🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Years Covered: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Codes Platform: NS (Third Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Minivan, a segment known for practicality, family hauling, and versatility. The Dodge Caravan was a dominant player in this market. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Primary competitors included the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Uplander, and the Kia Sedona. The Caravan often competed on price and feature packaging. Key Features Versatility: Known for its flexible interior seating arrangements (e.g., Stow 'n Go from 2005 onwards), ample cargo space, and comfortable ride. Value Proposition: Often positioned as a more affordable alternative to some Japanese competitors while offering robust functionality. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas All Models And Trims: Yes, covers all variations including standard, long wheelbase (Grand Caravan), and potential special editions within the specified years. Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Accuracy: Vehicle-specific, derived from OEM factory service data, not generic DIY guides. Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (e.g., PDF, CD-ROM) or Printed Bound Book (depending on specific product offering). 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: All gasoline engines, including major repairs, diagnostics, and specifications. Covers timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring service, crankshaft and bearing service, lubrication system, cooling system. Transmission: Automatic Transmissions (e.g., 40TE/41TE, 42LE, 45RFE). Covers diagnostics, fluid service, seal replacement, valve body service, torque converter replacement, complete overhaul procedures. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Covers brake fluid replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake line inspection/replacement, ABS sensor diagnostics, rotor/pad replacement. Steering Suspension: Power steering system, front and rear suspension components, steering linkage. Covers Strut replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack and pinion service, wheel alignment specifications. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Covers refrigerant handling, compressor service, condenser/evaporator service, blower motor replacement, temperature control system diagnostics. Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, door hardware, glass replacement, interior trim, seat mechanisms, headliner, body sealant and corrosion protection, chassis electrical. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Extensive troubleshooting charts and diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, often referencing OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tire rotation, brake inspection. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component and system, including detailed instructions for disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly. Diagnostics: Systematic diagnostic approaches, symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagram interpretation, using diagnostic tools. Specifications: Torque specifications for fasteners, engine data (bore, stroke, compression ratio), electrical specifications, fluid capacities, tire pressures, alignment angles, diagnostic data. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including intricate electrical system diagnostics and body repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Typically fully searchable text if digital format (PDF), allowing quick access to specific topics. Print Quality Illustrations: High-quality diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations to guide complex procedures. Binding Type Binding: If printed: Perfect bound or spiral bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment. Paper Type Durability: If printed: High-quality, durable paper designed to withstand workshop conditions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.4L DOHC I4 (less common in later years of this generation), 3.3L OHV V6, 3.8L OHV V6, 4.0L SOHC V6 (introduced later in the generation for some models). Performance 3.3L V6 Horsepower: Approximately 170-180 hp 3.3L V6 Torque: Approximately 200-210 lb-ft 3.8L V6 Horsepower: Approximately 200-215 hp 3.8L V6 Torque: Approximately 230-240 lb-ft Fuel System Injection Type: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI). Engine Management Ignition System: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) or coil pack configurations depending on the specific engine. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 40TE/41TE, 42LE variants). Optional Optional Transmission: In later years, the 45RFE 4-speed automatic (and later 6-speed automatics for related models) became available, particularly with larger V6 engines. Features Transmission Control: Electronic controls with adaptive shift strategies. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Standard: ~113 inches; Long Wheelbase (Grand Caravan): ~119 inches. Length: Varies by wheelbase, typically 189 inches (standard) to 201 inches (long). Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4000-4500 lbs, depending on engine and configuration. Towing Capacity: Typically rated up to 3,800 lbs with optional towing package. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Generally performed well, often receiving 4 or 5 stars for front driver and passenger impacts in NHTSA testing. IIHS Ratings: Good to Acceptable ratings in IIHS frontal and side impact tests for the era. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models. Traction Control: Available Traction Control...
Minivan, a segment known for practicality, family hauling, and versatility. The Dodge Caravan was a dominant player in this market.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Uplander, and the Kia Sedona. The Caravan often competed on price and feature packaging.
Key Features
Versatility:
Known for its flexible interior seating arrangements (e.g., Stow 'n Go from 2005 onwards), ample cargo space, and comfortable ride.
Value Proposition:
Often positioned as a more affordable alternative to some Japanese competitors while offering robust functionality.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
All Models And Trims:
Yes, covers all variations including standard, long wheelbase (Grand Caravan), and potential special editions within the specified years.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Accuracy:
Vehicle-specific, derived from OEM factory service data, not generic DIY guides.
