๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Year: 1998 Market Segment: Minivan ๐ Introduction Market Position Positioning: Essential DIY and professional repair resource for the popular 1998 Dodge Caravan minivan Competitive Analysis Competitors: Direct competitor to manual repair guides from manufacturers like Haynes and Chilton, offering potentially greater detail and OEM accuracy Key Features User Benefits: Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money and increasing vehicle longevity. Detailed troubleshooting aids in accurate diagnosis. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Complete maintenance, diagnosis, and repair for the 1998 Dodge Caravan Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust system Chassis: Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires Body And Electrical: Body panels, interior components, HVAC, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, wiring diagrams Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Repair: Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuilding procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Quality: High-resolution PDF with searchable text and clear, legible diagrams Print Quality Diagram Clarity: Sharp, detailed diagrams for component identification and assembly/disassembly Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EDZ Engine Type: 3.0L V6 SOHC (Mitsubishi 6G72) Bore X Stroke: 91.1 mm x 76.0 mm (3.59 in x 2.99 in) Displacement: 2972 cc (181.4 cu in) Compression Ratio: 8.9:1 Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Performance Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Fuel System Induction System: Multi-port fuel injection (MPI) Fuel Pump Pressure: 30-40 PSI Cooling System Coolant Capacity: 11.0 quarts (10.4 liters) Lubrication Oil Capacity With Filter: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) Recommended Oil Viscosity: API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on temperature) Ignition System Spark Plug Gap: 0.043 inches (1.1 mm) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic overdrive (A604, FWD) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for this specific engine variant, but 3-speed auto was available on some models Features Transmission Fluid Capacity: 8.4 quarts (7.9 liters) Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+3 (Mopar) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 112.2 inches (2850 mm) Length: 178.3 inches (4529 mm) Width: 72.4 inches (1839 mm) Height: 67.4 inches (1712 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 5000 lbs (2268 kg) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats: Approx. 150 cu ft Cargo Volume Behind Second Seats: Approx. 85 cu ft Wheels And Tires Standard Tire Size: P215/65R15 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches) Recommended Tire Pressure: 30-32 PSI (check placard) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact: Not rated (vehicle design predates standardized side impact and rollover ratings) NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact: Not rated Active Features Brakes Type: Front: Power-assisted ventilated discs; Rear: Power-assisted drums ABS: Optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions; lap belts for center rear positions ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims, optional on base models Connectivity Power Accessories: Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions) Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months Spark Plug Replacement: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using platinum-tipped plugs) Transmission Fluid Service: Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 48 months Fluid Specifications Engine Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid: ATF+3 (Mopar) or equivalent Known Issues Common Problems: Transmission solenoid issues, EGR valve clogging, dashboard display failures, power window motor failures, rear axle bearing wear Recalls: Check for safety recalls issued by NHTSA; common recalls involved potential issues with airbags or fuel system components. ๐ Vehicle History Brand Heritage Dodge Legacy: Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for trucks, muscle cars, and practical vehicles. Model Evolution Caravan Lineage: The Dodge Caravan, introduced in 1984, pioneered the minivan segment in North America. This 1998 model is part of the second generation (1996-2000), featuring a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics and chassis. Production Manufacturing Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada (and St. Louis, Missouri, USA for some variants) Production Period: 1996-2000 (Second Generation) ๐ Awards & Recognition Recognitions Automotive Press Awards: While specific awards for the '98 model are scarce, the Caravan...
Essential DIY and professional repair resource for the popular 1998 Dodge Caravan minivan
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Direct competitor to manual repair guides from manufacturers like Haynes and Chilton, offering potentially greater detail and OEM accuracy
Key Features
User Benefits:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money and increasing vehicle longevity. Detailed troubleshooting aids in accurate diagnosis.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Complete maintenance, diagnosis, and repair for the 1998 Dodge Caravan
Three-point seat belts for all outboard seating positions; lap belts for center rear positions
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using platinum-tipped plugs)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 48 months
Fluid Specifications
Engine Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 (Mopar) or equivalent
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid issues, EGR valve clogging, dashboard display failures, power window motor failures, rear axle bearing wear
Recalls:
Check for safety recalls issued by NHTSA; common recalls involved potential issues with airbags or fuel system components.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for trucks, muscle cars, and practical vehicles.
Model Evolution
Caravan Lineage:
The Dodge Caravan, introduced in 1984, pioneered the minivan segment in North America. This 1998 model is part of the second generation (1996-2000), featuring a significant redesign with improved aerodynamics and chassis.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (and St. Louis, Missouri, USA for some variants)
Production Period:
1996-2000 (Second Generation)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Awards:
While specific awards for the '98 model are scarce, the Caravan as a nameplate was consistently recognized for its practicality and value in the minivan segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated average to below average for reliability in its class for this generation, with specific issues often cited in powertrain and electrical systems.