Target Audience:
Families, commercial users requiring cargo capacity
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Lumina APV, Toyota Previa, Honda Odyssey (though Odyssey was a different concept initially)
Design:
Front-wheel drive unibody construction, sliding rear doors (later models), flexible interior seating arrangements
Powertrain Options:
Versatile V6 engine options catering to different power and efficiency needs.
Utility:
Spacious interior, cargo hauling capability, family-friendly design
Benefit:
Enables DIY repairs, professional diagnostics, and in-depth understanding of vehicle systems, saving time and money.
Engine Coverage:
3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC), 3.3L V6 (Chrysler EBD OHV), 3.8L V6 (Chrysler EGT OHV)
Transmission Coverage:
3-speed Automatic (A500/42LE), 4-speed Automatic (A604/41TE, 42LE/42TE)
Drivetrain Coverage:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Body Coverage:
All body styles, interior, exterior, glass, doors, panels
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, lighting, body control modules, instrument cluster
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, exhaust
Total Pages:
Comprehensive (exact count not specified, but implied to be extensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Purpose:
Repair, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission controls, turbocharger (if applicable, though not standard on '96)
Transmission Components:
Transmission disassembly, assembly, hydraulic system, torque converter, valve body
Drivetrain Components:
Axles, CV joints, differential (integral to transaxle)
Brake System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering gear, steering column, tie rods
Suspension System:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls
Body And Interior:
Door mechanisms, power locks, power windows, seat mechanisms, dashboard removal
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnostics
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, starter motor replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, sensor testing, actuator testing
Calibration:
Wheel alignment procedures, ABS sensor calibration (if applicable)
Installation:
Component installation, accessory installation (e.g., towing components)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Transmission 1:
3-speed Automatic (A500 / 42LE)
Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (A604 / 41TE)
Transmission 3:
4-speed Automatic (42LE, updated version of A500)
Type:
Transaxle (engine and transmission integrated unit)
Fluid Type Spec:
ATF+4 (often specified as equivalent or Mopar ATF+3 for this era, check manual for exact specification)
Fluid Capacity Est:
Approx. 9-11 quarts (8.5-10.5 liters) for a complete drain and fill, higher for torque converter refill.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Est:
Likely 3 or 4 star rating (typical for era, specific data may vary)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Est:
Likely 3 or 4 star rating (typical for era, specific data may vary)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some trims)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, optional premium sound systems.
Display:
Basic analog gauges, digital odometer, climate control displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, electronic speed control.
Auxiliary Inputs:
None standard; aftermarket solutions exist.
Power Options:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (available).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed, based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Copper plugs: 30,000 miles; Platinum plugs: 60,000-100,000 miles (check manual for specific type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (severe service may require more frequent changes).
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature/engine)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent.
Common Problem 1:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially on 4-speed units), leading to shifting problems.
Common Problem 2:
Head gasket failures (particularly on the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, though less common on the 3.0L Mitsubishi).
Common Problem 3:
Water pump leaks or bearing failure.
Common Problem 4:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods, struts).
Common Problem 5:
CV axle boots cracking and tearing, leading to joint damage.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation
Generation:
NS Platform (1996-2000)
Predecessor:
1991-1995 Dodge Caravan (SH Platform)
Key Updates For 1996:
Major redesign, new exterior styling, improved safety features, updated interior, introduction of more powerful engines.
Assembly Locations Est:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA