Target Audience:
Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and fostering informed discussions with technicians.
Competitiveness:
Provides dealership-level repair information, offering a significant advantage over generic guides.
Completeness:
Explicitly stated as complete and intact, with no missing or corrupt parts.
Specificity:
Vehicle-specific information, not generic repair advice.
Ease Of Use:
Clear, concise text with illustrations for easy comprehension and execution.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete service and repair instructions for engine systems.
Engine Electrical:
Detailed diagnosis and repair of engine electrical components and circuits.
Emission Control:
Coverage of emission control systems, diagnosis, and repair.
Fuel System:
In-depth information on fuel delivery, injection, and storage systems.
Clutch System:
Service and repair procedures for the clutch system.
Manual Transaxle:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance for manual transaxle systems.
Automatic Transaxle:
Detailed service and repair for automatic transaxle systems.
Driveshaft Axle:
Repair and maintenance for driveshaft and axle components.
Suspension System:
Service and repair for all suspension components and alignment.
Steering System:
Diagnosis and repair of steering systems, including power steering.
Restraint System:
Information on safety restraint systems, including airbags.
Brake System:
Comprehensive coverage of brake system service, repair, and troubleshooting.
Body Interior Exterior:
Service and repair for body panels, trim, and interior components.
Body Electrical:
Detailed diagnosis and repair of body electrical systems and components.
HVAC:
Complete service and repair for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
General Information:
Includes general information applicable to the vehicle.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance procedures for all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Comprehensive repair instructions for all major and minor components.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing faults and issues across all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Full service and repair instructions used by professional mechanics, equivalent to dealer-level information.
Illustrations Diagrams:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics for clarity.
Diagnostics Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving faults.
Engine Options:
Likely to cover the 3.3L V6 (EGA) and potentially the 3.8L V6 (L32) engines common in this generation. Specific engine codes should be referenced from the manual.
Horsepower Torque:
Detailed specifications for horsepower and torque will be available for each engine variant.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is standard.
Engine Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for engine component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Types:
Typically equipped with automatic transaxles. Manual transaxles were less common but may be covered if equipped.
Transmission Variants:
Specific transmission model numbers and configurations for the NS platform will be detailed.
Transmission Fluid:
Information on recommended ATF types (e.g., ATF+4 or equivalent) and capacities will be provided.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 119.3 inches (standard wheelbase). Long wheelbase (ES Grand Caravan) is 119.3 inches, while the extended versions might differ slightly.
Length:
Varies by wheelbase, but generally around 189 inches for standard and over 200 inches for extended models.
Cargo Volume:
Significant cargo volume, adaptable with various seating configurations. Specific cubic feet will be detailed in the manual.
Curb Weight:
Typically in the range of 3,800 to 4,200 lbs depending on configuration and engine.
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA crash test ratings for 1998-1999 models would need to be verified, but generally, minivans of this era offered moderate protection.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags are standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Manual will specify.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by plug type (e.g., platinum-tipped plugs often last longer, 60,000-100,000 miles). Specific recommendations in manual.
Engine Oil:
Likely 5W-30 viscosity grade for most conditions. Manual will specify SAE grade and API classification.
Coolant:
Chrysler's recommended OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a pink or orange color. Manual will specify type and mixture.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the system requirements. Manual will specify.
Common Problems:
Potential issues may include intake manifold gasket leaks, transmission solenoid issues (especially in earlier models), power window motor failures, and HVAC blower motor resistor issues. Manual provides diagnostic procedures for these.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler pioneered the minivan segment with the original Caravan/Voyager and continued to innovate with subsequent generations.
Ns Generation Introduction:
The NS generation debuted in 1996, representing a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics and interior space.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at Chrysler assembly plants in Canada and the United States.
