Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, flexible seating (Stow 'n Go precursor), comfortable ride, versatile cargo options
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative, comprehensive repair information for owners and technicians, saving time and money on repairs.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, diagnosis, overhaul, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, driveshafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, power assist, disc brakes, drum brakes, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, power windows, locks, HVAC controls, body control modules
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, diagnosis, and repair
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, liftgate, interior trim, glass, seals
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC interpretation (where applicable)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic testing, component testing, wiring diagrams, circuit testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams and illustrations
Troubleshooting Approach:
Systematic, including identification of common failure points
Engine Description 1:
3.0L SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi)
Displacement 1:
2972 cc (181 ci)
Bore X Stroke 1:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm (3.59 in x 2.99 in)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.9:1
Horsepower 1:
142 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 1:
174 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Engine Description 2:
3.3L OHV V6 (Chrysler)
Displacement 2:
3301 cc (201 ci)
Bore X Stroke 2:
93.0 mm x 81.0 mm (3.66 in x 3.19 in)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.4:1
Horsepower 2:
156 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 2:
193 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Description 3:
3.8L OHV V6 (Chrysler)
Displacement 3:
3778 cc (230 ci)
Bore X Stroke 3:
93.0 mm x 91.7 mm (3.66 in x 3.61 in)
Compression Ratio 3:
9.4:1
Horsepower 3:
166 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 3:
215 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition (depending on engine)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic (A670/42LE)
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic (A604/41TE)
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for shift timing and line pressure
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent for earlier versions of 41TE, refer to specific engine/transmission for exact spec, e.g., Mopar ATF+3 for earlier models)
Transmission Cooling:
Integrated transmission cooler within the radiator
Length:
Approx. 194.7 inches (4945 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.2 inches (2824 mm)
Passenger Capacity:
7-8 passengers
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 30.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 80.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140.5 cu ft (with rear seats removed)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3800-4100 lbs (1724-1860 kg) depending on engine and configuration
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated or Marginal (vehicle design predates robust modern testing standards)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not rated or Marginal
ABS:
Standard on most models (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, shoulder belts in front
Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks, LATCH anchor points (if equipped)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 3 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (severe use: 30,000 miles)
Spark Plugs Replacement:
100,000 miles (Long Life Spark Plugs if equipped, otherwise refer to specific engine)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (3.0L Mitsubishi engine uses a timing chain, 3.3L & 3.8L Chrysler engines use a timing chain)
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent long-life coolant (typically pink or orange)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or proprietary power steering fluid (check manual)
Common Problem 1:
Transmission issues: Torque converter shudder, valve body problems, solenoid failures (especially with A604/41TE transmission)
Common Problem 2:
Oil leaks: Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets
Common Problem 3:
Cooling system: Radiator leaks, water pump failures
Common Problem 4:
Electrical: Window motor failures, power lock actuators, erratic gauge readings
Common Problem 5:
Exhaust system: Muffler and catalytic converter corrosion
Brand Focus:
Dodge, as part of Chrysler Corporation, established a strong presence in the minivan segment with the Caravan and Grand Caravan.
Generation:
Second Generation (NS) introduced in 1996
Key Updates For 1997:
Minor packaging adjustments, potential feature availability changes. No major redesign.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Production Years:
1996-2000 (NS Platform)
Historical Recognition:
The Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan were instrumental in defining and popularizing the minivan segment, earning numerous accolades throughout their lineage.
Consumer Reports History:
Varied ratings over the years; some models praised for utility, others criticized for reliability (especially early transmissions).
Manual Certification:
Officially Licensed (as per product description, implying adherence to manufacturer standards for repair data)