2005 Dodge Caravan 3.3 liter

[fisher83]

Bought this vehicle back in November. So far I love it. I know that some of the Dodge vehicles were notorious for transmission issues. As a precaution, I changed out the fluid right away with proper ATF+4 and also changed out the coolant with the HOAT stuff that is recommended and replaced the battery. Changed plugs, wires, and oil. Serpentine belt looks good and I just changed the brakes. Hoping all this preventative maintenance saves me issues down the road. Mileage is about 95k. So far, we really love the vehicle. Anyone on here with the same generation Caravan that wants to share their experiences with it? Just curious what to watch for on this van.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Air conditioning takes a dump early, and these vans are like an oven on hot days.

Evaporator leaks are often the culprit, so I've been told, debris can collect and corrode the paper thin evaporator core. The dashboard must be completely removed to repair, major job.

Here in N.J. hot humid days are the moment of truth, anybody with the windows rolled down, their A/C is probably kaput and older Caravans are well represented.

 

[supton]

Given the failure rates on the transmission, I wonder if an auxilary transmission cooler would be of benefit. Me, I'd probably put in a temp gauge too; but I love data and gauges. I know they can run too cold, ergo the gauge. I'm not really sure what takes these transmissions out: long highway trips, or the stop and go of city life (I'm guessing latter).

 

[oilmaven]

Despite some known issues these vans will run a long time if properly maintained. The 3.3L (and larger 3.8L version) is probably one of the best engines Chrysler ever produced...I'd say on a par with the venerable GM 3.8L (but without the gasket issues). Around here the biggest problem I see is early rust...evident on even the later 05/06 models. I believe Chrysler cut some corners regarding corrosion treatment/paint quality on these vehicles and they seem to rust prematurely...especially where road salt is used (not sure about Omaha...btw I lived in Bellvue, NE for a year or so back in the mid-1970's...worked as a clerk in the lumber department at the now-defunct Handy Dan...hard to belive it was 36 years ago!). All in all these are great vans and it sounds like you've done the right things to maximize its life. What kind of mileage are you getting?

 

[fisher83]

I drive mostly in town and get about 18-19 mpg. I've really only gone on one long trip with it and got 22 mpg but that was with 6 passengers and all our luggage and traveling about 75-80mph the whole way to Kansas City.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: fisher83
Anyone on here with the same generation Caravan that wants to share their experiences with it? Just curious what to watch for on this van.


I don't own a Caravan, but have owned a 2001 Windstar and currently a 2008 Odyssey. Caravans aren't any worse than any other domestic minivan. In fact, you see tons of mid 2000 Caravans used in Taxi service in my area. Keep up on the ATF changes, don't tow with it and you should get good service out of it.

Joel

 

[cptbarkey]

my parents are a case study of caravans.

1990 grand caravan, brand new, put about 50k on it, transmission failed after a long distance move loaded down with a trailer. this was my favorite van and body style.

1994 grand caravan, brand new, i loved the interior dash design and still do, i do not remember how long they kept it but it had only dirty fuel injector issues which were fixed easily.

2000 grand cavavan, brand new, the 1994 broke down (again fuel injection problem), dad was balling and instead of fixing it just traded it in. this one was in a front end crash 6 months later, but was repaired nicely, put about 50k on it.

2007 town and country, fully loaded, bought used with about 16k on the odo, around 50k now and no issues except a quirky power rear hatch.

I have driven all of them and like them alot, i've personally owned a 2008 sedona, and now a 2011 sienna, and can say that i would definitely buy a 2011+ caravan if necessary since it was redesigned with fiats help.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Air conditioning takes a dump early, and these vans are like an oven on hot days.

Evaporator leaks are often the culprit, so I've been told, debris can collect and corrode the paper thin evaporator core. The dashboard must be completely removed to repair, major job.

Here in N.J. hot humid days are the moment of truth, anybody with the windows rolled down, their A/C is probably kaput and older Caravans are well represented.

There is one more common cause of AC failure:

Often the AC doesn't work because the blend doors do not open and close as they should.

 

[ryansride2017]

I manage a fleet of Chrysler minivans...most with the 3.3 liter engine, and one with the 3.8 liter engine. Engines are great and burn very little oil. Biggest problem I have had so far are the sway bar links that cause a constant clunking noise in front end. Practically every caravan I've driven has this problem. Parts are fairly cheap, $30 for a set of links, but they are a pain to install. Parts are cheap and readily available at any parts store.

 

[CBR.worm]

I frequently see these as work vehicles with over 200K on them, but I don't know what it takes to get them there.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: ryansride2017
I manage a fleet of Chrysler minivans...most with the 3.3 liter engine, and one with the 3.8 liter engine. Engines are great and burn very little oil. Biggest problem I have had so far are the sway bar links that cause a constant clunking noise in front end.

Mine had that clunking noise too. That was the first thing I repaired, however it was the sway bar bushings, not end links. Installed Moog urethane bushings, problem solved.

Its hard to believe worn sway bushings/end links can make that much noise.

 

[Buick92]

I have an 05 Grand Caravan with 99,000 miles. I have had issues with the AC, EGR valve, power windows, brakes, the front end does make the clunking noise, but have not taken it in as of yet. I just went on a 1,100 round trip and averaged 26.5 MPG so I am happy with that. I am going to change out the plugs and wires soon. If you have any questions just drop me a line and I will give you some more info. The 3.3 is a good engine.

 

[Hokiefyd]

We had an '03 and an '07. They're decent vehicles overall. Common problems are with the power steering system (keep the fluid in the PS reservior fresh), brakes (if you get squeaking from the rear brakes, flush the brake fluid), front suspension (our '07 went through a set of sway bar bushings about every 6-7k miles), and premature rusting (watch for it under the front of the hood and on the rear liftgate). I used to moderate a Chrysler minivan fan club forum; common issues are VERY common, but are generally minor or simply annoyances.

 

[fisher83]

Thanks for the reply! I found the easiest way (for me anyway) to replace the plugs was to hold a mirror back by the firewall and reach around the right hand side of the engine with a ratchet and extension to get to the back plugs. Took me about 30 minutes. I have heard that some years had a rear mounted alternator which made one of the plugs difficult to get to but luckily mine is front mounted. I previously wasn't much of a believer in 100k mile spark plugs but I must admit I was impressed at how good mine looked at 90k when I replaced them. Put in another set of Champion Double Platinums like the stock ones. So far I love this van.

 

[Indydriver]

We just ended a generally happy 12 year relationship with our 3.3 L 2000 Grand Caravan Sport (traded on a new 2012 Sienna XLE) after 170,000 miles. We loved the Mopar van but it was getting to be quite expensive to keep running in top condition. The engine itself never let us down but we've probably replaced everything else under the hood. One of my big frustrations was with constant fluid leaks of one type or another. I kept drop cloths on the garage floor as a routine. At one time we had all three colors-brown, red, and green. We replaced the entire cooling system, including the radiator core which was the real culprit. We replaced some of the "easier" engine gaskets like valve covers and manifolds but could never get the thing to stop dripping motor oil. If yours is not dripping now, I'd highly recommend going to a high mileage oil now before it does.

On the positive side, with close attention to tires, alignment, brakes etc., the thing drove great. We had the "Nivomat" self leveling shocks which are a huge plus on this type of vehicle. We got 20-22 mpg loaded down on the highway at above posted mph and made many successful family trips through the years. Based on my experience, I'd say you've got about 50% of the useful life left in your Mopar van. Good luck with it.