🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1998

Market Segment:

Minivan

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential DIY and professional repair resource for the popular 1998 Dodge Caravan minivan

Competitors:

Direct competitor to manual repair guides from manufacturers like Haynes and Chilton, offering potentially greater detail and OEM accuracy

User Benefits:

Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money and increasing vehicle longevity. Detailed troubleshooting aids in accurate diagnosis.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete maintenance, diagnosis, and repair for the 1998 Dodge Caravan

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust system

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires

Body And Electrical:

Body panels, interior components, HVAC, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, wiring diagrams

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Repair:

Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuilding procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

High-resolution PDF with searchable text and clear, legible diagrams

Diagram Clarity:

Sharp, detailed diagrams for component identification and assembly/disassembly

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EDZ

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 SOHC (Mitsubishi 6G72)

Bore X Stroke:

91.1 mm x 76.0 mm (3.59 in x 2.99 in)

Displacement:

2972 cc (181.4 cu in)

Compression Ratio:

8.9:1

Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Induction System:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Pump Pressure:

30-40 PSI

Coolant Capacity:

11.0 quarts (10.4 liters)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature)

Spark Plug Gap:

0.043 inches (1.1 mm)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic overdrive (A604, FWD)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for this specific engine variant, but 3-speed auto was available on some models

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

8.4 quarts (7.9 liters)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Mopar)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches (2850 mm)

Length:

178.3 inches (4529 mm)

Width:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5000 lbs (2268 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:

Approx. 150 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind Second Seats:

Approx. 85 cu ft

Standard Tire Size:

P215/65R15

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Recommended Tire Pressure:

30-32 PSI (check placard)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:

Not rated (vehicle design predates standardized side impact and rollover ratings)

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:

Not rated

Brakes Type:

Front: Power-assisted ventilated discs; Rear: Power-assisted drums

ABS:

Optional anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions; lap belts for center rear positions

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models

Power Accessories:

Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using platinum-tipped plugs)

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 48 months

Engine Coolant:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 (Mopar) or equivalent

Common Problems:

Transmission solenoid issues, EGR valve clogging, dashboard display failures, power window motor failures, rear axle bearing wear

Recalls:

Check for safety recalls issued by NHTSA; common recalls involved potential issues with airbags or fuel system components.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for trucks, muscle cars, and practical vehicles.

Caravan Lineage:

The Dodge Caravan, introduced in 1984, pioneered the minivan segment in North America. This 1998 model is part of the second generation (1996-2000), featuring a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics and chassis.

Manufacturing Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (and St. Louis, Missouri, USA for some variants)

Production Period:

1996-2000 (Second Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the '98 model are scarce, the Caravan as a nameplate was consistently recognized for its practicality and value in the minivan segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally rated average to below average for reliability in its class for this generation, with specific issues often cited in powertrain and electrical systems.