Vehicle Segment:
Minivan / Family Van
Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey.
Vehicle Highlights:
Spacious interior, versatile seating arrangements, practical cargo space, family-friendly features, front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and conduct repairs, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics, manual transmission, automatic transmission.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheels and tires.
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, instrument panel, wipers and washers, horns, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, security system, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and their solutions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and torque specifications.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing specific parts like engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, brakes, suspension components, etc.
Depth:
Complete, from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Type 2.7L:
4-Speed Automatic (A604, 41TE)
Transmission Type 3.0L/3.3L:
4-Speed Automatic (A604, 41TE)
Transmission Type AWD:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE with AWD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (refer to manual for exact specification and change intervals)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
N/A (Testing methods varied significantly for this era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
N/A (Testing methods varied significantly for this era)
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on some higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and speaker configurations (e.g., 4, 6, or 8 speakers).
Display:
Basic analog gauges, center stack with radio and HVAC controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
OBD Ii:
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) compliant, enabling scan tool diagnostics.
HVAC:
Manual or automatic climate control, front and rear heating/cooling vents.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,000-7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual).
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific interval and conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
100,000 miles (for Platinum/Iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, consult manual for specific recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Chrysler's HOAT formula, typically pink).
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid failure (especially in early models), power steering pump leaks, EGR valve issues, door lock actuator failures, rear axle bearing wear.
Check Engine Light:
Often related to EGR, O2 sensors, or minor vacuum leaks.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles.
Generation:
This period represents the NS generation of the Dodge Caravan.
Redesign:
This generation saw significant updates from the previous one, including updated styling and powertrains.
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
