Target Audience:
Families, commercial use (taxi, shuttle), DIY mechanics, professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Lumina.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, comfortable ride, generally reliable powertrains, good value proposition.
Manual Value:
Essential for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle effectively, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM).
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmissions (e.g., 41TE, 42LE), drivelines, axles, differentials, transaxles.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump and lines.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, climate control electronics.
Body:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system (including A/C refrigerant handling).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, circuit testing, component testing, scan tool usage.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhauls, transmission R&R and rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, steering rack replacement, etc.
Installation:
Procedures for installation and removal of various components (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension parts, body panels).
Depth:
Expert-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies and specifications.
Engine Option 1:
3.3L V6 (EGA)
Displacement 1:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Configuration 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower 1:
Approximately 180-185 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 1:
Approximately 235-240 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm
Engine Option 2:
3.8L V6 (L32)
Displacement 2:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Configuration 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower 2:
Approximately 200-205 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm
Torque 2:
Approximately 235-240 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Throttle Body:
Drive-by-Wire (DBW) introduced in later years of this generation.
NHTSA Front Driver:
4-Star (2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
4-Star (2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star (2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
5-Star (2003-2004 models)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some early trims.
Traction Control:
Optional on higher trims, became more common in later years.
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat mounted side airbags on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
All seating positions equipped with three-point seat belts; driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule. Consult manual.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by plug type; typically 30,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, ILSAC GF-3) - Check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature.
Coolant Spec:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for specific designation).
Common Problems 1:
Transmission issues (slipping, harsh shifting, failure to engage), particularly with the 41TE/42LE transmissions. Torque converter shudder. Leaking intake manifold gaskets.
Common Problems 2:
Power steering pump leaks, AC system leaks, wheel bearing failures, alternator failures, EGR valve issues.
Common Problems 3:
Headliner sagging, interior trim panel detaching, door lock actuator failures.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing versatile and practical vehicles, with the Caravan being a pioneer in the minivan segment.
Generation:
This period (2003-2007) represents the third generation (NS) of the Dodge Caravan, which was an evolution of the original minivan concept.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Production Span:
The NS platform was produced from 2001 through 2007, with significant updates in styling and features during its run.
