Key Selling Points:
Versatility, passenger capacity, cargo space, family-oriented features
Key Competitors Era:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Trans Sport/Oldsmobile Silhouette
Vantages Of Ownership:
Practicality, affordability, comfortable ride, spacious interior for its time
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on dealerships and costly guesswork.
Vehicle Coverage:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Dodge Caravan
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count varies by engine/option configuration, typical for full factory manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (2.4L DOHC I4, 3.0L V6 SOHC, 3.3L V6 OHV, 3.8L V6 OHV), Transmission (3-speed automatic A604, 4-speed automatic A670/41TE/42LE)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear beam axle with trailing arms/Panhard rod), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc options)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, seats, doors, liftgate, HVAC system, climate control
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, component testing
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.4L (2429cc)
Engine 1 Type:
DOHC I4 (Inline 4-cylinder)
Engine 1 Code:
EDZ (Chrysler World Engine)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.0L (2972cc)
Engine 2 Type:
SOHC V6 (Single Overhead Cam, V-configuration)
Engine 2 Code:
6G72 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC V6)
Engine 3 Displacement:
3.3L (3301cc)
Engine 3 Type:
OHV V6 (Overhead Valve, V-configuration)
Engine 4 Displacement:
3.8L (3778cc)
Engine 4 Type:
OHV V6 (Overhead Valve, V-configuration)
Horsepower Range:
150 hp - 180 hp (depending on engine)
Torque Range:
180 lb-ft - 235 lb-ft (depending on engine)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine and year
Transmission 1 Type:
3-Speed Automatic (A604)
Transmission 1 Applicability:
Common with 2.4L and 3.0L engines
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (A670 / 41TE / 42LE)
Transmission 2 Applicability:
Standard on 3.3L and 3.8L engines, optional on others
Transmission Control:
Electronic transmission control (ETC) on later models and 4-speed transmissions
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent, e.g., Mopar ATF+3) - manual will specify exact requirement.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.1 inches
Length:
Approx. 177.4 - 182.1 inches (depending on model year/configuration)
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 67.1 - 68.1 inches
Cargo Volume Behind First Row:
Variable, often exceeding 140 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600 - 4200 lbs (depending on engine and options)
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by year and specific test. Generally acceptable for the era, but modern standards are higher.
ABS:
Available on most models, standard on some later configurations
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions, lap belts for center seats
Audio Options:
AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, various speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were available options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific guidance).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as specified by driving conditions (check manual).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on coolant type and manufacturer recommendations (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on engine and temperature), API certified (refer to manual for exact grade and capacity).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for exact type.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, exhaust system components, spark plugs and wires (on older systems).
Powertrain Issues:
Head gasket leaks on some 3.3L/3.8L V6 engines, transmission solenoid pack failures, torque converter shudder.
Electrical Issues:
Power window regulators, door lock actuators, instrument cluster failure (especially odometer), ABS sensor failures.
HVAC Issues:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor failure, AC compressor clutch issues.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of building practical and durable vehicles, with a focus on value and utility in the minivan segment.
Generation Name:
NS (Second Generation Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager)
Key Updates During Range:
Introduction of new engines (3.3L, 3.8L V6s), updated transmissions, minor styling tweaks, improved safety features, and introduction of OBD-II diagnostics.
Manufacturing Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
