🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Model Variant:

Town & Country

Year:

2003

Engine Type Indicated:

Diesel

Generation:

Fourth Generation (RS)

Platform Code:

RS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics

Competitors 2003:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Mercury Monterey

Versatility:

Known for its flexible seating configurations and cargo space.

C V Model:

The 2003 model year reintroduced the Caravan C/V and Grand Caravan C/V variants, featuring deleted side windows, composite cargo panels, a plastic cargo floor, rubber flooring, and a standard rear hatch, prioritizing utility and cargo hauling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual for 2003 Dodge Caravan and Town & Country with Diesel Engine

Page Count:

N/A (Digital Download)

Manual Type:

Factory Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Instant Access:

The manual is provided as an instant download, eliminating shipping costs and waiting times.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (common rail diesel), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, glow plugs

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, battery, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmission service, clutch system, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) diagnosis

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential

Brakes:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs

Electrical Body:

Lighting system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, interior/exterior lighting

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, liftgate, bumpers

Chassis And Frame:

Frame construction, subframes

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems

Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Wiring Diagrams:

Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for various systems.

Torque Specifications:

Provides precise torque specifications for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission diagnostics and repair

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

Printability:

All pages are printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Searchability:

Likely features searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

2.8L CRD (Common Rail Diesel) - Likely the VM Motori R428 engine

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (approx. 170 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

Approx. 130-150 hp (specific figures for 2003 diesel may vary)

Torque:

Approx. 250-300 lb-ft (specific figures for 2003 diesel may vary)

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Injection Type:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)

Turbocharger:

Likely equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler

Emission Systems:

Details on emission control systems, including EGR and catalytic converter functions.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Diesel:

Likely a 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 42LE or similar)

Transmission Type Gas Optional:

While the manual specifies diesel, gasoline variants often offered a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. This manual specifically addresses diesel.

Transmission Control:

Electronic transmission control module (TCM)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 119.2 inches (Grand Caravan) / Approx. 111.8 inches (Caravan)

Length:

Approx. 195.5 inches (Grand Caravan) / Approx. 177.1 inches (Caravan)

Width:

Approx. 72.0 inches

Height:

Approx. 68.8 inches (Grand Caravan) / Approx. 67.4 inches (Caravan)

Curb Weight:

Varies by configuration, but likely higher for diesel models due to engine and transmission.

Cargo Volume:

Significant cargo capacity, especially in the C/V configuration and Grand Caravan variants.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Good (for models tested with dual front airbags)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models tested with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models

Airbags:

Standard front airbags; optional side curtain airbags and front-seat mounted side airbags available on some trims.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems, rear seat entertainment options.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Park Assist:

Optional rear park assist sensors available on some trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, but consult manual for diesel-specific recommendations.

Diesel Fuel Filter Interval:

Recommend replacement at intervals specified by the manufacturer, usually around 30,000 miles, but critically important for diesel fuel system longevity.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter as per manual recommendations (often around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions).

Engine Oil Spec:

Refer to manual for specific API/ACEA classification and viscosity grade for the 2.8L CRD diesel engine (e.g., SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, meeting specific diesel oil standards).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Refer to manual for specific ATF specification (e.g., ATF+4 or equivalent).

Coolant Spec:

Refer to manual for appropriate antifreeze/coolant type and mixture ratio (e.g., HOAT or OAT coolant).

Diesel Engine Reliability:

Common issues can include glow plug system failures, EGR valve issues, and potential fuel injector problems if not maintained properly. Turbocharger and related plumbing can also be points of attention.

Transmission Issues:

The automatic transmission can sometimes experience hard shifting or premature wear if fluid and filter maintenance is neglected.

Power Steering:

Leaking power steering pumps or hoses are a relatively common concern.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many vehicles of this era, intermittent electrical issues with sensors, modules, or wiring can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge has a long history in the automotive market, known for performance and utility vehicles. The Caravan/Voyager/Town & Country platform pioneered the minivan segment.

Caravan Fourth Gen:

The 2003 model is part of the fourth generation (RS) of the Dodge Caravan and its Chrysler sibling, the Town & Country, which debuted for the 2001 model year and continued with minor updates through 2007. This generation introduced improved styling, interior features, and powertrain options, including the diesel variant in some markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saltillo, Mexico

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Caravan Legacy:

The Dodge Caravan and its Town & Country variant have consistently been strong sellers in the minivan segment, often recognized for their practicality and value.