Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance personnel
Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna
Vehicle Attributes:
Versatile interior, passenger and cargo space, family-oriented design
Manual Value Proposition:
Vehicle-specific, dealership-level repair information for accurate and efficient servicing, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72), 3.3L V6 (Chrysler EFA), 3.8L V6 (Chrysler EGH) - diagnostics, overhaul, specifications, timing, cooling, lubrication
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection (MPI), ignition system, emission controls, exhaust system
Transmission Manual:
4-speed automatic (A604/41TE, A670/42LE) - diagnostics, overhaul, fluid specifications, shift control
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), axles, CV joints, differential
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (or disc on some trims), ABS system diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Front independent MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam or solid axle, steering system (power steering)
Body And Frame:
Body construction, structural integrity, panel replacement, door mechanisms, liftgate operation, seat mechanisms
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument panel, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Interior Systems:
Seating systems, trim panels, seat belts, airbags
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) codes, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidance
Adjustments:
Alignment specifications, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments (if applicable), door adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Digital Format:
Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, clear diagrams and text. Professional printing standards.
Binding:
If printed: Perfect bound or spiral bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
If printed: Durable, semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions.
Engine Option 1:
3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72)
Engine Option 2:
3.3L V6 (Chrysler EFA)
Engine Option 3:
3.8L V6 (Chrysler EGH)
3.0L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5000 rpm
3.0L V6 Torque:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
3.3L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 158 hp @ 4700 rpm
3.3L V6 Torque:
Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
3.8L V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4500 rpm
3.8L V6 Torque:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.3 inches
Length:
Approx. 192.8 inches
Width:
Approx. 77.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 68.0 inches
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 140.0 cu ft (varies with seating configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 77.1 cu ft (varies with seating configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800 - 4300 lbs (varies by engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5500 - 5800 lbs (varies by configuration)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 3-star (typical for minivans of this era)
ABS:
Standard or optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions, two-point belts for center seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific engine. Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendation for ATF+4)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific engine recommendations and API service classification)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT - Organic Additive Technology), typically P/N 05010855AA (orange) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid, P/N 05140067AA or equivalent.
Transmission Problems:
Intermittent shifting issues, torque converter shudder (common in early 41TE/42LE transmissions), solenoid failures.
Engine Issues:
Rear main seal leaks (especially 3.3L/3.8L), intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional head gasket issues on 3.0L Mitsubishi.
Electrical Issues:
Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Suspension Issues:
Wear in ball joints and tie rod ends, strut mounts
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and practical vehicles, including the iconic Ram pickup and various muscle cars. The Caravan established Dodge as a major player in the minivan segment.
Caravan Generation:
This manual covers the third generation (NS) of the Dodge Caravan, introduced for the 1996 model year. This generation saw significant styling updates and platform improvements.
Production Location:
North America (primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saltillo, Mexico)
