🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan / Grand Caravan

Model Years Covered:

2001-2002

Engine Options Covered:

Petrol & Diesel

Platform Code:

RS (Third Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size minivan, family vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations (Stow 'n Go introduced later models), comfortable ride, strong V6 engine options, availability of AWD on some trims.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides DIY mechanics and professional technicians with the definitive resource for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing these vehicles, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper service.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Of Operation:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchability:

Searchable text within PDF for quick information retrieval.

Licensing:

No expiry dates, no per-user fees.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul procedures, component diagnostics, timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head repair, piston and ring service, crankshaft and bearing inspection.

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (MPI, DI), fuel pump testing, injector service, fuel pressure regulation, fuel filter replacement, diesel injection systems (CRD, VP44).

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch/electric fan operation, coolant leaks, pressure testing, flush and fill procedures.

Engine Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter replacement, oil pan removal, oil pressure testing, lubrication passages.

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributorless ignition system (DIS), ignition timing, coil-on-plug (COP) systems.

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, O2 sensors, emission controls.

Transmission Automatic:

Fluid checks, filter and pan service, torque converter diagnostics, valve body testing, shift solenoid replacement, complete overhaul procedures.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch service, gear selection diagnostics, transmission fluid, internal component inspection.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) axles, CV joints, differential service, wheel hub replacement.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleed, ABS system diagnostics, parking brake adjustment.

Steering:

Power steering pump, steering rack and pinion service, tie rod ends, steering column components, alignment specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, sway bars), spring replacement, ride height adjustments.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), wiring diagrams, fuse and relay identification and testing, lighting systems.

Body Control Modules:

BCM diagnostics, power windows, door locks, interior/exterior lighting controls, remote keyless entry (RKE).

Climate Control HVAC:

A/C system diagnostics, refrigerant charging, compressor, evaporator, heater core replacement, blower motor, temperature control actuators.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and component replacement, seat belt service, occupant restraint systems.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door and liftgate servicing, interior trim removal, underbody protection, structural components.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

OBD-II codes, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pinpoint tests, component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Engine Repair:

Engine tune-up, internal engine component replacement (bearings, seals, gaskets), cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, valve adjustments.

Transmission Repair:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, seal replacement, clutch pack inspection and replacement, valve body repair.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder rebuilding, brake line replacement, bleeding procedure.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, strut and shock absorber replacement, power steering fluid flush, steering rack replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charging system faults, diagnosing starting system issues, tracing electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, replacing sensors and actuators.

HVAC Repair:

A/C system leak detection and repair, refrigerant evacuation and recharge, blower motor and resistor replacement, heater core replacement.

Body And Trim Repair:

Door panel removal, interior lighting replacement, exterior trim piece installation, liftgate strut replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Using scan tools, interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), performing actuator tests, reading live data streams.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

In-depth troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, including symptom analysis and component-level testing.

Component Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and material specifications for all major components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams for all electrical components and modules.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Petrol Base:

3.3L V6 (EGA)

Displacement Petrol Base:

3301 cc

Horsepower Petrol Base:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque Petrol Base:

205 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code Petrol Optional:

3.8L V6 (L32)

Displacement Petrol Optional:

3778 cc

Horsepower Petrol Optional:

200 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Petrol Optional:

232 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Code Diesel:

2.5L Turbodiesel (VM Motori VM4.2)

Displacement Diesel:

2499 cc

Horsepower Diesel:

116 hp @ 4000 rpm

Torque Diesel:

217 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Petrol:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Fuel Type Diesel:

Diesel Fuel

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed automatic (41TE/42LE)

Transmission Type Optional:

Manual transmission (less common, primarily for base models/export)

AWD Availability:

Optional (with 3.8L V6)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Wheelbase:

112.1 inches (2847 mm)

Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:

119.3 inches (3030 mm)

Length Short Wheelbase:

186.1 inches (4727 mm)

Length Long Wheelbase:

193.7 inches (4920 mm)

Seating Capacity:

7-8 passengers

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 30-40 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Curb Weight Approx:

3800-4500 lbs (varies by engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

4/5 stars (2001-2002 models)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

4/5 stars (2001-2002 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Seat:

4/5 stars (2001-2002 models)

ABS Availability:

Standard on most trims

Traction Control Availability:

Optional on some trims

Airbags Standard:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Side Airbags Availability:

Optional (front side airbags)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available AM/FM stereo, CD player, cassette player, and optional Infinity speaker systems.

Navigation:

No integrated factory navigation system available for these model years.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine)

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed

Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (petrol); Diesel fuel filter varies

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 100,000 miles (Long-Life Platinum or Iridium)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 50,000-75,000 miles

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles or 5 years

Engine Oil Specification Petrol:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API Certified, meets Chrysler MS-6395)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.3L:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter

Engine Oil Specification Diesel:

API CG-4 or CH-4 rated diesel engine oil (e.g., 15W-40)

Engine Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

Common Issue Transmission Slipping:

Fluid leaks, worn clutch packs, or faulty valve body in automatic transmissions.

Common Issue Engine Mounts:

Worn or broken engine mounts leading to vibration and noise, especially under acceleration.

Common Issue Power Windows:

Failure of window regulators or motors.

Common Issue Ac System:

Leaky O-rings, compressor clutch failure, or clogged heater cores.

Common Issue Fuel Pump:

Intermittent or complete failure of the electric fuel pump.

Common Issue Diesel Glow Plugs:

Issues with glow plug reliability leading to hard starting in cold weather.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in 1983.

Third Generation Debut:

Launched for the 1996 model year, the RS platform represented a significant redesign, offering improved aerodynamics, increased interior space, and new powertrain options.

2001 Facelift:

The 2001 model year brought a significant refresh to the third generation, including updated styling, interior enhancements, and revised powertrain options, including the availability of the more powerful 3.8L V6 and AWD.

Production Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan was a recurring nominee and winner of Car and Driver's 10Best list in its earlier generations, establishing its minivan dominance.

Jd Power Initial Quality Study:

While specific rankings vary by year, the Caravan series generally performed adequately in its segment, with common minivan issues impacting its scores.

Manual Authenticity:

Derived from official Chrysler factory service documentation.