Segment:
Full-size minivan
Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, and individuals seeking versatile and spacious transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/V anorama, Mercury Villager.
Selling Points:
Spacious interior, versatile seating arrangements, comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive (later models), Stow 'n Go seating (introduced in later generations but the foundation was built here), family-oriented features.
Unique Selling Propositions:
Chrysler's long history and expertise in the minivan segment, often offering competitive pricing and feature packages.
Model Years:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Engine Variants:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (L32)
Trim Levels:
All trim levels covered
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (comprehensive workshop manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine:
Complete diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for 3.3L (EGA) and 3.8L (L32) V6 engines. Includes fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission controls, and engine mechanicals.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmissions (41TE, 42LE). Covers diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, including CV joints, axles, and differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc depending on year and trim). Covers hydraulic system, ABS, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, rotor and pad replacement, brake fluid specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, and steering column.
Electrical:
Comprehensive coverage of all electrical systems, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), and infotainment systems. Includes detailed wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, and blower motor.
Body:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, glass, seals, bumpers, and trim. Includes procedures for repair, replacement, and alignment.
Chassis:
Frame and chassis components, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and service, seat belt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, belt and hose inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex problems, often using diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and symptom charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for virtually all vehicle systems.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including component specifications and tolerances.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and electronic modules.
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine 1:
3.3L (201 ci) OHV V6 (EGA)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 158-170 hp (varies by year)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 190-205 lb-ft (varies by year)
Engine 2:
3.8L (230 ci) OHV V6 (L32)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 180-197 hp (varies by year)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 215-230 lb-ft (varies by year)
Compression Ratio 3.3L:
8.9:1
Compression Ratio 3.8L:
8.9:1
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (41TE or 42LE)
Transmission Type Optional:
Not applicable for this generation
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification) or equivalent (check specific year/model for exact recommendation)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:
10-12 quarts (total capacity, pan drop is less)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver Dl:
Not explicitly rated for all years, generally considered acceptable for its era.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger Dl:
Not explicitly rated for all years, generally considered acceptable for its era.
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Variable by year, some models received 'Good' or 'Acceptable' ratings.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on early base models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some later models.
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard. Side airbags optional on some later models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, integrated child seat anchors (LATCH) on some later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil, shorter interval with conventional). Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (severe use may require more frequent changes). Check manual for specific guidance.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on coolant type (e.g., HOAT). Consult manual.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (check specific type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (3.3L), 5.0 quarts (3.8L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange) coolant. Refer to manual for exact type and mixture.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 3.3L), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, EGR valve issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Overheating, solenoid issues, torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder, internal seal leaks.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn struts and ball joints, sway bar links, rear axle seal leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Power window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, instrument cluster problems, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent electrical gremlins.
Common Problems Body:
Rust issues on lower body panels, door hinge wear, sliding door track problems.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in the mid-1980s. The Town & Country, introduced as a luxury trim level, evolved into a distinct model line.
Fourth Generation Launch:
Launched for the 1996 model year, this generation represented a significant redesign and modernization over its predecessors.
Key Updates During Generation:
Introduction of improved safety features, powertrain refinements, updated styling, and a focus on interior comfort and convenience. The 3.8L V6 became more widely available.
Production Plants:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Production Period:
1996-2007 (This specific generation spanned 1996-2005 in most markets, with updates leading into the next generation).
