Target Audience:
Primarily professional automotive technicians, but also advanced DIY enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair information.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level accuracy and detail crucial for accurate diagnostics and repairs, outperforming generic repair guides.
Detail Level:
Exhaustive technical data, including torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring diagrams.
Usability:
Organized into logical sections for easy navigation and quick access to specific repair procedures or information.
Engine:
All gasoline engines, including 2.4L DOHC and 3.0L SOHC V6, with detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, and specifications.
Transmission:
Automatic Transmissions (e.g., A604, A670) and Manual Transmissions, covering operation, overhaul, troubleshooting, and fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes (with or without ABS), Rear Drum Brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures, and component specifications.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut suspension, rear torsion beam axle, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion steering system, hydraulic pump, steering column, tie rod ends, and troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, ignition system, lighting, and accessories.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, component testing (compressor, condenser, evaporator), and troubleshooting.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers, interior trim, and corrosion prevention.
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (SRS) system (though likely basic coverage for this era), and lighting.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for the complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components like engines and transmissions.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBDI/OBDII depending on specific engine control module), sensor testing, and actuator testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick finding of specific topics.
Print Quality:
Assumed to be high-resolution, suitable for printing all pages for workshop use.
Page Count:
Estimated 1000-2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory-level service manual of this era).
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Coverage:
Complete factory service manual, designed for professional technicians, offering exhaustive information.
Engine 1 Type:
2.4L DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder (Engine Code: EDZ)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2378 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 93.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5600 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs.
Engine 2 Type:
3.0L SOHC V6 (Chrysler EGH / Mitsubishi 6G72)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2972 cc
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.9:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 162 hp @ 4750 RPM
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Ignition System:
Distributor ignition system.
Type 1:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (A604, electronically controlled)
Type 2:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (A670, heavier duty for V6 models)
Type 3:
3-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common in '96 models, but possible).
Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Mopar designation), equivalent to Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7-9 quarts (dry fill), consult manual for specific fill procedure.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4 Stars (1996 model year testing if available, generally good for the era).
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4 Stars (1996 model year testing if available).
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, potentially all four depending on configuration.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, rear seat belts. Child seat anchor points (LATCH system not standard in this era).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for exact intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as specified by driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for most conditions. Consult manual for specifics.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170 or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Mopar designation).
Transaxle Reliability:
Early electronically controlled transaxles (like A604) were known for potential solenoid failures and control module issues; thorough diagnostics are key.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine and transmission mounts can lead to vibration and noise.
Evaporator Core:
HVAC evaporator core leaks can cause refrigerant loss and fogging on the windshield.
Power Window Motors:
Power window regulators and motors can wear out over time.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, as part of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, including early minivans.
Generation:
This 1996 model is part of the second generation Dodge Caravan (1991-1995), with the 1996 model year often considered a carry-over or minor update before the major redesign in 1996 for the 1996-2000 generation.
Manufacturing Location:
North America (e.g., Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA).
Market Impact:
The Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country siblings, largely defined the minivan segment in North America.