🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Grand Caravan

Year:

1999

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Grand Caravan was a leading minivan in the late 1990s, known for its family-friendly practicality, flexible seating, and V6 engine power. This manual targets owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain and repair this popular vehicle.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Chrysler Town & Country, Plymouth Voyager, Ford Windstar, and Chevrolet Venture. The Grand Caravan differentiated itself with Chrysler's robust minivan platform and a wide array of available features.

Key Features:

This manual provides in-depth coverage critical for effective maintenance and repair, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts, precise torque specifications, and exploded views of components. Its comprehensive nature makes it invaluable for keeping a 1999 Grand Caravan in optimal working order.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete service and repair for all major vehicle systems.

Page Count:

Extensive, typically exceeding 1000 pages for comprehensive coverage.

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, transmission (automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, HVAC, electrical systems (including wiring diagrams), body and chassis, interior trim, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions controls, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

Procedures Included:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removal, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, repair, reassembly, installation, adjustment, and diagnostic procedures. Includes maintenance schedules, torque specifications, component testing, and troubleshooting guides.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to advanced engine diagnostics, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system repairs. Designed for both professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes detailed diagnostic trees, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code explanations, sensor testing, and component failure analysis. Covers common P, B, C, and U codes relevant to the 1999 model.

Body Chassis Procedures:

Includes repair and replacement procedures for body panels, doors, liftgate, interior trim, bumpers, frame components, and chassis sub-assemblies. Also covers rustproofing and undercoating.

HVAC System Coverage:

Detailed procedures for A/C system servicing (refrigerant handling, component replacement), heater core replacement, blower motor, climate control panels, and ductwork diagnostics.

Wiring Diagrams Coverage:

Extensive, high-quality wiring diagrams covering all electrical circuits, including power distribution, grounds, component location, and connector pinouts. Essential for electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF, optimized for printing.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory service manuals, ensuring clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Document)

Manual Completeness:

This is a complete workshop service manual, covering all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance, unlike a simple owner's manual or a condensed repair guide.

Searchability:

Fully searchable PDF, allowing users to quickly find specific topics, component names, or error codes.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.0L (182 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 SOHC (early models) or 3.3L (201 cu in) Chrysler EGJ V6 OHV or 3.8L (231 cu in) Chrysler EGH V6 OHV.

Horsepower Torque:

Varies by engine: 3.0L V6 ~150 hp, 3.3L V6 ~158 hp, 3.8L V6 ~166-180 hp. Torque figures also vary accordingly.

Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine Codes:

EGJ (3.3L), EGH (3.8L). Note: Mitsubishi engine may have specific codes.

Displacement:

2972cc (3.0L), 3301cc (3.3L), 3778cc (3.8L)

Engine Management System:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar, managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions controls. Manual provides information on ECU location and testing.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic (e.g., A604, A670 variants).

Optional Transmission:

N/A for this year and model, automatic was standard.

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive, electronically controlled automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4-5 quarts (dry fill), approximately 3-4 quarts for a fluid and filter change. Always verify with the manual's specific capacity chart.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 112.1 inches

Length:

Approx. 189.4 inches

Width:

Approx. 72.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 68.8 inches

Passenger Volume:

Significant, designed for up to seven passengers.

Cargo Volume:

Variable depending on seat configuration, typically over 100 cubic feet with rear seats removed.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3900-4200 lbs (depending on configuration and engine).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 5600 lbs. (GVWR)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by specific test year, typically good for its era but pre-advanced safety features. Expect 3-4 star ratings in frontal impacts. Detailed NHTSA data would be in the manual if available.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most trims, Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side impact protection (door beams).

Restraint System:

Dual front airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, manual lap and shoulder belts for all seating positions.

Brake System Type:

Front disc, rear drum or rear disc brakes depending on model and options. ABS system details included.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Standard Tire Size:

P215/65R16 is common. Manual lists all applicable sizes and pressures.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. May include cassette-based navigation systems on higher trims. Manual covers radio removal, speaker replacement, and troubleshooting.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era. ABS and optional Traction Control are the primary electronic aids. Cruise control is standard on most models.

Connectivity Options:

None by modern standards. May include optional rear-seat entertainment systems (e.g., VHS player) on higher trims.

Electrical System Coverage:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including lighting, ignition, charging, starting, instrumentation, power accessories, and HVAC controls. Detailed troubleshooting for electrical faults.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug replacement usually around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on plug type (platinum/iridium recommended for longer life).

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Recommended every 2-3 years or as needed based on condition (flush and fill).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type. OAT coolant often lasts longer.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 is common, check owner's manual for exact specification and API service classification (e.g., API SN or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (Mopar part number 05013457AA or equivalent) is generally recommended for Chrysler automatic transmissions of this era. Always verify with the manual.

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler's OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Consult manual for color and type (e.g., Mopar 10 Year/100,000 Mile Coolant).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4 may be specified. Check manual for precise type.

Engine Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 quarts (with heater). Check manual for precise capacity.

Common Issues:

Transmission issues (e.g., hard shifting, solenoid failures), power steering pump leaks, radiator leaks, rear sway bar links wear, exhaust manifold cracks (especially 3.3L/3.8L), power window regulators, and HVAC blower motor resistor failures. The manual will detail diagnosis and repair for these.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Commonly used filters include Fram PH3793, Wix 51515, Purolator L14610. Verify for specific engine.

Air Filter Part Number:

Commonly used filters include Fram CA3831, Wix 42348, Purolator A24812. Verify for specific engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history of producing robust vehicles, including iconic minivans.

Model Evolution:

The 1999 Grand Caravan is part of the second generation of the Dodge Caravan platform (1996-2000), which saw significant redesigns for improved aerodynamics, interior space, and powertrain options compared to the first generation.

Generation Codes:

Second Generation (1996-2000). Chassis code AS (AWD) or NS (FWD).

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and the St. Louis Assembly Plant in Fenton, Missouri, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The Dodge Caravan line generally received positive reviews for its practicality and utility, often appearing on 'best family vehicle' lists from automotive publications of the era. Specific awards for the '99 model would need detailed historical research, but its sales success indicates market favor.

Consumer Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction was generally good for its utility, though reliability perceptions varied, with some common mechanical issues reported over time. This manual is key to addressing those.

Certifications:

N/A (This refers to the manual's quality, not the vehicle's certifications).