Families, individuals needing versatile cargo and passenger space.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana SV6.
Key Features
Versatility:
Known for its flexible interior seating (Stow 'n Go introduced later in the generation, but the basic platform offered good space), ample cargo room, and comfortable ride.
Powertrain Options:
Offered a choice of reliable V6 engines providing adequate power for a vehicle of its size and purpose.
Value Proposition:
Often positioned as a more affordable alternative to some competitors while maintaining strong functionality.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Model Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels (e.g., SE, SXT, ES, RT)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
2500+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Authorized Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially HTML)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engines including: 2.4L DOHC (G4HC), 3.3L OHV V6 (EGA), 3.8L OHV V6 (EGH)
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions: 4-Speed 41TE/42LE (FWD), including torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, hydraulic system components, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, dashboard instruments.
Suspension Steering:
Front McPherson strut suspension, rear torsion beam axle, power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control module.
Body Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, liftgate, interior trim, seating systems, airbags, seat belts, body sealing.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution.
Information on using diagnostic scan tools, interpreting live data, performing component tests, and understanding electronic control module (ECM) functions.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component rebuilds. Includes specifications, tolerances, and torque values for critical fasteners.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable pages for physical reference.
Print Quality
Image Quality:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics.
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Physical Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
G4HC
Displacement 1:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Configuration 1:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC
Horsepower 1:
150 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque 1:
165 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Secondary Engine
Engine Code 2:
EGA
Displacement 2:
3.3 Liters (3301 cc)
Configuration 2:
V6, OHV, 12 Valves
Horsepower 2:
180 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 2:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Tertiary Engine
Engine Code 3:
EGH
Displacement 3:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Configuration 3:
V6, OHV, 12 Valves
Horsepower 3:
200-215 hp @ 5200-5400 rpm (depending on year/application)
Torque 3:
235-245 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type 1:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Optional
Transmission Type 2:
None (4-speed automatic was standard across most models)
Approx. 3600 - 4100 lbs (1633 - 1860 kg) (depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5300 - 5800 lbs (2404 - 2631 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3800 lbs (1724 kg) (with optional towing package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
Good (for models tested)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable or Good (depending on year and specific testing)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some later models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side airbags were available on some later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, shoulder belt height adjusters, driver seat belt reminder.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette players. Optional Infinity premium audio systems available. Rear entertainment systems (DVD player) introduced on some later models.
Navigation:
Factory navigation systems were an option on higher trim levels in later model years.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were an option on some later models.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Limited connectivity options. Bluetooth integration was not standard in this era. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Other Features
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power sliding doors (optional), power liftgate (optional on some later models).
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (4,800 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 to 32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (specific interval depends on plug type and engine).
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 may be acceptable in specific temperature ranges (consult manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.4L, 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 3.3L, 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 3.8L (with filter change, always verify with dipstick).
Ignition coil failure, spark plug wire issues (on models with distributor ignition). Power window regulators can fail.
Common Problems 3:
Suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links) due to vehicle weight and use.
Common Problems 4:
EGR valve clogging, especially with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Common Problems 5:
Climate control module failures, leading to HVAC system malfunctions.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, including their pioneering minivan offerings.
Model Evolution
Generation:
This period covers the third generation (RS) of the Dodge Caravan, launched in 1996 and significantly updated for the 2001 model year (often referred to as a mid-cycle refresh for the third generation).
Key Updates 2001:
Revised exterior styling, updated interior design, introduction of more powerful engine options, improved safety features, and enhancement of minivan technologies.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Sales Context:
The Dodge Caravan, along with its Chrysler Town & Country and Plymouth Voyager siblings, were best-selling minivans for much of their production run, defining the segment.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Reports:
Varied ratings over the years; generally praised for practicality and value but sometimes criticized for reliability in specific areas.
Jd Power:
Typically received average to above-average ratings for initial quality and dependability in its class during its production run.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Met all federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) in place for the respective model years.