🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Town & Country / Caravan / Voyager

Year:

1997

Platform:

NS Platform

Chassis Code:

VQ

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics seeking dealership-level repair information.

Advantage:

Provides the same detailed, step-by-step instructions and illustrations used by official dealerships, offering a cost-effective alternative to professional servicing.

Content Style:

Detailed illustrations, step-by-step instructions, comprehensive disassembly procedures.

Usability:

Printable pages allow for convenient use in garage or workshop environments.

Manual Quality:

Authoritative source for repair and service information.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) and Left-Hand Drive (LHD)

Total Pages:

1800+

Type:

Interactive Electronic Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing system, oil pump, cooling system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission internal components, clutch, linkage, gearshift mechanism.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, valve body, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid system.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle assembly (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckles.

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear, power steering pump, hoses, tie rods, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, drum brakes (if applicable), ABS system, hydraulic lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, starter, alternator, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power windows, power locks, mirrors.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping, chassis components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, hangers.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation, systematic problem-solving guides.

Repair And Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major systems.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing.

Specifications And Measurements:

Torque specifications, clearances, alignments, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system tracing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux

Printability:

Fully printable without restrictions

Binding:

Digital (PDF)

Format Type:

Electronic Document

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.0L (181 cu in) V6; 3.3L (203 cu in) V6; 3.8L (231 cu in) V6

Horsepower 3 0L:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque 3 0L:

Approx. 180 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Horsepower 3 3L:

Approx. 158 hp @ 4,700 rpm

Torque 3 3L:

Approx. 203 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm

Horsepower 3 8L:

Approx. 166 hp @ 4,400 rpm

Torque 3 8L:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV) V6

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-Speed Automatic (41TE, 42LE)

Manual Transmission:

Not typically offered on this model year for the North American market, manual transmission coverage would be specific to certain export models if available.

Automatic Transmission Type:

Transaxle

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar specification for the era, e.g., ATF+3)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short:

Approx. 112.0 inches

Wheelbase Long:

Approx. 119.2 inches

Seating Capacity:

7-8 passengers (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Varies by wheelbase and seating, but significant cargo capacity.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,700 - 4,200 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star for driver, 5-star for passenger in frontal crash tests (based on typical performance for this era).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Manual covers head unit removal and basic troubleshooting.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system, with repair procedures included.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and power sliding door (on some models), all covered by detailed wiring diagrams and repair instructions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on usage (refer to manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity and API service classification).

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) - typically a green color for this era.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+3/ATF+4.

Transmission Hard Shifts:

Common issue with the automatic transmission, often related to solenoid packs, valve body issues, or low fluid pressure. Manual details diagnostic procedures.

Engine Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front crankshaft seals can leak.

Power Window Motors:

Motors and regulators can fail, leading to inoperable power windows.

Rear Hatch Struts:

Gas struts can weaken over time, requiring replacement for proper tailgate support.

Distributorless Ignition System Issues:

Coil pack failures or crankshaft position sensor issues can cause no-start or misfire conditions.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Minivan Legacy:

Dodge pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan and Voyager in 1984, setting a standard for practicality and versatility.

Ns Platform:

The 1996-2000 models, including the 1997 year, represent the second generation (NS platform) of the Dodge minivan, featuring significant redesigns and improvements over the previous generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Minivan Segment Leader:

Dodge minivans consistently ranked highly in sales and customer satisfaction for their segment throughout the 1990s.