🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1994

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (NS)

Chassis Code:

NS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Minivan

Key Selling Points Vehicle:

Versatility, family-oriented design, flexible seating, practical cargo space.

Primary Competitors:

Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport, Oldsmobile Silhouette.

Manual Value Proposition:

Official licensing ensures accuracy and completeness, providing professional-level repair and maintenance information for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Software Benefits:

Instant access, easy navigation, searchable content, digital storage, and ability to print specific sections.

📋 Manual Details

Markets Covered:

North America (USA, Canada)

Regions Covered:

All regions

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Comprehensive coverage including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and overhaul of all engine variants.

Engine Performance:

Detailed diagnosis and repair procedures for fuel delivery, ignition, emission control systems, and engine management.

Transmission Manual:

Detailed service procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch, gear selection, and internal component overhaul.

Transmission Automatic:

Complete diagnosis, adjustment, and overhaul procedures for automatic transmissions, including hydraulic controls and torque converters.

Drivetrain:

Coverage of front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, differentials, and related components.

Suspension:

Detailed information on front and rear suspension systems, including McPherson struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Coverage of power steering systems, steering columns, tie rods, and steering gearboxes.

Brakes:

In-depth procedures for hydraulic brake systems, including disc and drum brake component servicing, ABS diagnosis (if equipped), and brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component location charts, and diagnostic procedures for the entire electrical system.

Body Exterior:

Procedures for body panel removal/installation, doors, liftgate, bumpers, and trim.

Body Interior:

Details on interior trim, seating, dashboard removal, and associated components.

HVAC:

Coverage of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling and component servicing.

Safety Systems:

Information on seat belts, airbags (if applicable for the year/model), and associated safety restraints.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.

Overhaul:

Complete procedures for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds.

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing common wear items and major components.

Technical Specifications Entry:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies.

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes information relevant to OBD-I diagnostic systems and common hand tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Digital Software (proprietary or standard format like PDF).

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Typically printable, allowing users to create physical copies of specific sections.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations, comparable to original factory manuals.

Binding:

N/A (Software format)

Paper:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EDZ

Engine Description 1:

2.4L (2429cc) SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder

Horsepower 1:

104 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 1:

143 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Engine Code 2:

ES

Engine Description 2:

3.0L (2972cc) OHV V6 (Chrysler/Mitsubishi '6G72' design)

Horsepower 2:

142 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 2:

177 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

3-Speed Automatic (A604 'Ultradrive')

Transmission Type Optional:

3-Speed Manual (less common)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, front-wheel drive.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler Mopar specification)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.0 inches

Length:

178.5 inches

Width:

72.3 inches

Height:

68.2 inches

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 18.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 66.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 141.0 cu ft

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3600 lbs (for 4-cyl model)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3900 lbs (for V6 model)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Poor (1994 Model Year Ratings)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

Poor (1994 Model Year Ratings)

IIHS Offset Crash Test:

Marginal (for comparable models/years)

ABS:

Optional on some trims

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts in all seating positions, shoulder belts for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Dashboard Controls:

Basic analog gauges, manual HVAC controls, and integrated radio/cassette unit.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Connectivity Features:

None (standard for 1994 model year vehicles; no Bluetooth, USB, or similar features).

🔧 Maintenance

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:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, platinum plugs recommended).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as recommended by the manual.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate).

Engine Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Transmission Issues:

The A604 'Ultradrive' automatic transmission is known for occasional harsh shifting, solenoid failures, and potential overheating issues if not properly maintained. Early models had some reliability concerns.

Engine Issues 4 Cyl:

The 2.4L engine can experience head gasket issues or oil leaks if not regularly maintained. Timing belt replacement is critical.

Engine Issues V6:

The 3.0L V6 is generally robust but can be prone to intake manifold gasket leaks and spark plug blowouts in some instances.

Suspension Wear:

Wear items such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts are common maintenance points due to the vehicle's weight and usage.

Body Rust:

As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be an issue, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Critical areas include wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, particularly in the truck and van segments.

First Generation:

The first-generation Dodge Caravan (1984-1990) revolutionized the automotive landscape by popularizing the minivan segment.

Second Generation Ns:

The 1991-1995 (NS) generation introduced a more aerodynamic design, improved interior packaging, and an all-wheel-drive option (not on 1994 models). This generation saw a significant redesign for improved comfort and safety.

Assembly Location:

Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years:

1984-present (various generations and platforms)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

Car and Driver's 10 Best Trucks list (for minivan category) in various years for its generation.

Industry Impact:

The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager/Chrysler Town & Country siblings) is widely credited with creating and defining the modern minivan segment, setting benchmarks for utility and family transport.