This manual covers the Chrysler Caravan, a versatile minivan produced from 1996 to 2005. Built on the Chrysler Minivan Platform (NS/GS), this vehicle is renowned for its spacious interior, flexible seating, and practical design, making it an ideal choice for families, small businesses, and fleet operators. Notable features include comfortable seating, a smooth ride, and ample cargo space, further enhanced by its signature sliding doors and optional long-wheelbase configurations. The Caravan offers a range of V6 engine options, providing a balance of power and efficiency for everyday use and longer journeys.
This comprehensive Service Repair Workshop Manual provides in-depth guidance for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of your Chrysler Caravan. Covering all major systems, including engine mechanical and electrical, fuel, exhaust, cooling, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, and body systems, this manual offers detailed procedures for routine maintenance, component removal and installation, and even engine and transmission overhauls. With clear, high-resolution wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble code explanations, and precise specifications, this resource empowers owners, mechanics, and technicians to effectively diagnose issues and ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their vehicle.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Generation Designation:
        
        
            NS/GS
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform Code:
        
        
            Chrysler Minivan Platform (NS/GS)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, small businesses, fleet operators
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Mercury Villager, Nissan Quest
        
     
    
    
        
            Versatility:
        
        
            Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations
        
     
    
        
            Comfort:
        
        
            Smooth ride, comfortable seating
        
     
    
        
            Practicality:
        
        
            Ample cargo space, sliding doors
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Applicable Years:
        
        
            1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            Approximately 2000+
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Type:
        
        
            Service Repair Workshop Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Yes (if applicable)
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Instrument Panel Gauges:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Power Accessories Windows:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Power Accessories Locks:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Power Accessories Doors:
        
        
            Yes (e.g., sliding door, liftgate)
        
     
    
    
        
            Security System Alarms:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams Electrical Schematics:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Component Removal Installation:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Overhaul:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Suspension And Steering Repair:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior Repair:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Component Testing:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC Explanation:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Information:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full overhauls)
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Included for all major fasteners
        
     
    
        
            Clearances And Tolerances:
        
        
            Included for critical engine and drivetrain components
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagram Clarity:
        
        
            High-resolution and detailed
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely searchable text-based PDF
        
     
    
    
        
            Printability:
        
        
            Designed for easy printing of individual sections
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding Type:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Format)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Format)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Options Available:
        
        
            3.0L V6 (Vulcan), 3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Range:
        
        
            150-215 HP (depending on engine)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Range:
        
        
            170-267 lb-ft (depending on engine)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Standard Transmission:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE)
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission:
        
        
            N/A (Automatic standard across most trims)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Features:
        
        
            Electronically controlled, overdrive
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase Standard:
        
        
            113.3 inches
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase Long Wheelbase Lwb:
        
        
            119.3 inches
        
     
    
    
        
            Max Cargo Volume Standard Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 133.4 cu ft
        
     
    
        
            Max Cargo Volume Long Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 159.1 cu ft
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Range:
        
        
            Approx. 3800 - 4400 lbs (depending on configuration)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            4 Stars (1996-1999 models, specific tests vary)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            4 Stars (1996-1999 models, specific tests vary)
        
     
    
    
        
            Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
        
        
            Standard or Optional depending on year/trim
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS)
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors Latch:
        
        
            Available (may require specific installation kit for earlier years)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio Options:
        
        
            AM/FM radio, cassette player, CD player (optional), premium sound systems
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard on most trims
        
     
    
        
            Power Adjustable Pedals:
        
        
            Available on some later models
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Not typically factory equipped; aftermarket solutions available.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            15,000-30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            30,000-60,000 miles
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A (typically 5W-30, consult manual for exact spec)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            ATF+4 (for later models), ATF+3 (for earlier models) - consult manual
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Problems:
        
        
            Premature wear in automatic transmissions (especially 41TE/42LE) due to heat and fluid degradation, torque converter shudder.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Wear:
        
        
            Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings) can wear prematurely.
        
     
    
        
            Power Sliding Door Actuators:
        
        
            Actuators and related mechanisms can fail over time.
        
     
    
        
            Heater Core Leaks:
        
        
            Leaking heater cores are a common complaint, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Ignition Coil Failure:
        
        
            Individual ignition coils can fail, causing misfires.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
        
        
            Chrysler pioneered the modern minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1984.
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation Transition:
        
        
            This generation (NS for 1996-2000, GS for 2001-2007) represented a significant redesign from the previous AS platform.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            Car and Driver named the Dodge Caravan (a sibling model) to its 10Best list in 1997.