🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1999

Platform Code:

NS

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, small businesses, DIY mechanics, professional technicians.

Key Competitors:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Montana/Oldsmobile Silhouette (GM U-body), Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey.

Manual Advantage:

Official licensing suggests accuracy and completeness, software format offers enhanced usability over printed manuals.

Vehicle Usp:

Practicality, spacious interior, often competitive pricing for its segment.

📋 Manual Details

Major Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical, HVAC, Body.

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive software)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely searchable PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul procedures, component testing, diagnosis for all engine variants.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system diagnosis, emissions control systems, turbocharging (if applicable).

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, overhaul, fluid changes, torque converter service, shift control.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch service, gearbox overhaul, linkage adjustment.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc/drum brake service, ABS system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic components.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/leaf spring systems, component replacement, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, rack and pinion repair, steering column service.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay identification, starter, alternator, battery service.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core service, blower motor, climate control modules.

Body And Chassis:

Panel replacement, door mechanisms, glass service, structural repair guidelines.

Interior:

Seat removal, trim panel service, dashboard removal and repair.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter service.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, DTC interpretation.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic strategies, component testing methodologies, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls, including torque specifications and clearances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Features:

Searchable text, clickable links for navigation, often includes diagrams and images integrated within procedures.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (2AZ-FE equivalent, although often Chrysler engines were used)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2429 cc (2.4 Liters)

Engine 1 Hp:

~150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

~165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

3.0L OHV V6 (Chrysler E engine)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2972 cc (3.0 Liters)

Engine 2 Hp:

~158 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

~180 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Engine 3 Type:

3.3L OHV V6 (Chrysler). Some sources indicate a 3.8L V6 was also an option, but the 3.3L is more commonly associated with the 1999 model year.

Engine 3 Displacement:

3301 cc (3.3 Liters)

Engine 3 Hp:

~180 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

~200 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, EGR system, O2 sensors.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (A604/41TE series)

Transmission Type V6:

4-Speed Automatic (42LE series for larger V6s)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (or equivalent service fill for Chrysler transmissions of this era, consult manual for exact spec like Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent)

FWD Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

~112.1 inches

Length:

~177.9 inches

Width:

~72.5 inches

Height:

~67.5 inches

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

~150.0 cubic feet (with rear seats removed)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

~72.3 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

~3500-3800 lbs (varies by engine and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 Stars (1999 model year frontal crash test results may vary, generally mid-range for the era)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 Stars

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts for all occupants, with front pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many trims, optional on others.

Traction Control:

May have been available as an option on higher trims, especially with V6 engines.

Auxiliary Inputs:

None standard; aftermarket solutions for auxiliary audio input if desired.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for precise recommendation).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs, depending on engine.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe duty schedule.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, consult manual for specific engine)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix of HOAT or OAT coolant, consult manual for exact spec)

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket failures (especially on early V6s), oil leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks.

Common Problems Transmission:

Torque converter clutch shudder, internal seal failures leading to slipping or delayed engagement, solenoid failures.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to vehicle weight and use.

Common Problems Electrical:

Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor issues, intermittent dashboard warning lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance and practical vehicles.

Caravan Lineage:

Part of the Chrysler minivan family, which pioneered the segment. The 1999 model is part of the third generation (NS) introduced in 1996, offering improved styling, safety, and powertrain options over its predecessors.

Manufacturing Plant:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA (depending on specific production runs)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Acclaim:

The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager/Chrysler Town & Country siblings) were consistently ranked among the top minivans in their class for practicality and value throughout the 1990s.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for the 1999 model year would typically reflect mixed reliability depending on the engine and specific components, a common trait for vehicles of this era.