Segment:
Full-size minivan segment, a dominant player in its time.
Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, and DIY mechanics.
Competitors 1994-1995:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Lumina APV/Venture (later), Toyota Previa, Nissan Quest, Mazda MPV.
Vehicle Appeal:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, comfortable ride, availability of all-wheel-drive (AWD) on some models.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers complete diagnostic and repair information, empowering owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, thereby saving costs and extending vehicle life.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), ignition systems, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis and repair, emissions control systems.
Transmission Automatic:
A604 (41TE) transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service, internal component repair, torque converter.
Transmission Manual:
Availability and service procedures for any manual transmission options.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, differential, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering gear, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, power sliding doors (if applicable).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor).
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, bumpers, glass replacement, structural repairs, underbody components.
Body Electrical:
Power sliding door systems (if equipped), remote keyless entry, interior lighting, seat adjustment motors.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-I).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical system testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes, fuel system pressure testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Detailed instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Visuals:
Numerous detailed pictures and diagrams illustrating procedures and component locations.
Engine Code And Type:
3.0L V6 (2972cc) OHC VIN G (6G72) - Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC V6
Displacement Primary:
181.4 cubic inches (2972 cc)
Bore X Stroke Primary:
3.46 in x 3.27 in (88.0 mm x 83.0 mm)
Compression Ratio Primary:
8.9:1
Horsepower Primary:
142 HP @ 4800 RPM (approx.)
Torque Primary:
170 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (approx.)
Engine Code And Type:
3.3L V6 (3301cc) OHC VIN E (EGA) - Chrysler EGA V6
Displacement Secondary:
201.5 cubic inches (3301 cc)
Horsepower Secondary:
150 HP @ 4800 RPM (approx.)
Torque Secondary:
180 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM (approx.)
Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition (depending on specific VIN/configuration).
Length:
Approx. 193.4 inches (4912 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
Approx. 68.3 inches (1735 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.2 inches (2850 mm)
Seating Capacity:
7-8 passengers, depending on configuration (2-2-3 or 2-3-3).
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 82.1 cubic feet (2324 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 144.6 cubic feet (4095 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3900 - 4300 lbs (1769 - 1950 kg), varies by trim and options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5600 - 5900 lbs (2540 - 2676 kg)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 1994:
3-star (out of 4) for driver, 3-star for front passenger.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating 1994:
4-star for driver, 3-star for front passenger.
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front and rear wheels.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with shoulder belts for front occupants.
Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks, LATCH system not present (pre-dates widespread adoption).
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, optional CD player, and optional premium sound systems with amplifiers.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
ABS:
As mentioned in safety, ABS was a key driver assistance feature.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available remote keyless entry system for convenient access.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (or as per manual, with filter replacement).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change for 3.0L V6; 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 3.3L V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mopar or equivalent - typically Mopar 5 Year / 100,000 Mile Coolant or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 (Mopar).
Engine Misfires:
Common due to worn spark plugs, distributor cap/rotor (if equipped), or ignition coil issues.
Transmission Slipping:
The A604/41TE transmission can experience internal wear leading to slipping, particularly in higher mileage units. Regular fluid maintenance is critical.
Cooling System Leaks:
Cracked intake manifold gaskets (on some V6 engines) or failing radiator/hose connections can lead to coolant leaks.
Power Door Failure:
Power sliding doors and liftgates can develop issues with motors, cables, and latches.
Window Regulator Failure:
Power window regulators can fail, leading to windows not operating.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, vans, and performance vehicles, with the Caravan/Voyager line representing a significant success in the minivan segment.
Generation Ns:
These model years represent the second generation (NS) of the Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country, introduced for the 1991 model year. Minor updates and refinements occurred leading into 1994-1995.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily St. Louis Assembly Plant (St. Louis, Missouri, USA) and Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada).
Sales Performance:
The Dodge Caravan and its siblings were market leaders in the minivan segment during this period, known for their practicality and family-oriented features.