Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, small businesses, tradespeople needing flexible cargo and passenger space.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa.
Versatility:
Flexible seating configurations, ample cargo space, optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
Value Proposition:
Offered a compelling balance of practicality, affordability, and features for its segment.
Design Philosophy:
Functional and practical design prioritizing passenger comfort and cargo utility.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all gasoline engines.
Transmission Service:
Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and fluid servicing.
Drivetrain Components:
Front-wheel drive axle, CV joints, differential, and bearing service.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, tie rods, steering rack, power steering system.
Brake System:
Front and rear disc/drum brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, brake pads/shoes.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank, evaporative emissions control (EVAP).
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, heater core, coolant hoses.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning compressor, refrigerant lines, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control panel.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis specifications.
Preventive Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.
Component Repair And Replacement:
Detailed instructions for removing, repairing, and reinstalling all major vehicle components.
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment angles (caster, camber, toe) for front and rear axles.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Wiring Diagrams Interpretation:
Detailed and color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Codes:
Includes information on On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I / OBD-II) fault codes and their interpretation.
Special Tools Requirements:
Identifies specialized tools or equipment required for specific repair procedures.
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (1999 model year estimates)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (1999 model year estimates)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on rear seats (may vary by trim/option).
Side Impact Beams:
Reinforced side-impact protection beams in doors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, or as per severe service schedule.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum/iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API Certified (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature), Mopar part number: 05080897AB or equivalent.
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water), or equivalent HOAT coolant, Mopar part number: 05052400AA.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4, Mopar part number: 05013457GA.
Transmission Problems:
Intermittent shifting problems, torque converter shudder, and failure of the solenoid pack are common complaints with the 41TE transmission.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration and noise, especially under acceleration.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors is a common electrical issue.
Radiator And Coolant Leaks:
Cracked plastic radiator tanks and heater core leaks can lead to coolant loss.
Rear Suspension Sag:
Over time, rear springs can sag, affecting ride height and handling.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history of producing practical and durable vehicles.
Caravan Introduction:
The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) pioneered the minivan segment in 1984.
Third Generation:
The 1996-2000 Dodge Caravan is part of the third generation (NS body style), which introduced significant styling and engineering updates over the previous generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in North America (Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA).