🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1998

Platform:

NS (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size minivan, a dominant segment in the automotive market during the late 1990s.

Key Competitors:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna.

Vehicle Advantages:

Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, comfortable ride, and a wide range of powertrain options.

Manual Utility:

Official licensing ensures accuracy and completeness, providing technicians and DIYers with authoritative repair information.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1998 Dodge Caravan

Secondary Coverage:

May include related Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country models of the same generation.

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engines offered in the 1998 Caravan, including the 2.4L DOHC I4 and 3.0L SOHC V6.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage for the 3-speed Automatic (A500/42RH) and 4-speed Automatic (A604/41TE) transmissions, including removal, installation, internal components, and service procedures.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including disc and drum components, ABS diagnostics and repair, hydraulic system bleeding, and component replacement.

Electrical System:

Full wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, and HVAC electrical controls.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rods, control arms, power steering system, and alignment specifications.

HVAC:

Air conditioning and heating systems, including component identification, refrigerant handling, diagnosis of cooling/heating issues, and blower motor/heater core replacement.

Body Interior:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation, seat mechanisms, and tailgate/liftgate service.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, and fuel tank service.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications and service procedures.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipe service.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and fluid checks.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides and OBD-II code explanations.

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all major vehicle systems.

Troubleshooting:

Specific troubleshooting trees for electrical faults, drivability issues, and mechanical failures.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data for all repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using OBD-II scanners, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic tools.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary software with interactive diagrams and search functionality (typical for official manuals).

Quality:

Digital format ensures clarity and crispness of all diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Binding:

N/A (Software format)

Paper:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.4L (148 cu in) DOHC I4 (Engine Code: EDZ)

Engine 2:

3.0L (181 cu in) SOHC V6 (Engine Code: ECE - Mitsubishi 6G72)

Horsepower 2.4L:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.4L:

170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower 3.0L:

158 hp @ 5250 rpm

Torque 3.0L:

183 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler SBEC or JTEC engine control unit, depending on specific engine and options.

Timing Belt 2.4L:

Timing belt

Timing Belt 3.0L:

Timing belt

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

3-Speed Automatic (A500 / 42RH)

Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (A604 / 41TE - Ultradrive)

42Rh Features:

Column shifter, overdrive lockout.

41Te Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up in 3rd and 4th gear, often column shifter.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent specification for the 41TE, ATF+3 for earlier models/42RH if specified). Consult specific vehicle documentation for exact ATF type and specification.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112.0 inches

Length:

Approx. 176.5 - 193.8 inches (depending on wheelbase/model configuration)

Width:

Approx. 72.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.1 - 68.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3600 - 4100 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4-star rating (for 1998 model year, typical for the era)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4-star rating (for 1998 model year, typical for the era)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player available. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system, typically mounted on the steering column.

Diagnostics Port:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant diagnostic port, typically located under the dashboard, for emissions and system monitoring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on usage and transmission type.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type, but often around 30,000 to 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API certified, check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's recommended Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically Mopar OAT or HOAT compatible for this era, but consult manual).

Transmission Issues:

Some early models with the 41TE transmission experienced issues related to solenoid packs, torque converter shudder, and control module failures. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Engine Issues:

The 2.4L engine can experience oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or front crankshaft seals. The 3.0L Mitsubishi V6 is generally robust but may have intake manifold gasket leaks.

Cooling System:

Plastic radiator end tanks can become brittle and leak over time. Water pump and thermostat failures are also common maintenance items.

Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts can lead to premature tire wear and steering looseness.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing practical and family-oriented vehicles.

Caravan Legacy:

The Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country siblings, pioneered the minivan segment in the mid-1980s. The 1998 model is part of the second generation (NS), introduced for the 1996 model year, featuring updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced safety features.

Production Years:

Second Generation (NS): 1996-2000

Manufacturing Locations:

Typically produced in North America (e.g., Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Dominance:

Minivans from Chrysler (including Dodge Caravan) dominated the segment in sales and market share throughout the 1990s, often cited for their practicality and family-friendly features.