Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Vehicle Selling Points:
Spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive (AWD) on some trims/engines.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.0L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.8L V6), Transmission (3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System Components, Fuel System Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Tire Rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for OBD-I/OBD-II (if applicable for specific components)
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Reassembly Instructions, Adjustment Procedures
Special Procedures:
Airbag System Service, ABS System Service, Power Sliding Door Mechanism Service
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to major component overhauls and detailed diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., A604/41TE for 3.0L V6, 42LE for 3.3L/3.8L V6)
Transmission Type Opt:
3-speed Automatic (less common on 1998 models, typically replaced by 4-speed)
Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic shift control
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent for early models, consult manual for exact spec e.g., ATF+3)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Driver: 4 stars; Passenger: 4 stars (1998 model year testing)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts in all seating positions; shoulder belt height adjusters.
Child Safety:
Child seat LATCH anchor points (introduced on some later NS models, check specific build date).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs, check specific engine type.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate, consult manual)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, color orange or red. Mopar OAT coolant is *not* compatible.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 3.3L/3.8L OHV engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil cooler line leaks.
Common Problems Transmission:
Torque converter shudder, transmission fluid leaks, premature wear on internal components, shift solenoid issues.
Common Problems Electrical:
Power window motor failures, power door lock issues, instrument cluster failure (dimming/dead gauges), HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends; premature strut/shock absorber wear.
Common Problems Body:
Rust, especially around wheel wells and rocker panels. Door latch/mechanism issues (including power sliding doors). Plastic trim degradation.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and comfort-oriented vehicles.
Voyager Gens:
First generation (1984-1990), Second Generation (NS: 1991-1995), Third Generation (RS: 1996-2000). This manual covers the RS generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Model Production Years:
1996-2000 (RS Generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the Voyager was a popular minivan, it did not consistently appear on Car and Driver's 10Best lists as the Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan often did in earlier years. However, it was a strong contender in its segment.
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Typically rated average to below average in initial quality compared to segment leaders during this period.
