🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Years Covered: 1984-1990 Product Type: Service Repair Manual Codes Vehicle Platform Codes: S-Platform (First Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Minivan (pioneering segment) Significance: Defined the modern minivan segment, offering unparalleled interior versatility and passenger capacity for its era Competitive Analysis Competitors Era: Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan (though Caravan often predated or competed directly with early entries), Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro/Safari Key Features Design Philosophy: Front-wheel-drive, unibody construction, high seating position, sliding rear doors (on some later models/trims, but standardizing the concept), flexible seating arrangements Innovations: Popularized the minivan as a family vehicle, offering car-like handling with van-like utility 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: All Models & All Repairs A-Z Engine Coverage: All engines included Model Coverage: All models and trims Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 800+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory-Style Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely Printed (as per typical industry practices for manuals of this age; digital versions may exist) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Mechanical Systems: Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Drivetrain Systems: Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, axles, differentials Chassis Systems: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if applicable to later models) Electrical Systems: Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, body electronics Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: System-specific diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (if applicable) Repair And Rebuild: Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems Adjustments: Engine timing, carburetor adjustments, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment Specifications And Tolerances: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format Details: If digital, likely PDF; clarity of diagrams and text is paramount for usability Print Quality Quality: High (assumed for a factory-style manual, critical for clear diagrams) Binding Type Binding: Stapled or perfect bound (typical for printed manuals) Paper Type Paper: Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Displacement 1: 2.2 L (135 cu in) I4 (4-cylinder) Engine Code 1: G225 Engine Type 1: Naturally Aspirated SOHC Inline-4 Performance 1 Hp: Approximately 85-100 hp (varies by year and specific configuration) Performance 1 Torque: Approximately 110-120 lb-ft (varies) Secondary Engine Engine Displacement 2: 2.5 L (150 cu in) I4 (4-cylinder) Engine Code 2: 2.5L Engine Type 2: Naturally Aspirated SOHC Inline-4 Performance 2 Hp: Approximately 100-115 hp Performance 2 Torque: Approximately 130-145 lb-ft Optional Engine Engine Displacement 3: 3.0 L (181 cu in) V6 Engine Code 3: 6G72 Engine Type 3: Naturally Aspirated SOHC V6 Performance 3 Hp: Approximately 135-150 hp Performance 3 Torque: Approximately 160-180 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Delivery 1: Carburetor (for early 4-cyl models) Fuel Delivery 2: Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) (for later models and V6) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management Ignition System: Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based for most models) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 3-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive for FWD V6 applications, or earlier Chrysler Torqueflite derivatives for 4-cyl) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive became more common and refined) Manual Transmission Availability: Rare/Limited; primarily automatic transmissions were offered Features Transmission Features: Front-wheel-drive transverse mounting, electronic control on later models (Ultradrive) Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (Check manual for exact spec, early models might use ATF+2 or Dexron II) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 112 inches (varies slightly by year and configuration) Length: Approximately 176-180 inches (varies) Width: Approximately 70-72 inches (varies) Height: Approximately 64-66 inches (varies) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3000-3400 lbs (varies by engine and options) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 4500-5000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings Era: Ratings from this era are often limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Focus on passive safety features. Active Features ABS: Optional on some later models (late 1980s), primarily rear-wheel ABS initially Traction Control: Not typically available in this generation Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard 3-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers Airbags: Not available in this generation (standard driver/passenger airbags became prevalent in the early 90s) Body Structure: Unibody construction with crumple zones designed for the era 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio Options: AM/FM radio, AM/FM stereo with cassette player Speaker Configuration: Typically 2 or 4 speakers Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on most models Instrumentation: Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure), warning lights Connectivity Connectivity Features: None in the modern sense; limited to basic...
