converter.
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS, RWAL), Steering system, Suspension system (front and rear), Wheels and tires.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system, seating systems.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), audio system, airbags (SRS).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, tire rotations.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing common wear items like spark plugs, belts, hoses, batteries, alternator, starter motor, water pump, fuel pump, radiators.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, electrical component resistance values, fluid capacities and types, alignment specifications, engine timing specifications.
Level:
Expert-level detailed, covering complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Overall Length:
189.6 inches
Overall Width:
76.0 inches
Overall Height:
67.5 inches
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (2-2-3 configuration standard)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 146.5 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 74.2 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 25.7 cu. ft.
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 4,250 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,600 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Driver:
4-Star (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
4-Star (2004 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard on all models (Rear Wheel Anti-lock - RWAL on some base models, 4-wheel ABS on higher trims)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS), Optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchors.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional cassette tape. Available premium audio with amplifier and rear entertainment system (RES) on higher trims.
Rear Entertainment:
Optional overhead or seat-mounted DVD player with integrated screen on select models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park assist system.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions often available.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (for iridium-tipped spark plugs, typically installed from the factory).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter every 60,000 miles or as indicated by fluid condition.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic recommended for longer drain intervals).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.8 Liters (4.0 Quarts) for 3.3L engine, 4.3 Liters (4.5 Quarts) for 3.8L engine (filter included).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Prediluted (50/50).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 Liters (13.2 Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 Liters (4.5 Quarts) for fluid change with filter, 8.5 Liters (9.0 Quarts) for complete overhaul.
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier 3.3L), intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional oil pressure sensor failures.
Transmission:
Torque converter shudder or failure, solenoid pack issues, potential for planetary gear set wear in high-mileage units.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to vehicle weight and typical usage.
Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Dodge History:
Dodge, established in 1914, has a long history of producing robust and practical vehicles, including a significant presence in the minivan segment.
Caravan Genesis:
The Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager counterpart, is credited with creating the minivan segment in the early 1980s.
Third Generation Ns:
The 2004 model year represents the final year of the third-generation (NS) Caravan, which debuted for the 1996 model year with significant updates including longer wheelbase options and improved aerodynamics.
Production Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Dodge Caravan production plant).
Production Years Ns Gen:
1996-2004
Initial Reception:
The original Caravan revolutionized the automotive market and consistently received positive reviews for practicality and value upon its introduction.
Consumer Reports Historical:
Varied over the generation; early third-gen models generally rated average to above average for the class, with some reliability concerns in later years reported.
Manual Certification:
Represents factory service procedures, adhering to all automotive engineering standards for Chrysler Group.