🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

2003

Body Style:

Minivan

Generation Designation:

Fourth Generation (RS)

Platform Code:

RS

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring flexible cargo and passenger space, fleet operators.

Key Competitors 2003:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza (later model).

Versatility:

Known for its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements (Stow 'n Go not yet available in this generation, but power minivans offered). Long wheelbase versions provided ample cargo capacity.

Powertrain Options:

Offered a range of V6 petrol engines and a diesel option in some markets, providing choice for power and fuel economy.

Completeness:

Official factory documentation ensures accuracy and completeness of repair information.

Diagnostic Value:

Crucial for accurate diagnosis of complex electronic and mechanical issues encountered in modern vehicles.

Long Term Ownership:

Essential for owners who plan to maintain their vehicle beyond the warranty period.

📋 Manual Details

Countries Of Sale:

North America (primarily USA, Canada, Mexico)

Region Specific Variants:

Covers models sold in North America, including specific regional equipment or emissions controls where applicable.

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count varies based on printing and included supplements, but typically 1500-2500+ pages for a complete factory manual).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of all petrol and diesel engine variants for 2003, including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and component testing.

Transmission:

Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for automatic transmissions, including diagnosis, fluid changes, and component replacement.

Brakes:

Full coverage of hydraulic brake systems, ABS, and associated components, including bleeding, pad/rotor replacement, and hydraulic unit diagnosis.

Suspension Steering:

Repair and adjustment procedures for front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, and wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

Extensive diagnostics and repair procedures for all electrical systems, including wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, locks, and ECUs.

HVAC:

Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and performance testing.

Body Exterior:

Information on body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, latches, glass replacement, and exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Procedures for interior trim removal and installation, seat mechanisms, dashboard components, and headliner.

Chassis Frame:

Details on chassis components, mounting points, and general structural information.

Exhaust:

Repair and replacement procedures for exhaust system components.

Fuel System:

Comprehensive coverage of fuel delivery, injection systems, fuel tank, and evaporative emissions controls for both petrol and diesel engines.

Cooling System:

Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the engine cooling system, including radiators, water pumps, and thermostats.

Ignition System:

Detailed information on ignition system components, coil-on-plug systems, spark plugs, and ignition timing for petrol engines.

Engine Management:

In-depth coverage of engine control modules (ECMs), sensor diagnostics, and engine performance tuning parameters.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug intervals, and general upkeep procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for virtually every part of the vehicle.

Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly instructions.

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic scan tools, reading trouble codes (DTCs), and interpreting sensor data.

Installation:

Procedures for installing new components, accessories, and aftermarket parts where applicable.

Specifications Adjustments:

Precise specifications for clearances, torques, pressures, fluid levels, and adjustments for optimal performance and longevity.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive and in-depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Covers electronic diagnostics with detailed explanations of sensor functions and control module operations.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Specifies required tools, including specialized factory tools and common diagnostic equipment.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF. Searchable text is a strong possibility for factory manuals, enhancing usability.

Print Readability:

Designed for clear printing. High-resolution diagrams and text ensure legibility when printed.

Binding Recommendation:

N/A for digital format; if printed, professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound, perfect-bound) is recommended for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Recommendation:

N/A for digital format; if printed, heavy-weight, durable paper (e.g., 20-24 lb bond) is ideal for workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Petrol Engine Options:

2.4L (2429cc) naturally aspirated I4 (GEMA engine), 3.3L (3301cc) naturally aspirated V6 (EGA engine), 3.8L (3778cc) naturally aspirated V6 (L32 engine).

Diesel Engine Option:

2.5L (2499cc) VM Motori Turbodiesel I4 (common in European markets, less common in North America).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 140 hp (2.4L I4) to 215 hp (3.8L V6).

Torque Range:

Approximately 145 lb-ft (2.4L I4) to 245 lb-ft (3.8L V6).

Petrol Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Diesel Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection, likely Common Rail (CRD) or similar system for diesel variants.

ECM Type:

Chrysler's proprietary engine control modules.

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmission:

41TE 4-speed automatic (standard on most V6 models)

Automatic Transmission Variants:

42LE 4-speed automatic (sometimes used with specific engines).

Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled, with adaptive shift logic.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:

8.7 quarts (8.2 liters) for initial fill, capacity can vary with torque converter.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Wheelbase:

112.2 inches (2850 mm)

Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:

119.3 inches (3030 mm)

Length Overall:

Varies based on wheelbase, approximately 189.5 inches (SWB) to 196.6 inches (LWB).

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,900 lbs to 4,500 lbs (1769 kg to 2041 kg), depending on configuration and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Three-star rating (typical for minivans of this era, prone to higher rollover risk due to height).

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Generally acceptable ratings for frontal and side impacts for its time, but specific ratings should be consulted from IIHS archives.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard or optional depending on trim.

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) available on higher trims or as an option.

Airbags:

Front airbags standard. Side airbags and/or curtain airbags may be optional or standard on certain trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, integrated into seat design.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player, and optional premium sound systems. Sirius Satellite Radio was an option.

Rear Seat Entertainment:

Optional rear-seat entertainment systems, typically including a video screen and wireless headphones, were available.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional on most trims.

Oem Navigation:

Factory navigation systems were not common or widely available in 2003 for this model, but some higher trims might have offered aftermarket or dealer-installed options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (5,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type (conventional vs. synthetic) and driving conditions. Consult manual for exact specifications.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (50,000 to 100,000 km), depending on usage. Crucial for longevity of the automatic transmission.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for modern iridium or platinum spark plugs. Consult manual for specific engine type.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 is common for most engines. Check owner's manual or oil cap for confirmation. API certified oil required.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 year/100,000 mile formula). Usually a pink or orange color. **Never mix different types.**

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify exact type and standard.

Transmission Problems:

Early models and certain transmissions can be prone to solenoid pack failures, torque converter shudder, and internal wear if not maintained. Low fluid level or poor quality fluid exacerbates these issues.

Engine Mounts:

Worn engine and transmission mounts can lead to excessive vibration, especially at idle or during acceleration.

Power Sliding Doors:

Power sliding door mechanisms can experience issues with motors, cables, and sensors, leading to slow operation or failure to open/close.

Rear Climate Control:

Problems with the rear climate control blower motor or ducting can reduce effectiveness.

Heater Core:

The heater core is known to leak on some models, often resulting in coolant smell inside the cabin or fogged windows.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Caravan in 1984, setting benchmarks for practicality and family transport.

Fourth Gen Introduction:

The fourth generation (RS body style) was introduced for the 2001 model year, bringing updated styling, improved safety features, and new powertrain options.

2003 Updates:

Minor updates for 2003 might include feature packaging changes or minor styling tweaks, but it remained largely consistent with the 2001-2002 models.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced at Chrysler's Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Value Ratings:

Historically, the Dodge Caravan has been a strong performer in Kelley Blue Book's resale value ratings for the minivan segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports reliability ratings for this generation varied, with some years and powertrains performing better than others. The manual would be essential for understanding potential weak points.

Emissions Compliance:

Covers specific emissions system diagnostics and repairs to meet EPA standards in North America. Manual details California LEV/ULEV or Federal Tier 1 compliance as applicable.