🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

Grand Caravan

Generation:

NS

Generation Years:

1996-2000

Generation Facelift:

2001-2007 (shared platform for Grand Caravan)

Chassis Code:

GS

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Vehicle Owners, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians

Manual Authenticity:

Genuine Factory Service Manuals (Not 3rd party)

Completeness:

COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual

Searchability:

Searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY servicing, saving $50-$60 per hour on labor costs

Information Source:

Provides same information as professional technicians

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Hundreds of pages)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service Repair:

Yes

Transmission Service Repair:

Yes

Brake System:

Yes

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Yes

Emission Control System:

Yes

Heating Air Conditioning:

Yes

Engine Control System:

Yes

Chassis Body:

Yes

Restraint System:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Differential Drive Axle:

Yes

General Maintenance:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes (Advanced guide included)

Periodic Lubrication:

Yes

Repair Procedures:

Yes (Step-by-step, detailed)

Rebuilding Procedures:

Yes

Refurbishing Restoration:

Yes

Depth:

Comprehensive (Factory trained technician level)

Illustrations Diagrams:

Yes (Includes illustrations, drawings, and photos)

Diagnostic Procedures:

Yes (All diagnostic procedures covered)

Special Tools:

Likely detailed (Implied by factory FSM)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Printable (Entire manual or specific pages)

Resolution:

High Resolution

Binding:

Digital (Printable at user's discretion)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

Reader Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.0L (2972cc) SOHC V6 (12 valve) Vulcan; 3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6 (12 valve) ERE (or EGA); 3.8L (3778cc) OHV V6 (12 valve) LSE

Horsepower 3.0L:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque 3.0L:

Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 3.3L:

Approx. 175 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 3.3L:

Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 3.8L:

Approx. 180 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque 3.8L:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Cylinder Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain (3.0L Vulcan, 3.3L/3.8L OHV)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Variants:

A604 (4-speed automatic) for 3.0L; 42LE (4-speed automatic) for 3.3L and 3.8L

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Minivan

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112.1 inches

Length:

Approx. 193.1 - 196.5 inches (depending on year/trim)

Width:

Approx. 72.0 - 73.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.6 - 68.5 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,700 - 4,200 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Could vary by year, generally fair to good ratings for the era.

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Could vary by year, generally fair to good ratings for the era.

ABS:

Standard on many models, optional on some early trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims, particularly later years

Airbags Driver Passenger:

Standard dual front airbags

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system available on later models

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Various factory radio options, including cassette players and CD players, some with premium speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-II compliant starting from 1996, allowing for electronic diagnostic scanning.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Generally around 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (check specific engine). Original plugs may have shorter intervals.

Timing Belt Chain Replacement:

Timing chain is generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine. If timing belt were applicable (which it is not for these engines), it would be critical.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 is common, but always verify specific engine requirement (refer to manual for exact API service classification).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, e.g., MS-9602) for later models, ATF+3 for earlier models. Crucial to use correct type.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler long-life antifreeze/coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water). Verify color specification.

Transmission Issues:

Some early transmissions (e.g., A604) were known for occasional rough shifting or solenoid issues. Periodic fluid and filter changes are vital.

Power Steering Leaks:

Can develop leaks from hoses or the pump over time.

Heating And Cooling System:

Heater cores can leak, and A/C evaporator issues are not uncommon with age.

Ignition System:

Spark plug wires and ignition coils can degrade, leading to misfires.

Body And Interior:

Interior trim can become loose, and power sliding doors/windows may require adjustment or repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Chrysler Minivan Legacy:

Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in the early 1980s. The Grand Caravan served as the upscale Chrysler-branded version.

Generation Ns Introduction:

The NS generation debuted for the 1996 model year, marking a significant redesign with a smoother, more aerodynamic body style and improved interior packaging. It shared its platform with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.

Post 2000 Facelift:

While the core platform remained similar, minor updates and refreshes occurred between 2001-2007, including styling tweaks and feature additions, though the manual specifically covers up to 2005 for the Grand Caravan.

Manufacturing Locations:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Inc.)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The original Caravan/Voyager platform received multiple '10 Best' awards from Car and Driver in its early years, setting the standard for the minivan segment. While specific awards for the Grand Caravan 1996-2005 aren't universally cited in the same way, it benefited from the established reputation.