Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance.
Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza.
Vehicle Purpose:
Family transportation, cargo hauling, versatile utility vehicle.
Manual Advantage:
Provides authorized OEM repair procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness for effective maintenance and repair.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.3L V6, 3.8L V6), Transmission (4-speed Automatic - 41TE, 42LE), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Disc/Drum)
Electrical:
Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems.
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhaul/rebuild.
Depth:
Expert level; covers complete disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all vehicle systems. Includes detailed technical specifications, torque values, diagnostic strategies, and wiring schematics.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
3.3L V6, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.90 x 3.57 in (99.0 x 90.7 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.4:1
Engine 1 Horsepower Est:
180 hp @ 5000 RPM
Engine 1 Torque Est:
205 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
3.8L V6, OHV (Overhead Valve) - 'High Output' variant available in some trims
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.92 x 3.31 in (99.5 x 84.1 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.4:1
Engine 2 Horsepower Est:
200-215 hp @ 5000-5200 RPM (depending on year/tune)
Engine 2 Torque Est:
230-240 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 RPM (depending on year/tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
ECU:
Chrysler's Next Generation Controller (NGC)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Codes:
41TE (for 3.3L), 42LE (for 3.8L)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (All models equipped with 4-speed automatic)
Overdrive:
Yes (4th gear)
Torque Converter:
Lock-up torque converter
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Capacity:
Approximately 10.0 quarts (9.5 Liters) for a drain and fill.
Wheelbase:
119.2 inches (3028 mm)
Length:
190.7 inches (4843 mm)
Width:
76.9 inches (1953 mm)
Height:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Passenger Volume Est:
140.8 cubic feet (3.99 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row Est:
30.1 cubic feet (0.85 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row Est:
73.3 cubic feet (2.08 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Max Est:
142.5 cubic feet (4.03 cubic meters)
Curb Weight Est Start:
4200 lbs (1905 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
5700 lbs (2585 kg)
Wheelbase Options:
Standard wheelbase and optional Long Wheelbase (SWB/LWB) variants exist, check specific vehicle.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size Est:
P215/70R15
Optional Tire Size Est:
P225/60R16, P235/55R17 (on higher trims/later models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver Est:
4 Stars (2001-2007 models varied slightly)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger Est:
4 Stars (2001-2007 models varied slightly)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Est:
5 Stars (2001-2007 models varied slightly)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Est:
4 Stars (2001-2007 models varied slightly)
ABS:
Standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims/models.
Electronic Stability Control:
Not widely available or standard during this generation.
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat mounted side airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio available on later models.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Rear Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat video entertainment system (RSES) with VCR or DVD player on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on all models.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors available on some trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, may be available via aftermarket integration.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for this generation.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to owner's manual for specific intervals and oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.3L V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium plugs; 3.8L V6: 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or more frequently if used for heavy towing or severe service.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional (check manual for exact recommendation based on temperature).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Formula OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Mopar P/N 05010885AA or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3.
Common Problem 1:
Transmission issues: Torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder, failure of solenoids, and internal hard part failures in the 41TE/42LE transmissions are relatively common. Fluid and filter changes are critical.
Common Problem 2:
Water pump leaks: Especially on the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, the water pump can develop leaks over time.
Common Problem 3:
Rear heat exchanger leaks: Vehicles equipped with rear A/C/heat often experience leaks from the rear climate control system's heat exchanger.
Common Problem 4:
Power door lock actuators: Failures of door lock actuators are a recurring issue.
Common Problem 5:
CV Axle boots: Premature wear or tearing of CV axle boots can lead to joint damage.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing American vehicles, including practical and family-oriented models.
Generation:
Third Generation Dodge Caravan (NS platform).
Redesign Year:
Redesigned for the 2001 model year, featuring updated styling, interior, and chassis.
Facelift:
Minor refresh around 2005 with updated front/rear fascias and interior tweaks.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saltillo, Mexico.
Production Years Of Generation:
2001-2007
Consumers Digest Best Buy:
The Dodge Caravan (and its siblings Chrysler Voyager/Town & Country) frequently appeared on 'Best Buy' lists from publications like Consumers Digest for its value and practicality during this era.
Jdpower Dependability:
While historically not class-leading in initial quality or long-term dependability compared to Japanese rivals, it offered a strong value proposition which was often recognized.
Manual Certification:
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Standard.
