Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, commercial use
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, comfortable ride, strong V6 engine options, good towing capacity
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Automatic Transmission
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front and Rear), Wheels and Tires
Body And Electrical:
Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Electrical Systems (Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Diagnostics, Safety Systems (Airbags, ABS)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, wiring diagrams
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Special Tools And Equipment:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Code:
3.3L V6 (EGA)
Engine Description:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Cylinder Heads
Horsepower 3.3L:
158 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 3.3L:
190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Code Optional:
3.8L V6 (L32)
Engine Description Optional:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Cast Iron Cylinder Heads
Horsepower 3.8L:
180 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque 3.8L:
227 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A for 1998 model year
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Module (ECM) controlled
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) (fill level may vary)
Wheelbase:
119.3 inches (3030 mm)
Length:
190.5 inches (4839 mm)
Width:
76.2 inches (1935 mm)
Height:
68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 160.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 84.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight Approx:
4200 - 4500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg) (depending on engine and equipment)
Towing Capacity Max Approx:
3500 lbs (1588 kg) (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4-star (1998 model year rating)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4-star (1998 model year rating)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, with driver and passenger pretensioners
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) not standard on this model; typically uses seat belts for child seat restraint.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard; optional CD player
Rear Entertainment:
Optional rear seat entertainment system (video cassette player and screen) available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system available on some models.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; standard auxiliary input for aftermarket audio devices.
Oil Change Interval Normal Service:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months
Oil Change Interval Severe Service:
Every 2,000 miles (3,200 km) or 3 months
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (recommended for best performance)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH, ILSAC GF-1 or GF-2)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) with filter (3.3L V6)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) - OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901)
Common Engine Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter adapter leaks, head gasket failures (less common but possible), spark plug blowouts (early models)
Common Transmission Issues:
Torque converter shudder, internal seal failures, transmission solenoid issues
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links
Common Electrical Issues:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator failures, alternator failures, PCM issues
Common HVAC Issues:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor failures, AC compressor clutch issues
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (now part of Stellantis)
Generation:
Second Generation (NS) Minivan
Design Era:
Introduction of the NS platform marked a significant redesign from the previous RS platform, offering improved aerodynamics, safety, and interior packaging.
Production Years For Ns Platform:
1996-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
Popular Mechanics Editor Choice Award:
Often cited for practicality and utility by automotive publications in its class.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings; generally average to below average for the era. Specific issues documented in the manual are crucial for maintenance.
