๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Year: 2006 Generation: Fourth Generation (RS) Codes Vehicle Platform: Chrysler RS platform ๐ Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Minivan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2006: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar, Chevrolet Uplander, Kia Sedona, Mazda MPV Key Features Distinctive Features 2006: Spacious interior, flexible seating options (Stow 'n Go on some trims), available all-wheel drive (AWD), proven powertrain reliability for the era. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Content Summary: Covers introduction, instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, driving procedures, customer assistance, reporting safety defects (U.S. only), cleaning, maintenance, specifications, engine compartment details, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filters, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, and accessories. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for this model year and format) Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Key Systems: Powertrain (engine, transmission), Chassis (brakes, steering, suspension), Electrical (lighting, battery, ignition, charging), HVAC (climate control), Safety (airbags, seatbelts, child seats), Infotainment (audio system), Body & Interior (doors, locks, seating, cargo). Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Regular inspections, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire pressure monitoring, filter replacement guidance, basic cleaning and care instructions, jump-starting procedures, tire changing instructions. Technical Depth Technical Depth Level: Comprehensive overview of vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the owner. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions found in a service manual. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Format Details: PDF (Portable Document Format), requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader). Print Quality Print Quality Assessment: Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality dependent on source scan. Typically good for readability and information extraction. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32) Performance 3.3L V6 Power: 180 hp @ 5000 rpm 3.3L V6 Torque: 205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm 3.8L V6 Power: 205 hp @ 5000 rpm 3.8L V6 Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Information Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (41TE/42LE) Optional AWD Availability: Available on select models/trims Features Transmission Features: Electronically controlled, TorqueFlite, with overdrive. ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 119.3 inches Length: 199.5 inches Width: 77.5 inches Height: 67.0 inches Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: Approx. 20.1 cu ft Cargo Volume Max: Approx. 140.5 cu ft (with 2nd and 3rd rows folded/removed) Weights Curb Weight Min: Approx. 4,250 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 5,700 - 5,900 lbs (depending on configuration) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: โ โ โ โ (4 Stars) NHTSA Side Crash Rating: โ โ โ โ โ (5 Stars) Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Optional Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side-impact airbags for front seats. Seat Restraints: 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchor system. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System Features: AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional rear-seat entertainment system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio. Various speaker configurations possible (4, 6, or 8 speakers). Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: Optional rear parking assist sensors. Connectivity Remote Keyless Entry: Standard on most trims, optional on base models. Comfort Features Climate Control Options: Manual climate control, optional automatic climate control, optional dual-zone climate control. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions (check manual). Spark Plug Replacement: Varies by engine (e.g., approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles for recommended plugs). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters) for 3.3L V6, Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 3.8L V6 Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Power Steering Fluid: ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid. Known Issues Common Issues 2006 Caravan: Transmission solenoids/failure (especially the 41TE/42LE), front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump leaks, cooling fan motor failure, rearview mirror auto-dimming failure (if equipped), potential for seized caliper slide pins. Part Numbers Oil Filter Example: Mopar: MO-099, Fram: CH6000, Wix: 57060 (always verify compatibility for specific engine and trim) Refill Capacities Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons Lubricant Specifications Chassis Lubrication: Refer to manual for specific grease types and locations for suspension and steering components (typically NLGI #2). ๐ Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Minivan Legacy: Dodge...
Regular inspections, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire pressure monitoring, filter replacement guidance, basic cleaning and care instructions, jump-starting procedures, tire changing instructions.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth Level:
Comprehensive overview of vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the owner. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions found in a service manual.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format Details:
PDF (Portable Document Format), requires PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Print Quality
Print Quality Assessment:
Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality dependent on source scan. Typically good for readability and information extraction.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32)
Performance
3.3L V6 Power:
180 hp @ 5000 rpm
3.3L V6 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
3.8L V6 Power:
205 hp @ 5000 rpm
3.8L V6 Torque:
236 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Information
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (41TE/42LE)
Optional
AWD Availability:
Available on select models/trims
Features
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, TorqueFlite, with overdrive.
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
119.3 inches
Length:
199.5 inches
Width:
77.5 inches
Height:
67.0 inches
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20.1 cu ft
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140.5 cu ft (with 2nd and 3rd rows folded/removed)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 4,250 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,700 - 5,900 lbs (depending on configuration)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
โ โ โ โ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Rating:
โ โ โ โ โ (5 Stars)
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, available side-impact airbags for front seats.
Seat Restraints:
3-point seat belts in all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchor system.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System Features:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional rear-seat entertainment system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio. Various speaker configurations possible (4, 6, or 8 speakers).
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions (check manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine (e.g., approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles for recommended plugs).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters) for 3.3L V6, Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 3.8L V6
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Known Issues
Common Issues 2006 Caravan:
Transmission solenoids/failure (especially the 41TE/42LE), front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump leaks, cooling fan motor failure, rearview mirror auto-dimming failure (if equipped), potential for seized caliper slide pins.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
Mopar: MO-099, Fram: CH6000, Wix: 57060 (always verify compatibility for specific engine and trim)
Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 gallons
Lubricant Specifications
Chassis Lubrication:
Refer to manual for specific grease types and locations for suspension and steering components (typically NLGI #2).
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Caravan in the mid-1980s, establishing it as a dominant player.
Model Evolution
Fourth Generation Rs Debut:
Introduced for the 2001 model year, the fourth generation (RS) offered a significant redesign with improved styling, chassis dynamics, and interior features, including the highly successful Stow 'n Go seating system introduced for 2005.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports often cited the Dodge Grand Caravan (the long-wheelbase version of the Caravan) for its practicality and feature set, though reliability ratings could be average to below average in certain years due to transmission issues.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Manufactured to meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 2006.