🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Caravan

Year Range:

1996-2000

Chassis Code:

GS/NS Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Positioning:

A popular and versatile family vehicle, known for its practicality and spacious interior.

Key Competitors:

Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager.

Versatility:

Known for its flexible seating configurations and ample cargo space.

Powertrain Options:

Offered with reliable V6 engines and smooth automatic transmissions.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

North America (primarily)

Trim Level Coverage:

All trim levels (e.g., SE, LE, ES)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (indicative of comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all gasoline engines.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection, starting and charging systems, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair procedures for the 41TE and 42LE automatic transmissions.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for available manual transmissions (if applicable).

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, steering knuckle, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, alignment.

Electrical Body:

Lighting systems, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wiper system, horn, interior and exterior lighting diagnostics.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heating system, blower motor, controls.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, heat shields.

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans, hoses, coolant specifications.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door assembly, liftgate, interior trim, chassis components.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seat belt systems.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Tests:

Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and electrical circuits using multimeters and scan tools.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth Level:

Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

High-resolution, printable pages. Allows for printing of specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Description:

Digital PDF format; printing would result in bound pages.

Paper Description:

Digital PDF format; paper type is not applicable until printed.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.0L V6 (EGA) OHV 12-valve

Engine 2:

3.3L V6 (ECL) OHV 12-valve

Engine 3:

3.8L V6 (EWD/L32) OHV 12-valve

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 150 hp to 180 hp (depending on engine)

Torque Range:

Approx. 170 lb-ft to 230 lb-ft (depending on engine)

Induction Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., 41TE, 42LE)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual (less common on later models)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled automatic transmissions with overdrive.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

112.1 inches

Length Inches:

189.8 inches

Width Inches:

72.0 inches

Height Inches:

68.2 inches

Seating Capacity:

7 passengers (typical configuration)

Cargo Volume Cu Ft:

Over 150 cu ft with rear seats removed/stowed.

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,200 lbs (depending on engine and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for specific models/years, consult official reports)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player, optional premium sound systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, optional traction control (on some models).

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity options by modern standards; primarily analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Miles:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions, check manual for specifics).

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (consult manual for exact viscosity based on climate).

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler approved Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant).

Common Issue 1:

Automatic transmission issues, particularly heat-related problems and wear on the torque converter clutch (TCC).

Common Issue 2:

Head gasket leaks, especially on the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, due to overheating.

Common Issue 3:

Rear axle seal leaks.

Common Issue 4:

Power window motor failures and switch issues.

Common Issue 5:

Exhaust manifold cracks leading to ticking noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a history of offering practical and family-oriented vehicles.

Generation:

This generation (NS platform) represented a significant redesign from the previous model, featuring improved aerodynamics and updated styling.

Production Years For Generation:

1996-2000

Manufacturing Plant:

Various Chrysler Corporation plants in North America.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for this exact generation are not prominently cited, the Dodge Caravan line as a whole has been a significant player in the minivan segment for many years, often recognized for its value and practicality.

Consumer Reports Typical Rating:

Variable; often cited for good family utility but with recurring transmission and electrical issues in some model years.

Certification Status:

Not applicable for this manual product.