Dodge Caravan 1996 1997 Workshop Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Year: 1997 Codes Platform: NS (Second Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Minivan, family vehicle Target Audience: Families, people needing flexible cargo...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 448958

Tags: 1996 1997 Car Caravan Cars Dodge Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

Codes

Platform:

NS (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Minivan, family vehicle

Target Audience:

Families, people needing flexible cargo and passenger space

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors 1996 1997:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager

Key Features Vehicle

Features:

Front-wheel drive, spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, sliding rear doors (on some trims), front-engine layout, advanced for its time integrated powertrain management.

Key Features Manual

Features:

Detailed procedures, diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, exploded views, torque specs, parts identification assistance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Coverage:

Complete vehicle repair and overhaul for 1996-1997 Dodge Caravan

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

All engine variants, internal components, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, ignition timing.

Transmission Automatic:

A604/41TE 4-speed automatic transmission overhaul, valve body diagnosis, electronic control module (TCM) integration, fluid type and capacity, torque converter service.

Transmission Manual:

N/A for this specific generation's common configurations, but manual transmission repair (if applicable to specific trims) would be covered.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential components (integral to transaxle), wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common configuration), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear twist-beam axle with trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, power steering pump, fluid type and specifications, steering column components.

Electrical System:

12V battery, alternator, starter motor, charging system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting systems.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis components, corrosion prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant charging, climate control panel.

Interior:

Seats, seat belts, dashboard, instrument cluster, door panels, headliner, audio system installation/removal.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II transition period), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom analysis.

Procedures Included

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-up procedures, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.

Engine Repair:

Engine tune-up, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing belt/chain service, oil pump replacement, complete engine overhaul.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid testing and replacement, valve body repair, torque converter replacement, transmission removal and installation.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, drum shoe replacement, wheel cylinder service, brake line replacement, ABS component testing.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump replacement, steering rack overhaul.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, starter/alternator testing, battery diagnosis.

Body Repair:

Dent repair, panel replacement, welding procedures, rust repair, door hinge adjustment, lock mechanism service.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system evacuation and charging, A/C compressor clutch service, blower motor replacement, heater core flush.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical problems, and mechanical failures.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, alignment angles, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage readings.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if originally digitized from a printed source with OCR. May vary depending on the source scan quality.

Print Quality

Quality:

Variable, depending on the original source. Expect clear diagrams and text, but some older scans may have minor imperfections.

Binding Type

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine 1:

2.4L (148 ci) Inline-4 (ID: EDZ)

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 150 HP @ 5,200 RPM

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

Optional Engine

Engine 2:

3.0L (181 ci) V6 (ID: EAE/6G72)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 162 HP @ 4,800 RPM

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 180 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Engine Management

Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (A604/41TE)

Optional

Type:

N/A (4-speed automatic was standard for most configurations)

Features

Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive gear, adaptive shift logic.

Fluid Specifications

Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 7176D or equivalent)

Fluid Capacities

Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 quarts (1600-1775 cc) for fluid change, ~10 quarts (2400 cc) for complete refill.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase Inches:

112.1

Length Inches:

179.4 - 192.8 (depending on long/short wheelbase variants)

Width Inches:

Height Inches:

Cargo

Cargo Volume Cu Ft:

Variable based on seating configuration, often exceeding 140 cu. ft. with rear seats removed.

Weights

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 3,400 - 3,800 lbs (depending on engine and options)

Towing Capacity Lbs:

Typically around 2,000 lbs with proper towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver Star Rating:

4 stars (for 1996 models tested)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger Star Rating:

4 stars (for 1996 models tested)

Active Features

Available on some models/trims

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts, rear lap and shoulder belts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player standard; CD player optional on higher trims.

Navigation:

Not available in this era.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Optional; when equipped, it provides enhanced braking control.

Connectivity

Aux Input:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Miles:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specific recommendations)

Transmission Fluid Change Miles:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement Miles:

Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles for the 2.4L EDZ engine (critical replacement interval)

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium)

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, check manual)

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler Type 1 or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 or specific power steering fluid (check manual)

Known Issues

Engine 2.4L Common Issues:

Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (leading to catastrophic engine damage).

Engine 3.0L V6 Common Issues:

Oil leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, potential for head gasket issues.

Transmission Common Issues:

Harsh shifting, slipping, failure of solenoids, torque converter shudder, coolant leaks into transmission cooler (if equipped with integrated cooler).

Suspension Common Issues:

Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, premature strut/shock absorber failure, clunking noises over bumps.

Electrical Common Issues:

Faulty window regulators, power door lock issues, dashboard indicator light problems, alternator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing practical and value-oriented vehicles.

Model Evolution

Caravan Lineage:

The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) pioneered the minivan segment in the early 1980s. The 1996-1997 models represent the second generation (NS), a significant redesign from the first generation.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant)

Production Years Ns Platform:

1996-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Major Awards:

The Caravan platform historically received numerous awards and accolades for its practicality, innovation, and value, often appearing on 'Best Family Cars' lists.

Ratings

Consumer Reports Typical Rating:

Generally rated average to above average for predicted reliability in its class during its production run, with specific model years and powertrains having varying results.