Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna
Versatility:
Spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements
Powertrain Options:
Range of V6 engines known for durability and torque
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair these popular vehicles, extending their lifespan and optimizing performance.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission controls, exhaust systems
Transmission Systems:
Manual transaxle (A598), automatic transaxle (details implied by coverage of engine and drive train), clutch
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrument panel, vehicle speed control, wiper/washer, theft/security, chime warning, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Frame, bumpers, body panels, doors, interior trim, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical diagnostics and repair, bodywork
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Installation:
Procedures for component replacement and alignment
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause tables
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance data
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4 L (148 cu in)
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-Valve
Engine 1 Fuel System:
MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.0 L (181 cu in)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.3 L (201 cu in)
Engine 3 Fuel System:
MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection)
Engine 4 Displacement:
3.8 L (230 cu in)
Engine 4 Fuel System:
MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 150 hp (2.4L) to 180 hp (3.8L)
Torque Range:
Approximately 170 lb-ft (2.4L) to 240 lb-ft (3.8L)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Diesel option mentioned for a different engine, not covered by main spec)
Diesel Option Mention:
Manual indicates coverage for 2.5L Diesel and 2.0L Gas engines in one tab, suggesting potential for broader coverage than just the listed MPI engines, but focus is on the primary MPI offerings.
Transmission Type:
Automatic Transaxle (most common for this era, specific model not detailed in product info)
Manual Transmission Option:
A598 Manual Transaxle (covered in Group 21)
Overdrive:
Likely equipped with overdrive gears for fuel efficiency
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1997 models)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with driver and passenger pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, controlled via steering wheel or stalk.
ABS Integration:
Anti-lock Braking System provides enhanced braking control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (detailed in manual).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Refer to manual for specific intervals, often around 30,000-60,000 miles for filter and fluid service.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine, typically 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (specific viscosity depends on ambient temperature, consult manual).
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol-based, typically orange or green for this era, consult manual for exact type and mixture ratio).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON for earlier models, manual will specify).
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, ignition coils (especially on V6 engines), transmission solenoids, power steering pumps.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Head gaskets on 3.3L/3.8L engines can be a concern; oil leaks from valve covers and oil pans.
Transmission Concerns:
Some transmission internal wear or failure at higher mileage, often related to fluid maintenance.
Minivan Pioneer:
Chrysler is credited with inventing and popularizing the minivan segment in North America with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.
Generation Name:
Second Generation (RS Body Style)
Updates During Generation:
Introduced in 1996, this generation featured a significant redesign with a more aerodynamic shape, improved interior packaging, and optional all-wheel drive (though not explicitly detailed in this product's engine list). Minor updates occurred through 1999.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
