Market Segment:
Mid-size Minivan
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Dodge Caravan owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna (emerging in later years).
Vehicle Appeal:
Practicality, seating capacity, cargo versatility, and family-oriented design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the authoritative factory-level information required for accurate and efficient repairs, saving time and money.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all gasoline engines offered.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage for automatic transmissions including diagnosis, repair, and fluid service.
Brakes:
In-depth procedures for hydraulic systems, power assist, ABS (if equipped), and brake component replacement.
Electrical:
Extensive wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for all electrical components and systems.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed repair and adjustment information for front and rear suspension, power steering systems.
Body And Chassis:
Repair procedures for body panels, doors, interior trim, and chassis components.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Fuel System:
Coverage for fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emissions control.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan diagnosis and replacement.
Exhaust System:
Repair and replacement of exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, and piping.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspection, and tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, and more.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly.
Transmission Overhaul:
Procedures for transmission disassembly, inspection of internal components, and reassembly.
Brake Service:
Rotor and pad replacement, caliper servicing, brake bleeding, and diagnostic procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing procedures for circuits, sensors, actuators, and control modules using wiring diagrams.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Precise instructions for timing belt replacement to prevent engine damage.
Suspension Alignment:
Information and specifications for wheel alignment procedures.
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling, component replacement, and leak detection for the A/C system.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics.
Engine Code 1:
2.4L (2424cc) DOHC Inline-4 (96-00)
Engine Code 2:
3.0L (2972cc) SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72-based) (91-00)
Engine Code 3:
3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6 (Chrysler EFA/EGJ) (93-00)
2.4L Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5600 rpm
2.4L Torque:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
3.0L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5000 rpm
3.0L V6 Torque:
Approx. 180 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
3.3L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 175 hp @ 5200 rpm
3.3L V6 Torque:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based systems depending on engine variant.
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
4-star (1997 data)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
4-star (1997 data)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, potentially all wheels on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with shoulder belts for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for precise interval and fluid type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by engine type; typically 30,000-100,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 3.0L V6: Typically 60,000-90,000 miles (failure can cause catastrophic engine damage).
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.
Transmission Problems:
Intermittent shifting problems, torque converter clutch shudder, and internal wear on higher mileage units.
Head Gaskets:
Potential for head gasket failure, especially on earlier 3.3L V6 models.
Radiator Issues:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack over time, leading to coolant leaks.
Rear Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings and shock absorbers can lead to poor handling and ride comfort.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors is a common issue.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracks can develop in exhaust manifolds, leading to exhaust leaks and noise.
Oil Filter:
Mopar: MO-090; Fram: PH3794 (Verify with specific engine and oil type).
Air Filter:
Mopar: 53000600; Fram: CA3337A (Verify with specific engine).
Cabin Air Filter:
Not standard on all 1997 models, typically installed aftermarket or on higher trims in later years.
Brand Origin:
Dodge, an American automotive brand with a history dating back to 1900.
Generation:
Second Generation (NS) 1996-2000.
Platform:
Chrysler minivan platform, shared with Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country.
Manufacturing Plant:
Saltillo, Mexico; St. Louis, Missouri, USA (specific plant may vary by build date).
Sales Performance:
The Dodge Caravan was a dominant force in the minivan market during this era.