Vehicle Segment:
Compact Minivan
Segment Pioneer:
The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) pioneered the minivan segment in North America.
Key Competitors:
Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro/Safari, later models from Japanese manufacturers
Design Philosophy:
Front-engine, front-wheel drive, unibody construction, sliding rear doors (introduced on the second generation), flexible seating configurations.
Target Demographic:
Families, individuals seeking versatile and practical transportation.
Engine Mechanical:
2.5L 4-Cylinder (AMC/Mitsubishi 151), 3.3L V6 (EGA)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection (MPI), starting and charging systems, engine control modules (ECM)
Transmission Manual:
A-525 Manual Transaxle
Transmission Automatic:
A-604 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (Ultradrive)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive components, axles, CV joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear torsion beam axle with trailing arms
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for some models
Electrical System:
12-volt DC system, battery, alternator, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation
Body And Frame:
Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior components, chassis
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, passive restraints (airbags were not standard in '92 Caravans), child seat anchors
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug service
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Specifications Tolerances:
Tightening torques, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications, wear limits
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using diagnostic scan tools (OBD-I era), multimeters, and specialized equipment
Component Identification:
Clear identification of all parts and components with diagrams and part numbers where applicable
Special Tools:
List and description of any special tools required for specific repair procedures
Digital Format Details:
Likely PDF with searchable text, high-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Scan Quality:
Professional quality scans, ensuring clarity and legibility of text and diagrams
Physical Equivalent Binding:
Original factory manuals were typically perfect bound or spiral bound
Physical Equivalent Paper:
Original manuals used durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower Approx:
100-125 hp (depending on specific calibration)
Engine 1 Torque Approx:
135-150 lb-ft (depending on specific calibration)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.3 Liters
Engine 2 Configuration:
V6
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Horsepower Approx:
150-160 hp
Engine 2 Torque Approx:
185-195 lb-ft
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 15-20 gallons (varies by model/configuration)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transaxle (A-525)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (A-604 Ultradrive)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (verify specific manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent Dexron III (verify specific manual)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Not directly comparable to modern standards, minivan rollover tendency was a concern in this era.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became available on some models in the 1992 model year (optional or standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants (typical for the era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (verify with manual, severe vs. normal service)
Tune Up Interval:
Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, including spark plugs and filters (verify with manual)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (verify with manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (verify specific viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Conformance (long-life green ethylene glycol based)
Engine 2.5L Issues:
Head gasket failures, oil leaks, timing belt service (critical)
Engine 3.3L V6 Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks, potential for sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected
Transmission A604 Issues:
Transmission control module (TCM) failures, solenoid issues, torque converter shudder (common in early Ultradrive units)
Suspension Issues:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts, rear axle bushings
Electrical Issues:
Failing blower motor resistors, headlight switch issues, intermittent power to accessories
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing practical and versatile vehicles.
First Generation Introduction:
1984 (as Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager)
Second Generation Introduction:
1991 (this generation, featuring updated styling and engineering)
Manufacturing Locations:
St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Import Car Of The Year Award For Minivan Segment:
While the Caravan itself didn't win Import Car of the Year (as it's a domestic product), its platform's success significantly shaped the automotive market and influenced international competitors.
Car And Driver 10Best Mentions:
The Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager were frequently recognized for their innovative design and utility in the automotive press during their initial generations.