Target Audience:
Families, commercial users
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Venture SV6
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, comfortable ride, optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on some models, reliable powertrain options.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for DIY maintenance and repairs, reducing service costs and empowering owners with knowledge of their vehicle's systems.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, driveline, exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, power accessories, HVAC controls, audio systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system components, body structural analysis
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine component repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension arm/bushings replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Chrysler-specific special tools for various repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code 1:
3.3L V6 (EGA) - 3301cc
Engine Configuration 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V-type
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 180 hp @ 5000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Torque 1:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Engine Code 2:
3.8L V6 (L32) - 3778cc (Available on some 2003-2004 models)
Engine Configuration 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V-type
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent extended life coolant, typically purple or orange.
Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Length:
Approx. 192.0 - 195.0 inches (4877 - 4953 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
Approx. 68.0 - 69.0 inches (1727 - 1753 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 150-160 cubic feet (varies by configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20-30 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 70-80 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 140-160 cubic feet (with 2nd and 3rd rows removed/folded)
Curb Weight Approx:
4000 - 4400 lbs (1814 - 2000 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5700 - 6000 lbs (2585 - 2722 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (2002-2003 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (2002-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-star (2002-2003 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4-star (2002-2003 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags available on some models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions; lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and optional premium Infinity speaker systems.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional overhead or in-dash video screen with wireless headphones available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors available on some models.
Auxiliary Inputs:
No standard auxiliary audio input; aftermarket solutions may be available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (4,800 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 36 months, especially under severe use (towing, stop-and-go traffic). Always check level and condition.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years with HOAT coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (check specific plug type and manual).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API certified oil (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification, e.g., API SN or earlier).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.3L V6: 3.75 quarts (3.5 liters); 3.8L V6: 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, per manufacturer recommendation.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 or specific Mopar power steering fluid.
Common Issue 1:
Rear heat control valve failure (leading to no heat or constant heat).
Common Issue 2:
Power sliding door motor failure or mechanism issues.
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks or failure, especially the plastic impeller.
Common Issue 4:
Transmission solenoid issues or internal wear leading to shifting problems.
Common Issue 5:
Ignition coil failure (especially on the 3.3L V6) causing misfires.
Common Issue 6:
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks, often related to the charcoal canister or vent solenoid.
Brand Focus:
Chrysler has a long history of innovation in the minivan segment, pioneering the concept in 1984 with the original Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager.
Generation:
This manual covers the third generation (NS) of the Chrysler Caravan, which debuted for the 1996 model year and underwent facelifts and updates through 2007.
Updates 2002-2004:
The 2002 model received a significant refresh, including updated styling (new grille, headlights, taillights), a more refined interior with improved materials, and the introduction of the 3.8L V6 engine as an option. Minor revisions continued through 2004.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Automotive Assembly Plant)
Production Years For Ns Platform:
1996-2007 (with significant updates)
Consumer Guide Best Buys:
The Caravan (and its Dodge/Plymouth siblings) were frequently cited as 'Best Buys' by publications like Consumer Guide during this era for their value and practicality.
Jd Power Ratings:
Ratings varied by year and specific metric, but the vehicle generally performed adequately in its segment for initial quality and dependability at the time of release.
Epa Fuel Economy Est Highway:
Approx. 24-26 MPG (for 3.3L V6 FWD models; actual mileage varies).
Epa Fuel Economy Est City:
Approx. 17-19 MPG (for 3.3L V6 FWD models; actual mileage varies).
