🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year:

1998-1999

Platform:

NS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, commercial users, fleet operators.

Key Competitors Era:

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

Vehicle Usp:

Versatile interior packaging, often with flexible seating configurations, front-wheel drive, affordable pricing.

Manual Advantage:

Provides detailed, factory-level information essential for maintaining and repairing this specific generation of Caravan.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Region Specific Notes:

May include variations for Canadian or Mexican market models.

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific content, typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Purpose:

Repair, overhaul, maintenance, and diagnostics.

Primary Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE, 42LE), clutch, driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, transaxle.

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link beam axle), steering system, wheels, tires.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some models), ABS system (if equipped), parking brake.

Electrical Electronics:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system.

Body Interior:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, roof (including Stow 'n Go system on later models, though less prevalent in '98-'99), sliding doors, tailgate.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug service, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-II system, component testing procedures, symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair Overhaul:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, starter/alternator replacement, power window/lock motor replacement.

Installation Adjustment:

Component installation (e.g., new sensors, alternators), alignment procedures, brake bleeding, clutch adjustment (if applicable).

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and system diagnostics.

Assumed Technician Skill:

Fully conversant with general automobile practices, assumes professional mechanic or advanced DIYer knowledge.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages.

Printability:

Designed for easy printing of individual sections or the entire manual.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Chrysler Small Block / EER (Engine Electronic Re-design)

Engine Displacement 1:

2.4L (148 cu in) DOHC I4 (98-99 models)

Engine Displacement 2:

3.0L (181 cu in) SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 engine, 98-99 models)

Engine Displacement 3:

3.3L (202 cu in) OHV V6 (Chrysler 3.3L, 98-99 models)

Engine Displacement 4:

3.8L (230 cu in) OHV V6 (Chrysler 3.8L, 99 models)

Horsepower 2.4L:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.4L:

Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 3.3L:

Approx. 156 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 3.3L:

Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 3.8L:

Approx. 180 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque 3.8L:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Injection Type:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE / 42LE).

Optional Transmission:

Not typically offered for these model years; automatic was standard across most trims.

Transmission Control:

Electronic Overdrive (EO) feature on automatic transmissions.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602) or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.3 inches

Length:

Approx. 187.0 inches

Width:

Approx. 72.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.7 inches

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3600 - 3800 lbs (depending on engine and configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 5300 - 5500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Likely 4-star rating (based on typical performance of vehicles from this era).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-star rating.

ABS:

Available on most models, especially with V6 engines.

Traction Control:

Less common on this generation, usually not standard.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front shoulder belt height adjusters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Navigation:

Not available on factory options for this model year. Aftermarket solutions would be necessary.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional on most models.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power sliding doors (optional), power liftgate (optional).

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory. Aftermarket Bluetooth adapters or head units required.

OBD Ii:

Standard OBD-II compliant diagnostics, allowing for scan tool access to engine and transmission control modules.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type (e.g., platinum plugs ~100,000 miles; standard ~30,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific engine recommendations and viscosity grades for ambient temperature).

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler Formula 1 (Green) or Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3.

Common Problem 1:

Transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder, solenoid failures) in automatic transmissions, especially if fluid and filter maintenance is neglected.

Common Problem 2:

Oil leaks from valve covers, oil pan, or rear main seal.

Common Problem 3:

Worn front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) due to vehicle weight and usage.

Common Problem 4:

Power sliding door mechanism issues (if equipped).

Common Problem 5:

EVAP system leaks (e.g., charcoal canister, vent solenoid).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history in vehicle manufacturing, known for trucks and performance cars, but also for establishing the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager.

Caravan Generation Ns:

The 1998-1999 models represent the second generation (NS) of the Dodge Caravan, which ran from 1996 to 2000. This generation saw significant updates over the original, including improved safety and chassis design.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Saltillo, Mexico.

Production Years Generation:

1996-2000 (NS Platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Caravan Reputation:

The Dodge Caravan, as part of the Chrysler minivan lineage, is credited with popularizing and defining the minivan segment, making it a benchmark for family vehicles.

Consumer Reports Era:

Consumer Reports ratings for this generation typically placed it as average to below average in reliability compared to some Japanese competitors, with common issues noted in transmissions and electrical systems.

Safety Certification:

Compliant with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the model years 1998 and 1999.