Target Audience:
Families, commercial users, and automotive repair professionals
Key Competitors:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Vehicle Platform Advantage:
Front-wheel-drive platform with flexible interior packaging
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, factory-authorized repair procedures, essential for accurate diagnostics and maintenance.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, and repair of all engine variants
Engine Control System:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, and ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions
Transmission Automatic:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, and repair of automatic transmissions
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive components, axles, CV joints, and differentials
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, and alignment specifications
Steering System:
Power steering, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components
Braking System:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system, hydraulic lines, and parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, and all vehicle wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, sunroof, and structural components
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
AC system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, and climate control
Interior Appointments:
Seating, trim panels, dashboard, and interior accessories
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and hangers
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel filter replacement
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant, and hoses
Emissions Control:
EVAP system, EGR system, and emission-related diagnostics
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tire rotations
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all vehicle components
Rebuilding Procedures:
Overhaul instructions for major components like engines and transmissions
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II system diagnostics, sensor testing, and circuit analysis
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, and critical measurements
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Codes:
Comprehensive listing and explanation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain repairs
Engine Code 1:
3.3L V6 (EGA)
Engine Displacement 1:
3.3 Liters (204 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 1:
SOHC V6
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 158 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Code 2:
3.8L V6 (L32)
Engine Displacement 2:
3.8 Liters (230 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 2:
OHV V6
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with ignition coils
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (may vary by specific test date/configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (may vary by specific test date/configuration)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
3-star (may vary by specific test date/configuration)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4-star (may vary by specific test date/configuration)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (20,000 - 24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type
Engine Oil Type 1:
API Certified SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (refer to manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity 1:
Approx. 3.8 US quarts (3.6 liters) with filter for 3.3L V6
Engine Oil Type 2:
API Certified SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (refer to manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity 2:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 3.8L V6
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent meeting MS-9769 specification (typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent meeting MS-9602 specification
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4
Common Problems 1:
Transmission solenoid issues, particularly in the 41TE automatic transmission, leading to shifting problems.
Common Problems 2:
Rattles and noises from the exhaust system or suspension components.
Common Problems 3:
Power steering pump leaks or noise.
Common Problems 4:
Water pump seal leaks and bearing failures.
Common Problems 5:
Headlight switch failures and electrical issues related to door locks and power windows.
Dodge Brand History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, including iconic trucks and performance cars. The Caravan was a pioneer in the minivan segment.
Caravan Model Lineage:
The Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country siblings, introduced the minivan concept to North America in the mid-1980s, revolutionizing family transportation.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Production Years For Model:
1996-2000 (Second Generation RG)