Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Venture, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, versatile seating, practical for families and cargo hauling
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative guide for maintaining and repairing the 1998-1999 Dodge Caravan, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle life.
Engine:
3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72), 3.3L V6 (EGA), 3.8L V6 (EVE)
Transmission:
Automatic Transaxle (A604, A670, 41TE, 42LE)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum / Optional Rear Disc, ABS
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Beam Axle with Coil Springs
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Body:
Interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, body panels, bumpers, glass
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injection, evaporative emission control
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, drive belts, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Engine mechanical, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild procedures
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1:
3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC)
Engine 2:
3.3L V6 (Chrysler EGA OHV)
Engine 3:
3.8L V6 (Chrysler EVE OHV)
Horsepower 3.0L:
150 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 3.0L:
180 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 3.3L:
158 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque 3.3L:
193 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Horsepower 3.8L:
166 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 3.8L:
227 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
87 octane (Octane rating may vary slightly by engine variant)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A (Automatic was standard across most configurations)
Transmission Models:
A604, A670, 41TE, 42LE (depending on engine)
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7 quarts (for R&R)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - Note: Ratings can vary slightly by year and specific test.
NHTSA Side Impact:
Not consistently rated or availability varies significantly for this era.
ABS:
Optional on many trims, standard on some higher trims or later production.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per owner's manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type (platinum/iridium recommended for longevity).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for exact specification based on temperature and engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4-5 quarts (varies by engine).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a green or orange coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problem 1:
Transmission solenoid issues and torque converter shudder in automatic transmissions.
Common Problem 2:
Head gasket leaks on some 3.0L Mitsubishi engines (though less common than on earlier versions).
Common Problem 3:
Power door lock and window regulator failures.
Common Problem 4:
Rust and corrosion on body panels, particularly wheel arches and rocker panels.
Common Problem 5:
Climate control blend door actuator failures leading to HVAC issues.
Brand Focus:
Chrysler Corporation's utility and family vehicle segment.
Generation:
Third Generation (1996-2000). This generation introduced significant styling and engineering updates over its predecessors.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Production Years:
1998-1999 covered by this manual.
Editor Pick:
Often cited as a practical and affordable family vehicle for its time. Popular choice for carpooling and utility.
Reliability Perception:
Mixed to average. While generally robust, some powertrain and electrical components could be prone to issues as the vehicle aged.
Certification Type:
N/A (This is a service manual, not a vehicle award).
