Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Venture, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa.
Versatility:
Known for its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and family-oriented design.
Reliability:
Generally considered a reliable vehicle for its era, with a focus on practical utility.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/PCM).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic Transmission (3-speed, 4-speed), driveline components, axles, CV joints, hubs.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), ABS.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, climate control electronics, body control modules, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, doors, glass, HVAC system (non-electrical components).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, belt and hose inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, including symptom-based guides.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension and steering repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing, diagnostic flowcharts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications and tolerances.
Engine 1:
2.4L (2429cc) DOHC Inline-4 (GEMA I4)
Engine 1 Power:
150 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2:
3.0L (2972cc) SOHC V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72)
Engine 2 Power:
142 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Engine 3:
3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6 (Chrysler EDB)
Engine 3 Power:
156 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 4:
3.8L (3778cc) OHV V6 (Chrysler EGH)
Engine 4 Power:
166 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Length:
177.1 - 187.2 inches (model dependent)
Height:
67.6 - 68.3 inches (model dependent)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (2-2-3 configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 140.5 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 78.3 cu. ft.
Curb Weight:
3,500 - 4,000 lbs (approx., model dependent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1998)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1998)
IIHS Offset Frontal Impact:
Acceptable (1998 - specific testing may vary)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels and rear wheels, depending on trim and options.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions; front seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and speaker configurations (e.g., 4-speaker, 6-speaker).
Rear Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment systems (e.g., video screens, headphone jacks) were available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system for highway driving.
OBD Ii:
Equipped with OBD-II diagnostic port for emissions and engine monitoring.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 24-48 months, depending on driving habits.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SH or higher, consult manual for specific engine recommendations).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (for later models) or Dexron III/Mercon (for earlier models, consult manual for precise specification).
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Hybrid Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant.
Transmission Problems:
Early transmission failure, particularly in the 4-speed automatic transmissions, is a common concern. Issues with solenoids and torque converter clutch.
Engine Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 3.3L V6), oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan, potential head gasket issues on higher mileage 2.4L engines.
Electrical Issues:
Power window motor failures, dashboard instrument cluster failures, erratic behavior of power door locks and sliding doors.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings leading to poor steering and alignment issues.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing practical and robust vehicles for the American market.
Third Generation Ns:
The 1998 Caravan is part of the third generation (NS) introduced for the 1996 model year, featuring a significant redesign with more aerodynamic styling and improved safety.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Newark, Delaware, USA.
