🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families and individuals requiring versatile passenger and cargo space.

Key Competitors 1997:

Chrysler Town & Country, Plymouth Voyager, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture.

Convenience Features:

Spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, sliding rear doors, and available all-wheel drive (on select models).

Utility:

Excellent cargo capacity and towing capability for its class.

Cost Saving:

Provides the same technical depth as costly factory CD-ROMs, enabling DIY repairs and maintenance.

Accessibility:

Digital delivery ensures immediate access without shipping delays or costs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Varies based on printing, but comprehensive enough to cover all factory data.

Type:

Workshop Service / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants offered in the 1997 Dodge Caravan.

Transmission System:

Complete service and repair for automatic transmissions, including diagnosis, fluid service, and internal component repair.

Suspension System:

Diagnosis and repair of front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, and steering linkage.

Brakes System:

Comprehensive brake system service, including disc and drum brake maintenance, hydraulic system bleeding, and ABS component diagnosis.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair of the cooling system, including radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan.

Electrical System:

Detailed electrical diagnostics, including starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, locks, and accessory circuits.

Fuel System:

Service and repair of the fuel delivery system, including fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, and evaporative emission control.

Exhaust System:

Information on exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipes.

Heating And Air Conditioning System:

Service and repair procedures for the HVAC system, including refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, and heater core.

Emission Control Systems:

Details on emission control components, diagnosis of related faults, and emissions testing procedures.

Body System:

Information on body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, and chassis components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits within the vehicle.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and general upkeep.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle issues.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing all major and minor vehicle components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed guidance on the complete overhaul and rebuilding of engines and transmissions.

Specification Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types, and other critical data for proper repair and maintenance.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete component rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF document.

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print entire sections or specific pages.

Image Quality:

Features numerous pictures and diagrams for visual guidance.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding).

Paper Recommendation:

N/A (Digital PDF format, printing options depend on user).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L (2429cc) DOHC I4 (Viper Engine)

Engine Option 2:

3.0L (2972cc) SOHC V6 (Chrysler EGE/30) - Mitsubishi 6G72 variant

Engine Option 3:

3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6 (Chrysler EGM) - Standard on higher trims

Horsepower 2.4L I4:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.4L I4:

Approx. 165 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Horsepower 3.0L V6:

Approx. 158 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 3.0L V6:

Approx. 180 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Horsepower 3.3L V6:

Approx. 158 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque 3.3L V6:

Approx. 195 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler's proprietary engine control unit (ECU) system, often referred to as 'AutoStick' for manual shifting modes on some transmissions.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle (A604/41TE/42LE)

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A (Automatic was standard across most trims).

Transmission Control:

Electronic control with available 'AutoStick' feature for manual gear selection on certain models.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's recommended fluid, though ATF+3 may have been specified at the time of manufacture. Manual should specify exact type).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 112.1 inches

Length:

Approximately 186.4 inches

Width:

Approximately 72.0 inches

Height:

Approximately 68.9 inches

Max Cargo Volume:

Varies by seating configuration, typically exceeding 140 cubic feet with rear seats removed.

Curb Weight:

Ranging from approximately 3,600 to 4,200 lbs depending on engine and trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (1997 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (1997 model year)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front and rear wheels.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, with front shoulder belt height adjusters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Available premium audio systems.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for precise interval and fluid type).

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on coolant type (refer to manual).

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual, typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 for V6 engines, and 5W-30 for 2.4L I4.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Chrysler specific type often recommended).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler's power steering fluid or equivalent.

Transmission Issues:

Known issues with early 4-speed automatic transmissions (A604/41TE) including solenoid pack failure, torque converter shudder, and occasional hard shifts.

Engine Mounts:

Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration, especially with the V6 engines.

Cooling Fan Motors:

Failure of electric cooling fan motors can lead to overheating.

Power Window Motors:

Common failure of power window regulators and motors.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Cracked exhaust manifolds, particularly on V6 engines, leading to exhaust leaks and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing robust and practical vehicles.

Caravan Introduction:

The Dodge Caravan was a pioneer in the minivan segment, first introduced in 1984 as a 1984.5 model year.

Second Generation:

The 1997 model year falls into the second generation of the Dodge Caravan, which ran from 1996 to 2000, featuring a significant redesign.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Caravan Awards:

The Dodge Caravan and its siblings (Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager) were consistently popular and well-regarded in their segment for their practicality and innovation, earning numerous accolades as segment leaders over the years. Specific awards for the 1997 model are often tied to overall minivan segment recognition.