Key Competitors 1998-1999:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport, Mercury Villager
Vehicle Identity:
Popular and versatile family vehicle known for its practicality and cargo capacity
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and technicians seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1998-1999 Dodge Caravan
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, automatic and manual transmissions
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS), driveline, wheels, and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments, HVAC, power accessories, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, glass, seats, bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-to-cause analysis, common issues and remedies
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific diagnostic procedures for various systems
Depth Of Information:
Detailed specifications, step-by-step repair instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, special tool recommendations
Transmission Type 1:
4-speed automatic (A604/41TE)
Transmission Type 2:
3-speed automatic (727/32RH) - less common, primarily on early models or specific configurations
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive, torque converter lock-up
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar specification for the era, often ATF+3 or Dexron III compatible)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,100 lbs (depending on engine and configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,250 - 5,500 lbs
Max Cargo Volume:
Approx. 140 - 150 cubic feet (with rear seats removed)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Driver:
4 Stars (1998)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (1998)
IIHS Offset Frontal Crash Rating:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, sometimes all four
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seatbelt pretensioners
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, multiple speaker configurations (4-8 speakers)
Rear Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment system (infant monitors or video screens were not common in this era).
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic auxiliary inputs for aftermarket entertainment systems; no integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (recommended, especially under severe use)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - platinum or iridium recommended for longer life)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Engine Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III compatible)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common Problem 1:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially in earlier 41TE transmissions), leading to erratic shifting or failure to engage gears.
Common Problem 2:
Premature wear of rear springs and shock absorbers due to vehicle load.
Common Problem 3:
CV axle joint wear and failure, particularly on vehicles with high mileage or subjected to harsh conditions.
Common Problem 4:
Headlight switch failures, leading to inoperative headlights or taillights.
Common Problem 5:
Interior trim and upholstery wear, common in high-use family vehicles.
Dodge Brand Legacy:
Part of Chrysler Corporation, known for its trucks and performance vehicles, but also a significant player in the minivan market.
Caravan Genesis:
The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) pioneered the minivan segment in the early 1980s.
Generation Ns:
The 1996-2000 generation (NS) represented a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics, more powerful engines, and enhanced safety features.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (for North American production)
Caravan Segment Recognition:
Consistently recognized as a leader in the minivan segment for its practicality and value.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Varied by model year and specific configuration; often rated as average to good for reliability in its class for the era.
Manual Certification:
Created based on OEM service information and best practices for automotive repair.
