🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

NS (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics

Key Competitors:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna

Vehicle Platform:

Dodge's NS platform, known for its front-wheel-drive unibody construction.

Powertrain Options:

Versatile engine and transmission choices catering to different performance and efficiency needs.

Practicality:

Spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and ample cargo capacity defining its utility.

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing and robust utility made it a popular choice in its segment.

📋 Manual Details

Engines Covered:

2.4L I4 (DOHC), 3.0L V6 (SOHC Mitsubishi-sourced), 3.3L V6 (OHV), 3.8L V6 (OHV)

Transmissions Covered:

3-speed Automatic (A604/41TE), 4-speed Automatic (A670/42LE)

Regions Covered:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head overhaul, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, timing belt/chain service, oil pump, oil pan, seals and gaskets.

Engine Performance:

Fuel system (injection, pumps, injectors, pressure regulator), ignition system (coils, plugs, wires, sensors), emissions control (EGR, catalytic converter, evaporative emissions), cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan).

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission removal/installation, internal component overhaul (clutches, bands, valve body), torque converter service, fluid/filter change, electronic control unit (TCU) diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Front wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential service, propeller shafts (if applicable), hub bearings.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/coil springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bars, bushings, shock absorber replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, hoses, rack and pinion), steering column, wheel alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), rear drum brakes (shoes, drums, wheel cylinders) or disc brakes, ABS system diagnostics and component replacement, brake fluid flush.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body Interior:

Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement, glass replacement, latch/lock mechanism service.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant handling), heater core replacement, blower motor, control panel operation.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant checks and flushes, brake fluid checks, tire rotation.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical circuit testing.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all wear items and major components.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4 L (147 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder (I4)

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves

Engine 1 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.0 L (181 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V6

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshafts), 12 valves (Mitsubishi 6G72)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.3 L (201 cu in)

Engine 3 Configuration:

V6

Engine 3 Valvetrain:

OHV (Overhead Valve), 12 valves (Chrysler EGJ)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

156 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 4 Displacement:

3.8 L (230 cu in)

Engine 4 Configuration:

V6

Engine 4 Valvetrain:

OHV (Overhead Valve), 12 valves (Chrysler EGH)

Engine 4 Horsepower:

180 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 4 Torque:

230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

3-Speed Automatic (A604/41TE)

Transmission 2:

4-Speed Automatic (A670/42LE)

Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for initial fill (check manual for specific variations)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

112.1 inches (2847 mm)

Length:

177.9 inches (4519 mm)

Width:

72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Height:

68.2 inches (1732 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 130-150 cu ft (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 15-25 cu ft (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 60-70 cu ft (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 140-150 cu ft (with rear seats removed)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700-4100 lbs (1680-1860 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 5400-5600 lbs (2450-2540 kg)

Wheel Size:

15-inch (standard), 16-inch (optional on some trims)

Tire Size:

P215/70R15 (standard), P215/65R16 (optional)

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999 model year, may vary by specific test)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, not standard on all trims)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional (TCS - Traction Control System) on some higher trims or with certain engine options.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags available on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, with pretensioners for front seats.

Child Safety:

Rear door child safety locks, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard on all models/positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were common options or standard on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not available from the factory. Aftermarket solutions exist.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional on many models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or per manufacturer's severe service schedule.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on coolant type (e.g., conventional vs. HOAT).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact specification based on engine and temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0-5.0 quarts (3.8-4.7 liters) depending on engine.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-7170 spec for conventional, or MS-9769 for advanced.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Engine Oil Sludge:

Can be an issue with the 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines if oil changes are neglected; the manual provides procedures for diagnosis and cleaning.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Common in older automatics, often related to fluid degradation or valve body issues. Manual offers troubleshooting steps.

Rear Wiper Failure:

Motor failure or wiring issues can cause the rear wiper to stop working.

Window Regulator Problems:

Power window regulators can wear out over time, leading to windows not operating correctly.

Evaporative Emissions System Codes:

Issues with the EVAP system, such as charcoal canister leaks or purge valve problems, can trigger check engine lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles, often focusing on value and utility.

Caravan Introduction:

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

Second Generation Ns:

The 1996-2000 Dodge Caravan represented the second generation of the NS platform, featuring a more aerodynamic design and improved interior packaging over its predecessor.

1999 Updates:

The 1999 model year saw minor updates, often including revised option packages and potentially slight enhancements to features or styling, building on the successful formula of the second generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Dodge City plant)

Production Years:

1996-2000 (for the NS platform generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:

While not a direct award for the Caravan, Chrysler minivans (including Dodge) were recognized in the automotive press for their innovation and utility.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied throughout the generation, often marked as average or below average in earlier years, with improvements in later models. The manual helps address common issues.