๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Year: 1992 Codes Platform Code: AS (Second Generation) ๐ Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Minivan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Lumina APV/Venture, Nissan Quest, Toyota Previa Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Versatile interior seating, front-wheel drive configuration, practicality for families and cargo hauling. Manual Purpose Target Audience: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mechanics, home repair enthusiasts, professional technicians. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Areas: Introduction, Lubrication and Maintenance, Front Suspension and Drive Shafts, Rear Suspension and Driveline, Brakes, Manual Transaxle Clutch, Cooling System, Electrical, Engine, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold, Frame and Bumpers, Fuel System, Steering, Transaxle, Wheels/Tires, Body, Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems, Component Index Page Count Estimated Page Count: Comprehensive (Specific number not provided, but typical for a full workshop manual) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine repair, overhaul, diagnosis, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, exhaust system. Drivetrain Systems: Manual transaxle, clutch, rear suspension, front suspension, drive shafts, driveline, wheels, tires. Chassis Systems: Brakes, steering, frame, bumpers. Body Systems: Body construction, interior, exterior components, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Electrical Systems: Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, ignition system, instrument cluster, accessories. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation (where applicable). Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, suitable for both basic maintenance and advanced repairs, including engine overhaul and major component replacement. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable. Binding Type Binding Description: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Description: N/A (Digital Download) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip (or equivalent decompression software) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.5L (150 cu in) Turbocharged I4 (JX), 3.0L (181 cu in) V6 (297) Performance Horsepower 2.5L Turbo: Approx. 150 hp @ 4400 rpm (specific figure can vary) Torque 2.5L Turbo: Approx. 173 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (specific figure can vary) Horsepower 3.0L V6: Approx. 141 hp @ 4800 rpm (specific figure can vary) Torque 3.0L V6: Approx. 171 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (specific figure can vary) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection (Multi-port for V6, likely EFI for Turbo I4) Engine Layout Cylinder Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, V6 Engine Codes Engine Codes: JX (2.5L Turbo I4), 297 (3.0L V6) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 3-speed Automatic (A604/41TE), 5-speed Manual Transaxle (Getrag G353) Optional Transmission Options Availability: Manual transaxle availability was limited, especially on higher trims and V6 models. Features Automatic Transmission Type: Chrysler's 4-speed automatic transaxle (A604/41TE) with FWD layout. Known for its early electronic control. Manual Transmission Type: 5-speed manual transaxle, likely sourced from Getrag. ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 178.3 inches (Short Wheelbase), 191.5 inches (Long Wheelbase) - Specific for '92 may vary slightly Width: Approx. 72.1 inches Height: Approx. 67.5 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3,200 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine and configuration) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Specific NHTSA ratings for 1992 are not readily available in a standardized format comparable to modern testing. However, the second-generation Caravan was designed with improved safety features over the first generation. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was optional on some models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag became standard equipment in 1992 across all minivans for Dodge. Seat Belts: Standard front and rear seat belts. Child seat anchors (LATCH) were not standard equipment in this era. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player was common. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers were available. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional, electronically controlled cruise control was available. Antilock Brakes: Optional ABS system on front wheels (and possibly rear depending on configuration). ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific severe vs. normal service recommendations. Transmission Fluid Interval: Check fluid level regularly. Replacement interval typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, or as specified by Chrysler's recommendations. Spark Plug Replacement: Varies by engine; typically between 30,000-100,000 miles. V6 may have different intervals than I4 turbo. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API Service SG, SH, or SJ category. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on ambient temperature. Refer to manual for exact specification. Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+3 (or equivalent Chrysler specification for the A604/41TE transmission). Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Mopar coolant recommended. Known Issues Common Wear Items: Suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), exhaust system (rust), brake...
Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Lumina APV/Venture, Nissan Quest, Toyota Previa
Key Features
Vehicle Selling Points:
Versatile interior seating, front-wheel drive configuration, practicality for families and cargo hauling.
Manual Purpose
Target Audience:
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mechanics, home repair enthusiasts, professional technicians.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Covered Areas:
Introduction, Lubrication and Maintenance, Front Suspension and Drive Shafts, Rear Suspension and Driveline, Brakes, Manual Transaxle Clutch, Cooling System, Electrical, Engine, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold, Frame and Bumpers, Fuel System, Steering, Transaxle, Wheels/Tires, Body, Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems, Component Index
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Specific number not provided, but typical for a full workshop manual)
Manual transaxle availability was limited, especially on higher trims and V6 models.
Features
Automatic Transmission Type:
Chrysler's 4-speed automatic transaxle (A604/41TE) with FWD layout. Known for its early electronic control.
Manual Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transaxle, likely sourced from Getrag.
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 178.3 inches (Short Wheelbase), 191.5 inches (Long Wheelbase) - Specific for '92 may vary slightly
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 67.5 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine and configuration)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1992 are not readily available in a standardized format comparable to modern testing. However, the second-generation Caravan was designed with improved safety features over the first generation.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was optional on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard equipment in 1992 across all minivans for Dodge.
Seat Belts:
Standard front and rear seat belts. Child seat anchors (LATCH) were not standard equipment in this era.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player was common. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers were available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional, electronically controlled cruise control was available.
Antilock Brakes:
Optional ABS system on front wheels (and possibly rear depending on configuration).
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific severe vs. normal service recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Check fluid level regularly. Replacement interval typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, or as specified by Chrysler's recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; typically between 30,000-100,000 miles. V6 may have different intervals than I4 turbo.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ category. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on ambient temperature. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (or equivalent Chrysler specification for the A604/41TE transmission).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Mopar coolant recommended.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), exhaust system (rust), brake components, fuel pump, heater core (especially on V6 models).
Engine Specific Concerns:
The 3.0L Mitsubishi V6 (297) can experience head gasket issues or intake manifold gasket leaks. The 2.5L turbo (JX) can have turbocharger wear or intercooler issues if not properly maintained.
Transmission Concerns:
The A604/41TE automatic transmission, while advanced for its time, can be sensitive to fluid quality and maintenance. Valve body issues or solenoid failures can occur.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Minivan Legacy:
Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) pioneered the minivan segment in North America in 1984, revolutionizing family transportation.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Changes:
The 1992 model year represents the second generation of the Dodge Caravan (AS platform, 1991-1995). Key updates for this generation included revised styling, a longer wheelbase option, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced safety features like the standard driver-side airbag.
The Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager were instrumental in establishing the minivan as a dominant vehicle segment. While specific awards for the '92 model year might not be individually documented, the generation as a whole was highly successful and popular.