Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Demographic:
Families, fleet operators, individuals requiring significant passenger and cargo capacity.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Kia Sedona, Hyundai Entourage.
Distinguishing Features:
Stow 'n Go seating, versatile interior configurations, robust powertrain options, comfortable ride quality, strong value proposition.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM), transmission (automatic), transaxle.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheel alignment.
Body:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, roof systems, glass replacement, panel repair.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power accessories, comfort controls, infotainment system, instrument cluster, battery, charging system, starting system, body control module (BCM).
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing.
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, major assembly repair, component overhaul, calibration procedures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Fluid changes, filter replacement, tune-up procedures, brake service, belt replacement.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhaul, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Code:
ED3 (3.3L V6), EGD (3.8L V6), ERB (4.0L V6)
Engine Displacement 3.3L:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Engine Displacement 3.8L:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Engine Displacement 4.0L:
4.0 Liters (3952 cc)
Horsepower 3.3L:
175 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 3.3L:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 3.8L:
197 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3.8L:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 4.0L:
251 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque 4.0L:
259 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Bore Stroke 3.3L:
92.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Bore Stroke 3.8L:
94.2 mm x 90.9 mm
Bore Stroke 4.0L:
96.0 mm x 91.4 mm
Compression Ratio 3.3L:
9.6:1
Compression Ratio 3.8L:
8.4:1
Compression Ratio 4.0L:
9.6:1
Engine Orientation:
Transverse
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves (2 valves per cylinder for 3.3L & 3.8L), 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder for 4.0L)
Wheelbase:
3076 mm (121.1 inches)
Overall Length:
5174 mm (203.7 inches)
Overall Width:
1946 mm (76.6 inches)
Overall Height:
1750 mm (68.9 inches) (Varies slightly by suspension)
Interior Passenger Volume
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 163.4 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 31.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 79.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140.0 cubic feet (with 2nd & 3rd rows folded)
Curb Weight Start:
Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 6200-6400 lbs (2812-2903 kg) (Varies by configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,800 lbs (1724 kg) with optional trailer tow package.
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch steel or alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P225/65R16
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 127 mm (5 x 5 inches)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Crash Rating:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Crash Rating:
★★★★☆ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver Rating:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger Rating:
★★★★★ (5 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models with specific structural improvements)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags, optional roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for all rows.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all seating positions, integrated child booster seats available on some trims.
Infotainment System Availability:
Optional Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreen, DVD player, rear-seat entertainment, and navigation available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkView rear backup camera (optional), park assist sensors (optional).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling (Uconnect), auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendation based on oil quality and driving habits.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (20,000 - 24,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km).
Service Intervals Transmission
Transmission Fluid Service:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), typically change fluid and filter every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), or per manual recommendation.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
For 3.3L & 3.8L (OHV): ~100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs. For 4.0L (24-valve): ~60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred for fuel economy) or SAE 5W-30. Consult manual for exact specification and oil quality (API certified).
Engine Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, P/N 05010878AA (Orange) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant for extended life. Do not mix coolant types.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Common Issue Transmission:
Intermittent shifting issues, torque converter shudder, particularly with the 41TE/42TE transmission. Early models might experience more issues than later ones.
Common Issue Suspension:
Worn front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Common Issue Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, issues with the body control module (BCM), and intermittent power locks.
Common Issue Engine 3.8L:
Intake manifold gasket leaks can occur, especially in earlier production runs.
Common Issue Fuel System:
Clogged fuel injectors, particularly if using poor quality fuel or neglecting fuel filter maintenance.
Common Issue Heating Cooling:
Leaking heater cores or A/C system issues, often related to plumbing connections or component failure.
Dodge Brand Focus:
Known for performance and utility vehicles, with the Caravan line being a pioneering and highly successful minivan.
Fourth Generation Introduction:
The 2008 model year marked the introduction of the fourth generation (RT platform) for the Grand Caravan, significantly redesigning the exterior and interior.
Key Platform Changes:
The RT platform introduced more sophisticated suspension, improved aerodynamics, and the highly popular Stow 'n Go seating system as standard or optional across the lineup.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada's minivan assembly plant).
Production Span:
2008-2010 (This specific generation/facelift).
Wards Auto 10 Best Engines:
The 3.8L V6 engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the 10 Best Engines in 2008 for its refinement and power delivery.
Kbb Best Buy:
The Dodge Grand Caravan frequently appeared on Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy lists for its practicality and value in the minivan segment.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Variable ratings from Consumer Reports; often praised for utility and comfort but sometimes criticized for reliability in certain areas, particularly early in the generation.