Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana.
Key Selling Points:
Practicality, seating capacity, versatility, affordability compared to luxury minivans.
Manual Benefit:
Enables significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance compared to dealership or independent shop labor rates.
Manual Utility:
Provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and diagnostic procedures that are essential for accurate repairs.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for all systems.
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Drivetrain.
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era).
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, searchable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic Transaxle (41TE/42LE), manual transaxle (less common), axles, drive shafts, differential.
Chassis:
Brake system (disc/drum, ABS), power steering, suspension (front struts, rear torsion bars/leaf springs), wheels and tires.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body control module (BCM), power windows/locks, audio system, factory alarms.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, climate control.
Body Structure:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, bumpers, frame and unibody structure, collision repair basics.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections/replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagnostics.
Repair Overhaul:
Engine tune-ups, cylinder head removal/installation, transmission overhaul procedures, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement.
Alignment Balancing:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, tire balancing.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems.
Depth:
Complete diagnostic and repair procedures, including specifications for torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and component testing.
Detail Level:
Factory-level information suitable for professional technicians and highly skilled DIYers.
Engine Code 1:
3.3L V6 (EGA)
Displacement 1:
3301 cc (201.5 cubic inches)
Configuration 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 60-degree V6
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 180 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 210 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code 2:
2.4L 4-Cylinder (EDZ - less common in later years of this generation)
Displacement 2:
2429 cc (148.2 cubic inches)
Configuration 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Inline-4
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2000 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2000 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Not Rated (Typical for this era)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Not Rated (Typical for this era)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (2000 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transaxles (ATF+4 recommended).
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years (check coolant type and manual recommendations).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific API service category, e.g., API SN or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Coolant:
Chrysler Type I (OAT - Organic Additive Technology) or Type II (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) for later models, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific type.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (Mopar) or equivalent ATF compatible with older Chrysler systems.
Transmission Issues:
Slipping, delayed engagement, torque converter shudder, transmission fluid leaks (especially rear seal).
Engine Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pressure sensor issues, EGR valve issues, occasional head gasket concerns on higher mileage vehicles.
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts, power steering pump whine or leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Faulty ignition switch, power window motors, BCM failures, instrument cluster issues.
HVAC Issues:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor failure, AC refrigerant leaks.
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan in 1984, setting the standard for family vehicles.
Generation:
Third Generation (NS) from 1996-2000, facelifted for 2001-2007 (RS platform, but sharing many components with late NS models for service purposes, hence the combined year range coverage).
2001 Update:
Significant styling refresh for 2001, including updated interior, exterior, and some powertrain improvements, though the core engineering remains related to the preceding years.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant)
Car And Driver Editors Choice:
Often recognized by automotive publications for its practicality and value in the minivan segment during its production run.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed, with some years/components showing average to below-average reliability, particularly regarding the powertrain and electronics. The service manual is crucial for addressing these.