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (e.g., PDF, CD-ROM) or Printed Bound Book (depending on specific product offering).
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
All gasoline engines, including major repairs, diagnostics, and specifications. Covers timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring service, crankshaft and bearing service, lubrication system, cooling system.
Power steering system, front and rear suspension components, steering linkage. Covers Strut replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack and pinion service, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Covers refrigerant handling, compressor service, condenser/evaporator service, blower motor replacement, temperature control system diagnostics.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door hardware, glass replacement, interior trim, seat mechanisms, headliner, body sealant and corrosion protection, chassis electrical.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting charts and diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, often referencing OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component and system, including detailed instructions for disassembly, component replacement, and reassembly.
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine data (bore, stroke, compression ratio), electrical specifications, fluid capacities, tire pressures, alignment angles, diagnostic data.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including intricate electrical system diagnostics and body repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Searchability:
Typically fully searchable text if digital format (PDF), allowing quick access to specific topics.
Print Quality
Illustrations:
High-quality diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations to guide complex procedures.
Binding Type
Binding:
If printed: Perfect bound or spiral bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type
Durability:
If printed: High-quality, durable paper designed to withstand workshop conditions.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
2.4L DOHC I4 (less common in later years of this generation), 3.3L OHV V6, 3.8L OHV V6, 4.0L SOHC V6 (introduced later in the generation for some models).
In later years, the 45RFE 4-speed automatic (and later 6-speed automatics for related models) became available, particularly with larger V6 engines.
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronic controls with adaptive shift strategies.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Standard: ~113 inches; Long Wheelbase (Grand Caravan): ~119 inches.
Length:
Varies by wheelbase, typically 189 inches (standard) to 201 inches (long).
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4000-4500 lbs, depending on engine and configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Typically rated up to 3,800 lbs with optional towing package.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Generally performed well, often receiving 4 or 5 stars for front driver and passenger impacts in NHTSA testing.
IIHS Ratings:
Good to Acceptable ratings in IIHS frontal and side impact tests for the era.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims/models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, available front side-impact airbags, and overhead airbag curtains on some later models.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, integrated child seats available.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Entertainment Options:
Optional rear-seat entertainment systems (DVD players), premium audio systems, and Sirius satellite radio were available.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature on some trims.
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power liftgate (on some models), and power adjustable pedals were common features.
Diagnostics Tech
OBD Ii:
Compliant with OBD-II standards for emissions monitoring and diagnostic trouble code retrieval. The manual details how to access and interpret these codes.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, or 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil, depending on driving conditions and oil type recommended in the manual.
Timing Belt:
For 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines (OHV design), these typically use a timing chain. The 4.0L V6 (SOHC) uses a timing chain. Early 2.4L engines might have had belts, but chains became more prevalent. The manual will specify based on engine variant.
Spark Plugs:
Recommended replacement interval generally between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the type of spark plug (e.g., platinum or iridium) specified.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 is common for most V6 engines. Verify with the manual for specific engine and temperature range requirements. API SN or newer service classification recommended.
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar specification) for automatic transmissions. Crucial to use the correct fluid type to prevent transmission damage.
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant (typically pink or orange). A 50/50 mix with distilled water is standard.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the system specification. The manual will specify the exact type and bleeding procedure.
Known Issues
Transmission Reliability:
Some earlier transmissions in this generation could be prone to overheating or solenoid issues if not properly maintained. The manual addresses diagnostic and repair procedures.
Power Sliding Doors:
Mechanisms for power sliding doors could sometimes experience issues with motors, cables, or switches. Detailed troubleshooting is available.
Cv Axles:
Front CV axle boots can wear out and tear, leading to axle failure. Regular inspection is recommended.
Suspension Components:
Wear on tie rod ends, ball joints, and struts is common with mileage, impacting steering and ride quality. The manual provides replacement procedures and alignment specs.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge is a pioneer in the minivan segment, having introduced the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1984, revolutionizing family transportation.
Model Evolution
Third Generation:
This generation (NS) represented a significant update, offering improved aerodynamics, a more refined interior, and enhanced safety features over its predecessors.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Saltillo, Mexico.
Production Period:
The NS platform ran from 2001-2007, with this manual covering the latter half of this generation's lifecycle.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Popularity:
The Dodge Caravan was consistently one of the best-selling minivans in North America for many years, indicating market acceptance and perceived value.
Safety Awards History:
While specific awards vary year by year, models in this generation often received good marks in safety assessments from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA for their segment.
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