Target Audience:
Vehicle Owners, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians
Manual Authenticity:
Genuine Factory Service Manuals (Not 3rd party)
Completeness:
COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual
Searchability:
Searchable PDF for quick information retrieval
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY servicing, saving $50-$60 per hour on labor costs
Information Source:
Provides same information as professional technicians
Applicable Years:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Hundreds of pages)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Engine Service Repair:
Yes
Transmission Service Repair:
Yes
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Yes
Emission Control System:
Yes
Heating Air Conditioning:
Yes
Engine Control System:
Yes
Differential Drive Axle:
Yes
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Advanced guide included)
Periodic Lubrication:
Yes
Repair Procedures:
Yes (Step-by-step, detailed)
Rebuilding Procedures:
Yes
Refurbishing Restoration:
Yes
Depth:
Comprehensive (Factory trained technician level)
Illustrations Diagrams:
Yes (Includes illustrations, drawings, and photos)
Diagnostic Procedures:
Yes (All diagnostic procedures covered)
Special Tools:
Likely detailed (Implied by factory FSM)
Engine Options:
3.0L (2972cc) SOHC V6 (12 valve) Vulcan; 3.3L (3301cc) OHV V6 (12 valve) ERE (or EGA); 3.8L (3778cc) OHV V6 (12 valve) LSE
Horsepower 3.0L:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 3.0L:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 3.3L:
Approx. 175 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3.3L:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 3.8L:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque 3.8L:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cylinder Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Timing Drive:
Timing Chain (3.0L Vulcan, 3.3L/3.8L OHV)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.1 inches
Length:
Approx. 193.1 - 196.5 inches (depending on year/trim)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 - 73.5 inches
Height:
Approx. 67.6 - 68.5 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,200 lbs (depending on configuration)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Could vary by year, generally fair to good ratings for the era.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Could vary by year, generally fair to good ratings for the era.
ABS:
Standard on many models, optional on some early trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trims, particularly later years
Airbags Driver Passenger:
Standard dual front airbags
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system available on later models
Audio System:
Various factory radio options, including cassette players and CD players, some with premium speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant starting from 1996, allowing for electronic diagnostic scanning.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Generally around 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (check specific engine). Original plugs may have shorter intervals.
Timing Belt Chain Replacement:
Timing chain is generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine. If timing belt were applicable (which it is not for these engines), it would be critical.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 is common, but always verify specific engine requirement (refer to manual for exact API service classification).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, e.g., MS-9602) for later models, ATF+3 for earlier models. Crucial to use correct type.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler long-life antifreeze/coolant (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water). Verify color specification.
Transmission Issues:
Some early transmissions (e.g., A604) were known for occasional rough shifting or solenoid issues. Periodic fluid and filter changes are vital.
Power Steering Leaks:
Can develop leaks from hoses or the pump over time.
Heating And Cooling System:
Heater cores can leak, and A/C evaporator issues are not uncommon with age.
Ignition System:
Spark plug wires and ignition coils can degrade, leading to misfires.
Body And Interior:
Interior trim can become loose, and power sliding doors/windows may require adjustment or repair.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan segment with the original Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in the early 1980s. The Grand Caravan served as the upscale Chrysler-branded version.
Generation Ns Introduction:
The NS generation debuted for the 1996 model year, marking a significant redesign with a smoother, more aerodynamic body style and improved interior packaging. It shared its platform with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.
Post 2000 Facelift:
While the core platform remained similar, minor updates and refreshes occurred between 2001-2007, including styling tweaks and feature additions, though the manual specifically covers up to 2005 for the Grand Caravan.
Manufacturing Locations:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Inc.)
