Vehicle Segment:
Minivan / MPV
Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Competitors 2001:
Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza (GM Minivan platform sharing)
Design Philosophy:
Focus on practicality, passenger comfort, and versatility, with a strong emphasis on a modular interior and robust drivetrain for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-level technical information to empower owners and technicians to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs efficiently and accurately, saving time and money.
Engine:
Full engine mechanicals, diagnostics, tune-up, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, emissions
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 41TE/42LE), clutch system, driveline, axles, CV joints
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, power assist, ABS, disc brakes, drum brakes, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, components, diagnostics, refrigerant handling
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, seals, bumpers, interior fittings
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, subframes, mounting points
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, related sensors and modules
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagrams for diagnosis
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including disassembly, assembly, and adjustment
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic tool usage, component testing
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems
Engine Mechanical Rebuild:
Full procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), and reassembly.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for automatic transmission disassembly, clutch pack replacement, valve body servicing, and reassembly.
Body Repair:
Guidance on panel alignment, rust repair, bumper repair/replacement, door and glass fitting.
Electrical Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing alternators, starters, ignition modules, sensors, and ECUs.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (for 2001 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (for 2001 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4/5 Stars (for 2001 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4/5 Stars (for 2001 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side airbags available on some trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil may extend intervals).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Check periodically, change typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as per severe duty recommendations.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on climate, refer to manual)
Engine Coolant:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Complaints:
Transmission issues (slipping, rough shifts), intermittent electrical faults, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, engine oil leaks (crankshaft seals), suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), exhaust manifold cracks (on some V6 variants).
Frequent Replacements:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, serpentine belt, water pump, brake pads/rotors, sway bar links, cabin air filter.
Chrysler Minivan Legacy:
Chrysler invented the modern minivan segment with the Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager in 1983. The RG platform represents a further evolution of this pioneering design.
Rg Platform Generation:
Third Generation (NS/RS/GC) for North America, extended for RG platform for other markets. This generation introduced significant styling updates and improved safety features over its predecessors.
Rg Platform Production Years:
1996-2000 (NS/RS/GC platform basis), with continued use and minor updates for the RG designation in specific international markets through the early 2000s.
Manufacturing Plants:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA (for North American variants)