Defined the modern minivan segment, offering unparalleled interior versatility and passenger capacity for its era
Competitive Analysis
Competitors Era:
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan (though Caravan often predated or competed directly with early entries), Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro/Safari
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Front-wheel-drive, unibody construction, high seating position, sliding rear doors (on some later models/trims, but standardizing the concept), flexible seating arrangements
Innovations:
Popularized the minivan as a family vehicle, offering car-like handling with van-like utility
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Overall Coverage:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Engine Coverage:
All engines included
Model Coverage:
All models and trims
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 800+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory-Style Service & Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Likely Printed (as per typical industry practices for manuals of this age; digital versions may exist)
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format Details:
If digital, likely PDF; clarity of diagrams and text is paramount for usability
Print Quality
Quality:
High (assumed for a factory-style manual, critical for clear diagrams)
Binding Type
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound (typical for printed manuals)
Paper Type
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Displacement 1:
2.2 L (135 cu in) I4 (4-cylinder)
Engine Code 1:
G225
Engine Type 1:
Naturally Aspirated SOHC Inline-4
Performance 1 Hp:
Approximately 85-100 hp (varies by year and specific configuration)
Performance 1 Torque:
Approximately 110-120 lb-ft (varies)
Secondary Engine
Engine Displacement 2:
2.5 L (150 cu in) I4 (4-cylinder)
Engine Code 2:
2.5L
Engine Type 2:
Naturally Aspirated SOHC Inline-4
Performance 2 Hp:
Approximately 100-115 hp
Performance 2 Torque:
Approximately 130-145 lb-ft
Optional Engine
Engine Displacement 3:
3.0 L (181 cu in) V6
Engine Code 3:
6G72
Engine Type 3:
Naturally Aspirated SOHC V6
Performance 3 Hp:
Approximately 135-150 hp
Performance 3 Torque:
Approximately 160-180 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery 1:
Carburetor (for early 4-cyl models)
Fuel Delivery 2:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) (for later models and V6)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based for most models)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive for FWD V6 applications, or earlier Chrysler Torqueflite derivatives for 4-cyl)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive became more common and refined)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Rare/Limited; primarily automatic transmissions were offered
Features
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel-drive transverse mounting, electronic control on later models (Ultradrive)
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (Check manual for exact spec, early models might use ATF+2 or Dexron II)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 112 inches (varies slightly by year and configuration)
Length:
Approximately 176-180 inches (varies)
Width:
Approximately 70-72 inches (varies)
Height:
Approximately 64-66 inches (varies)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000-3400 lbs (varies by engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4500-5000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings Era:
Ratings from this era are often limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Focus on passive safety features.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on some later models (late 1980s), primarily rear-wheel ABS initially
Traction Control:
Not typically available in this generation
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers
Airbags:
Not available in this generation (standard driver/passenger airbags became prevalent in the early 90s)
Body Structure:
Unibody construction with crumple zones designed for the era
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio Options:
AM/FM radio, AM/FM stereo with cassette player
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure), warning lights
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; limited to basic power outlets
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for precise interval)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on usage, consult manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III
Known Issues
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 2.2L), carburetor issues (if equipped), timing belt wear on 4-cylinders
Transmission Issues:
Ultradrive transmission (A604) can be prone to electronic control unit (ECU) failures or solenoid issues if not maintained properly. Early automatics can have hard shifting.
Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to vehicle weight and usage.
Electrical Issues:
Failing relays, corrosion in connectors, dashboard illumination issues, power window/lock failures.
Body Issues:
Rust, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and suspension mounting points. Door hinge wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for trucks, muscle cars, and practical family vehicles.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1984
Generation 1 Period:
1984-1990
Design Inspiration:
Based on Chrysler's 'mini-van' concept, originally developed by Carroll Hall Shelby, leading to the K-Car platform derivatives.
Key Milestones:
Introduction of the V6 engine option, availability of all-wheel-drive (AWD) in later years (though less common in this specific generation), refinement of the Ultradrive automatic transmission.
Massive sales success, establishing Dodge and Chrysler as leaders in the burgeoning minivan market.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Segment Impact Award:
Widely credited with creating and dominating the minivan segment, earning numerous 'Vehicle of the Year' type awards from automotive publications during its initial years.
Utility Award:
Praised for its practicality and family-hauling capabilities, making it a highly sought-after vehicle for families.
Ratings
Industry Recognition:
Set the benchmark for minivan design and functionality for years to come.