Market Position:
The Dodge Grand Caravan was a dominant force in the minivan segment during the late 1990s, offering a blend of practicality, passenger capacity, and value. It competed directly with rivals like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Ford Windstar.
Competitive Analysis:
The Grand Caravan's appeal lay in its flexible interior configurations (Quadra-Lift, Stow 'n Go predecessors), available all-wheel drive (on some models), and a range of powerful V6 engines. Its robust chassis and proven powertrain designs made it a popular choice for families and commercial use.
Key Features:
Spacious interior, sliding rear doors, optional all-wheel drive, choice of V6 engines, comfortable ride, versatile cargo and passenger configurations.
Coverage Areas:
All mechanical and electrical systems, body and chassis, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair procedures.
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for this era of comprehensive service manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical (3.0L V6 Mitsubishi, 3.3L V6 Chrysler, 3.8L V6 Chrysler), Engine Control Systems (ECM/PCM, Ignition, Fuel Injection), Transmission (Automatic: 4-speed 41TE/42LE), Brakes (ABS, Power Brakes), Steering (Power Steering), Suspension (Front Struts, Rear Leaf Springs/Coil Springs, Sway Bars), HVAC (Air Conditioning, Heating), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories), Body and Chassis (Frame, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Seats, Glass, Bumpers), Emission Controls, Driveline (Axles, Driveshafts), Wheels and Tires.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), Engine diagnosis and repair (timing belts, cylinder heads, pistons), Transmission diagnosis and repair (fluid changes, seal replacement, valve body), Brake system repair (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), Steering system repair (rack and pinion, pump), Suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), HVAC system servicing (refrigerant, compressor, blower motor), Electrical troubleshooting and component testing, Body panel repair and replacement, Interior component removal and installation, Emission system diagnosis and repair.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring schematics, and exploded views for component identification and assembly/disassembly.
Primary Engine:
3.3L V6 OHV (Chrysler EER)
3 3L V6 Performance:
Approx. 158 hp @ 4600 rpm, 190 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Options:
3.0L V6 SOHC (Mitsubishi 6G72 - base engine in early models), 3.3L V6 OHV (Chrysler EER), 3.8L V6 OHV (Chrysler EGD - higher output)
3 8L V6 Performance:
Approx. 166 hp @ 4000 rpm, 218 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (early models); Approx. 180 hp @ 4400 rpm, 235 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (later models)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Driver:
Four Stars (1996-2000 models, based on available data)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating Passenger:
Four Stars (1996-2000 models, based on available data)
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels, Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Passive Features:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, three-point seat belts for all occupants.
Infotainment System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and premium sound systems. Some models featured rear-seat entertainment options (early forms).
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional cruise control, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, rear window defroster.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily power outlets for accessories. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years (recommended based on usage, check manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For 3.0L Mitsubishi V6: 60,000 miles. For Chrysler V6 engines (3.3L/3.8L): These are known as 'non-interference' engines, meaning the timing belt breaking won't cause internal engine damage. However, regular replacement is still recommended (e.g., 80,000-100,000 miles or 7-10 years).
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact specification, e.g., ATF+3 was used in earlier versions of this platform).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Formula 50/50 (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent.
Known Issues:
Transmission solenoid pack failure (especially on 41TE/42LE), EGR valve clogging, power steering pump leaks, rear brake dust shield rust-through, potential for head gasket issues on some 3.3L engines, wear on suspension components (ball joints, tie rods).
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 51515, Fram PH3731 (verify with specific VIN and engine).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 49152, Fram CA3950 (verify with specific VIN and engine).
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing rugged and practical vehicles, particularly trucks and vans.
Model Evolution:
The Grand Caravan (and its sibling, the Chrysler Town & Country) represented Chrysler's pioneering efforts in the minivan market, evolving from earlier front-wheel-drive van designs. This generation (NS platform) saw significant updates in styling, safety, and powertrain compared to its predecessors.
Production Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Chrysler Canada minivan assembly plant)
Production Years For Ns Platform:
1996-2000
