🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Grand Caravan

Year:

2004

Generation Code:

RS

Generation Years:

2001-2007

Chassis Code:

NS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families and individuals requiring versatile passenger and cargo transport.

Key Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana, Kia Sedona.

Distinguishing Features:

Known for spacious interior, flexible seating configurations (Stow 'n Go seating introduced later in the generation), and a wide range of available powertrains. Front-wheel drive standard, optional all-wheel drive.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for owners.

Secondary Focus:

Safety systems, controls, and specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era and vehicle class).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, engine oil, battery, air filter, refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Electrical And Lighting:

Instrument cluster, lights (headlights, taillights, interior), battery, fuses.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate controls (HVAC), entertainment systems, driver controls, locks and security, seating, interior features.

Safety And Restraints:

Seating and safety restraints (airbags, seat belts), child restraint systems, reporting safety defects (U.S. only).

Driving And Operation:

Driving techniques, starting the engine, shifting gears, braking, parking, towing information (if applicable).

Maintenance And Care:

Cleaning procedures, routine maintenance checks, fluid level checks, basic troubleshooting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change recommendations, air filter replacement, tire pressure checks, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid).

Basic Troubleshooting:

Understanding warning lights, common operational issues, troubleshooting minor problems.

Safety Feature Operation:

Correct use of seat belts, understanding airbag system operation, child seat installation guidance.

Accessory Installation:

Information regarding the use and potential installation of factory-approved accessories.

Depth:

Owner-level understanding; covers operation, basic checks, and simple maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR was applied during digitization.

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Quality:

Digital reproduction quality depends on the source material and scanning process; generally high for factory manuals.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

3.3L V6 (EGA) OHV 12V

Bore X Stroke:

3.90 x 3.57 in (99.1 x 90.7 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code And Type:

3.8L V6 (L32) OHV 12V

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Code And Type:

3.8L V6 Supercharged (L32 SC)

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque:

245 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Code:

41TE (FWD)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic with All-Wheel Drive

Transmission Code:

42AE (AWD)

Gear Selection:

Driver-selectable gear ranges (e.g., 1, 2, D, Overdrive).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 193.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 72.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.4 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 119.3 inches

Passenger Capacity:

7-8 passengers

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 20.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 83.7 cu ft

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 141.0 cu ft (with 2nd and 3rd rows folded/removed)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,200 - 4,600 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,800 - 6,100 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Driver: 5-star, Passenger: 4-star (2004 data)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating:

Front Driver: 4-star, Front Passenger: 4-star, Rear Driver: 4-star, Rear Passenger: 4-star (2004 data)

IIHS Front Offset Score:

Good (for models equipped with optional side airbags; check specific year/trim for details)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

N/A for 2004 model year

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard; optional side-impact airbags available.

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts for all seating positions; front seat belt pretensioners.

Child Safety:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (early models), and optional premium audio systems. Rear-seat entertainment options available on some trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park assist sensors available.

Remote Entry:

Keyless entry system with remote key fob standard on most trims.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard or available depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe service); 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service) with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement around 15,000-30,000 miles depending on conditions.

Spark Plugs:

Varies by plug type. Platinum-tipped plugs generally have longer intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles), while standard plugs are shorter. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Fluid:

Inspect fluid level regularly. Change fluid and filter approximately every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and fluid type. Refer to manual for exact procedure.

Engine Oil Type And Capacity:

SAE 5W-30 API SN or higher. Capacity typically 3.5 quarts (3.3L) or 4.5 quarts (3.8L), check dipstick.

Coolant Type And Capacity:

Chrysler Type MS-9769 (HOAT) or equivalent. Capacity typically 10.2 quarts (9.7L).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-5901 specification.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid +4)

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar: MO-899, Fram: PH373, Wix: 51515 (Verify for specific engine)

Air Filter Example:

Mopar: 4609167AA, Fram: CA8068, Wix: 42013 (Verify for specific engine)

Common Problems:

Transmission issues (especially torque converter clutch failure on earlier models), suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system rust, power door lock actuator failures, HVAC blend door actuator issues, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, rear main seal).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 19.0 gallons

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, now Stellantis).

Generation Context:

Part of the third generation of the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan (RS platform), a significant redesign from the previous NS platform. Introduced updated styling and technology.

Production Location:

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

Production Period For Generation:

2001-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The Dodge Grand Caravan has historically been a strong contender in the minivan segment, often recognized for its practicality and value. Specific awards for the 2004 model year might be found in automotive reviews of the period.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Ratings vary by year and specific configuration. Historically, reliability ratings for this generation could be mixed; owner's manual provides crucial maintenance guidance.