DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet owners, Dodge Caravan owners seeking to understand and maintain their vehicle
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Buick Terraza (later)
Key Features
Vehicle Appeal:
Spacious interior, versatile seating (Stow 'n Go on later models), comfortable ride, practical for families and cargo transport
Manual Value Proposition
Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate procedures to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving time and money while ensuring vehicle longevity and safety.
Troubleshooting common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, using diagnostic scan tools, interpreting DTCs
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, allowing for precise troubleshooting of circuits
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, valve clearances, bore and stroke dimensions, etc.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body panel repair
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Fully searchable text content for quick access to information
Print Quality
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
EGD
Engine Description 1:
3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6, 12-valve
Horsepower 1:
180 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
200 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Optional Engine
Engine Code 2:
EGH
Engine Description 2:
3.8L (3778cc) OHV V6, 12-valve
Horsepower 2:
200 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Chrysler SBEC/JTEC based systems (specific variants apply)
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Model Code 1:
41TE
Model Code 2:
42LE (for some 3.8L applications)
Features
Overdrive:
Yes, 4th gear is overdrive
Torque Converter Lockup:
Electronically controlled lockup clutch
Fluid Type
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Capacity
Capacity Approx:
8.0 US quarts (7.6 Liters) for a dry fill; 4-5 US quarts for a fluid change
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
119.3 inches (3030 mm)
Length:
195.5 inches (4966 mm)
Width:
72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 15.6 cubic feet (442 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 79.2 cubic feet (2242 Liters)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 145.2 cubic feet (4111 Liters)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
4,000 - 4,200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
5,700 lbs (2585 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5/5 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4/5 Stars (2003 model)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Acceptable (2003 model)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH child seat anchors
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Options:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system, optional rear-seat entertainment (DVD player).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on select models.
Connectivity
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional on most trims.
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard or optional depending on trim.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
3.3L V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs. 3.8L V6: Similar interval. Consult manual for exact type.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions. 'Severe' service recommends more frequent changes.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions); SAE 10W-30 can be used in warmer climates. Consult owner's manual for specific API service classification (e.g., API SN or equivalent).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent HOAT coolant meeting Chrysler MS-9769 specifications. Color is typically orange.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Transmission Slipping:
Common issue with the 41TE/42LE transmission, often related to solenoid packs, fluid leaks, or internal wear. Regular fluid changes and filter service are critical.
Front Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts can wear prematurely due to the vehicle's weight and typical use, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Power Sliding Doors:
Can develop issues with motors, tracks, or wiring, leading to slow operation or failure to open/close.
Heater Core Leaks:
Can leak coolant into the cabin, often indicated by a sweet smell or fogged windows.
Oil Filter Housing Leaks:
The plastic oil filter housing can degrade over time and leak oil.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager in 1983, establishing a dominant market presence for decades.
Model Evolution
Generation Period:
The 2001-2007 models represent the fourth generation of the Dodge Caravan, featuring significant styling and packaging updates.
Key Updates 2003-2007:
Introduction of the Stow 'n Go seating system in 2005 significantly enhanced interior versatility; powertrain refinements and styling tweaks throughout the generation.
Production
Assembly Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA (depending on specific year/configuration)
Production Start Year Generation:
2001
Production End Year Generation:
2007
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Previous Generation Awards:
While specific awards for the 2003-2007 generation are less documented, earlier Caravans were consistently top sellers and received recognition for practicality and value.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components; the manual provides the knowledge to address common issues proactively.