๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Grand Caravan Year: 2006 Generation Generation Code: RS Codes Platform: Dodge/Chrysler Minivan Platform ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size Minivan Target Audience: Families and individuals needing flexible passenger and cargo space Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar, Chevrolet Uplander Key Features Versatility: Known for its spacious interior, Stow 'n Go seating (on select trims), and family-friendly features. Practicality: Designed for hauling people and cargo with ease. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's manual content for 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Secondary Coverage: Vehicle operation, features, maintenance, and specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this model year and manual type) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fluid checks, fuel information, battery, air filter Electrical: Instrument cluster, lighting controls, entertainment systems Climate Control: HVAC system operation, adjustments, and features Interior Features: Driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints Exterior Features: Door locks, windows, exterior lighting Procedures Included Operation: Starting and driving, using vehicle controls, infotainment system operation Maintenance: Basic checks (oil, coolant, tires), fluid refill procedures, cleaning guidelines Safety: Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint installation guidance Troubleshooting: Information on warning lights and indicators Customer Assistance: Information on contacting customer support and reporting safety defects (U.S. only) Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and feature utilization. Not a repair or service manual. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Reader Requirement: Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) Searchability: Likely searchable text within the PDF Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality dependent on original printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 3.3L V6 (Standard on many trims) Displacement: 3.3 Liters (3301 cc) Valve Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV) - 12 Valves Horsepower: Approximately 180-190 hp (exact figure varies slightly by specific calibration) Torque: Approximately 220-230 lb-ft Optional Engine Engine Type: 3.8L V6 (Optional on higher trims) Displacement: 3.8 Liters (3778 cc) Horsepower: Approximately 200-215 hp Torque: Approximately 240-250 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Information Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Engine Compartment Fluid Checks: Engine oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level, power steering fluid level, windshield washer fluid level ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle Optional Transmission Type: N/A (Standard for this model year) Features Overdrive: Yes Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 198.6 inches Width: Approximately 75.5 inches Height: Approximately 68.7 inches Wheelbase: Approximately 121.0 inches Interior Seating Capacity: 7 Passengers Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: Approximately 31.5 cu ft Cargo Volume With 3Rd Row Folded: Approximately 77.4 cu ft Cargo Volume With 2Nd And 3Rd Rows Folded: Approximately 140.5 cu ft (with Stow 'n Go) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (depending on engine and equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approximately 5,775 - 6,050 lbs ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Impact: 5-Star (for the 2006 model year, typical for this generation) NHTSA Front Passenger Impact: 5-Star (for the 2006 model year, typical for this generation) NHTSA Side Driver Impact: 4-Star (for the 2006 model year, typical for this generation) NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact: 4-Star (for the 2006 model year, typical for this generation) IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset: Good (for vehicles of this era with similar design) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models Electronic Stability Control: Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on some models Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags Seat Belts: 3-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, optional rear entertainment system. Display: Instrument cluster display for vehicle information, radio station, etc. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Connectivity Accessory Power: 12V power outlets for accessories ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics). Tire Rotation Interval: Every 6,000-8,000 miles Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 100,000 miles for certain plug types (refer to manual for specific recommendations). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check manual for specific engine and ambient temperature requirements) Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (with filter change) Coolant Type: HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar...
Approximately 11.5 - 13.5 quarts (depending on engine)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Transmission Issues:
Some models can experience torque converter shudder or transmission solenoid issues.
Suspension:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) can wear prematurely.
Power Doors:
Power sliding door motors and mechanisms can be a common failure point.
HVAC:
Blend door actuators and blower motor resistor failures can occur.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
PH2 (Fram equivalent) or Mopar equivalent (exact part number depends on specific engine and filter manufacturer, manual lists correct P/N)
Air Filter Example:
PA4492 (Fram equivalent) or Mopar equivalent (exact part number depends on specific engine and filter manufacturer, manual lists correct P/N)
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Caravan/Grand Caravan in the 1980s.
Model Evolution
Third Generation:
The 2006 Grand Caravan is part of the third generation of the Dodge Caravan platform (RS), introduced for the 2001 model year.
Updates:
Received updates for the 2005 model year including revised styling, interior, and powertrain options, which carried over to 2006.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Family Car Awards:
While specific awards for the 2006 model year might vary, Dodge Grand Caravans historically received recognition as capable family vehicles and often ranked well in minivan comparisons for utility and value.