🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1999

Platform:

NS (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Vehicle owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians

Competitors 1999:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country

Vehicle Selling Points:

Versatile interior space, comfortable ride, family-oriented design

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides official, detailed factory procedures, enabling accurate and efficient repairs, saving money on labor costs

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete service, repair, and diagnostic procedures

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, specifications

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (exact count not specified, but described as comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Download PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Transmission (automatic), transaxle, driveshafts, axles, differential

Chassis:

Steering system, suspension system (front and rear), brake system (front and rear), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, body electrical, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), HVAC controls, audio system

Body:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, roof, bumpers, seats, HVAC system components

Diagnostic:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting charts

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, etc.), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, power steering system repair, AC system servicing

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and wiring diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printability:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Searchable text content within the PDF

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EDZ (3.3L V6 OHV)

Engine Type:

V-configuration, Overhead Valve (OHV), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Displacement:

3.3 Liters (203 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.92 x 3.57 inches (99.5 mm x 90.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.9:1

Horsepower Peak:

158 hp @ 4700 RPM (for EDZ engine)

Torque Peak:

190 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM (for EDZ engine)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20.0 gallons (75.7 Liters)

Optional Engine:

3.0L V6 (2.97L) - ECE (less common in US models, but possible)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transaxle

Transmission Code:

A604 / 41TE (Ultradrive)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (for 1999 models, 4-speed automatic was standard across most configurations)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in manual for each gear

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602) or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 Liters) for dry fill, 5.0 quarts (4.7 Liters) for fluid change

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.1 inches (2847 mm)

Overall Length:

189.0 inches (4801 mm)

Overall Width:

72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Overall Height:

68.1 inches (1730 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5.0 - 6.0 inches (127 - 152 mm), varies by suspension

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 150.0 cubic feet (4.25 cubic meters) for standard wheelbase

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Seat:

Approximately 28.0 cubic feet (0.79 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Seat:

Approximately 81.0 cubic feet (2.29 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume With All Seats Removed:

Approximately 140.0 cubic feet (3.96 cubic meters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3700 - 4100 lbs (1678 - 1860 kg), depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5600 lbs (2540 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1999 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1999 model year)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:

Good (for vehicles tested in its class around that time, though specific 1999 Caravan rating may vary)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on some base models

Traction Control:

Available as an option on some models

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, with shoulder belts in the front and second rows.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard, but manual will cover proper installation of child seats using seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD player. Manual covers removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting of audio components.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Available as an option on higher trim levels.

OBD Ii Compliance:

Yes, fully OBD-II compliant for emissions diagnostics and communication with scan tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil and filter)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with original equipment spark plugs (e.g., Champion Platinum Power)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures) or SAE 10W-30 (above 0°F / -18°C)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change for 3.3L V6

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Brake pads and rotors, suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust system components, radiator, water pump, drive belts

Transmission Issues:

Occasional issues with the 41TE automatic transmission, such as solenoid pack failures or torque converter shudder, particularly with higher mileage vehicles. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures and repair steps.

Engine Issues:

Potential for intake manifold gasket leaks (particularly on the 3.8L in earlier models, though less common on 3.3L of this generation), and occasional cooling system leaks. The manual provides detailed procedures for diagnosing and repairing these.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulators, power lock actuators, and HVAC blower motor failures are relatively common. The manual includes comprehensive wiring diagrams to aid in troubleshooting these systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing practical and often innovative vehicles, with a strong presence in the American automotive market.

Caravan Introduction:

The Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager sibling, pioneered the minivan segment in 1983 for the 1984 model year.

Second Generation Ns:

The 1999 Caravan is part of the second-generation (NS) platform, which ran from 1996 to 2000. This generation featured improved aerodynamics, updated styling, and a wider range of engine options compared to the first generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Windsor Assembly Plant)

Production Years Ns Platform:

1996-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not a specific award, the Dodge Caravan and its siblings were consistently strong contenders in the minivan class and often lauded for their practicality.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for the 1999 Caravan typically reflected average to above-average reliability for its class at the time, though individual components varied. The manual is essential for maintaining optimal performance and addressing any emerging issues.