Segment:
Compact Minivan (pioneering segment)
Significance:
Defined the modern minivan segment, offering unparalleled interior versatility and passenger capacity for its era
Competitors Era:
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan (though Caravan often predated or competed directly with early entries), Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro/Safari
Design Philosophy:
Front-wheel-drive, unibody construction, high seating position, sliding rear doors (on some later models/trims, but standardizing the concept), flexible seating arrangements
Innovations:
Popularized the minivan as a family vehicle, offering car-like handling with van-like utility
Overall Coverage:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Engine Coverage:
All engines included
Model Coverage:
All models and trims
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 800+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory-Style Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Printed (as per typical industry practices for manuals of this age; digital versions may exist)
Mechanical Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, axles, differentials
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if applicable to later models)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, body electronics
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair And Rebuild:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems
Adjustments:
Engine timing, carburetor adjustments, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Format Details:
If digital, likely PDF; clarity of diagrams and text is paramount for usability
Quality:
High (assumed for a factory-style manual, critical for clear diagrams)
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound (typical for printed manuals)
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments
Engine Displacement 1:
2.2 L (135 cu in) I4 (4-cylinder)
Engine Type 1:
Naturally Aspirated SOHC Inline-4
Performance 1 Hp:
Approximately 85-100 hp (varies by year and specific configuration)
Performance 1 Torque:
Approximately 110-120 lb-ft (varies)
Engine Displacement 2:
2.5 L (150 cu in) I4 (4-cylinder)
Engine Type 2:
Naturally Aspirated SOHC Inline-4
Performance 2 Hp:
Approximately 100-115 hp
Performance 2 Torque:
Approximately 130-145 lb-ft
Engine Displacement 3:
3.0 L (181 cu in) V6
Engine Type 3:
Naturally Aspirated SOHC V6
Performance 3 Hp:
Approximately 135-150 hp
Performance 3 Torque:
Approximately 160-180 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery 1:
Carburetor (for early 4-cyl models)
Fuel Delivery 2:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) (for later models and V6)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based for most models)
Transmission Type Standard:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive for FWD V6 applications, or earlier Chrysler Torqueflite derivatives for 4-cyl)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive became more common and refined)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Rare/Limited; primarily automatic transmissions were offered
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel-drive transverse mounting, electronic control on later models (Ultradrive)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (Check manual for exact spec, early models might use ATF+2 or Dexron II)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 112 inches (varies slightly by year and configuration)
Length:
Approximately 176-180 inches (varies)
Width:
Approximately 70-72 inches (varies)
Height:
Approximately 64-66 inches (varies)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000-3400 lbs (varies by engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4500-5000 lbs
NHTSA Ratings Era:
Ratings from this era are often limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Focus on passive safety features.
ABS:
Optional on some later models (late 1980s), primarily rear-wheel ABS initially
Traction Control:
Not typically available in this generation
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers
Airbags:
Not available in this generation (standard driver/passenger airbags became prevalent in the early 90s)
Body Structure:
Unibody construction with crumple zones designed for the era
Radio Options:
AM/FM radio, AM/FM stereo with cassette player
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure), warning lights
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; limited to basic power outlets
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for precise interval)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on usage, consult manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 2.2L), carburetor issues (if equipped), timing belt wear on 4-cylinders
Transmission Issues:
Ultradrive transmission (A604) can be prone to electronic control unit (ECU) failures or solenoid issues if not maintained properly. Early automatics can have hard shifting.
Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to vehicle weight and usage.
Electrical Issues:
Failing relays, corrosion in connectors, dashboard illumination issues, power window/lock failures.
Body Issues:
Rust, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and suspension mounting points. Door hinge wear.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for trucks, muscle cars, and practical family vehicles.
Generation 1 Period:
1984-1990
Design Inspiration:
Based on Chrysler's 'mini-van' concept, originally developed by Carroll Hall Shelby, leading to the K-Car platform derivatives.
Key Milestones:
Introduction of the V6 engine option, availability of all-wheel-drive (AWD) in later years (though less common in this specific generation), refinement of the Ultradrive automatic transmission.
Manufacturing Plant:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada Automotive Assembly Plant)
Sales Impact:
Massive sales success, establishing Dodge and Chrysler as leaders in the burgeoning minivan market.
Segment Impact Award:
Widely credited with creating and dominating the minivan segment, earning numerous 'Vehicle of the Year' type awards from automotive publications during its initial years.
Utility Award:
Praised for its practicality and family-hauling capabilities, making it a highly sought-after vehicle for families.
Industry Recognition:
Set the benchmark for minivan design and functionality for years to come.
