Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission controls, engine diagnostics (OBD-II).
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (if applicable) - clutch, gearbox, shifter mechanism.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (41TE/42LE) - hydraulic system, valve body, torque converter, gearsets, control systems.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power assist, parking brake, disc and drum brake service.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, components.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (beam axle, trailing arms, shock absorbers), wheel alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system - components, refrigerant service, diagnostics.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis and frame components.
Body Electrical:
Power windows, locks, mirrors, sliding doors, liftgate, interior/exterior lighting, instrument cluster.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system service.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system tracing, component testing.
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing radiators, water pumps, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, exhaust systems, interior components.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Fuse and relay testing, wiring harness repair, sensor diagnosis, module testing, use of wiring diagrams.
Depth:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, detailed repair instructions, complete overhaul specifications, troubleshooting trees.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.3 inches (3030 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 198.6 inches (5045 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 76.7 inches (1948 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 68.4 inches (1737 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20.1 cu ft (569 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 75.4 cu ft (2135 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 140.1 cu ft (3967 L)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3900 lbs (1769 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, typically around 5600 lbs (2540 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (for 2001-2007 models)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (for 2001-2007 models)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for later models of this generation)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat side airbags on later models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seatbelt pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 2 years (typical for conventional coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Type 2 4L:
SAE 5W-30, API Certified (refer to manual for specific API service classification, e.g., SL).
Engine Oil Type 3 3L:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API Certified (refer to manual).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar power steering fluid.
Transmission Failures:
Some models experienced premature transmission failure, particularly the 41TE/42LE, often related to heat and fluid degradation. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and main seals can occur.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings is common due to vehicle weight and use.
Power Door Locks Failure:
Actuators or wiring issues can lead to malfunctioning power door locks, especially on sliding doors.
HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
Blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself can fail, leading to loss of fan speed control.
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan in 1984.
Generation:
Third Generation (NS) - launched for the 1996 model year, with facelifts and updates throughout.
Updates During Period:
Significant interior and exterior styling updates, improved powertrain options, and safety enhancements were introduced across this timeframe.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years Of Generation:
1996-2000 (NS), 2001-2007 (RS - heavily revised NS platform)
