🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Year: 1998 Codes Platform: NS (Second Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Minivan Key Value Proposition: Practicality, passenger and cargo capacity, family-oriented transportation. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna. Key Features Segment Defining Features: Sliding rear doors, flexible seating arrangements, ample interior space. Generation Attributes: Second generation (NS) featured improved aerodynamics, updated styling, and revised powertrains compared to the original.' 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Vehicle Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine performance diagnostics, manual and automatic transmissions. Chassis: Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio systems, HVAC controls, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II). Body: Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, seating systems, bumpers, body repair procedures. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation and balancing. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for various systems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair And Overhaul: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, fuel pump replacement. Diagnostics And Testing: Component testing procedures, electrical circuit testing, diagnostic tool usage, pressure testing, vacuum testing. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth component overhaul and advanced diagnostics, including torque specifications, clearances, and procedures for specialized tools. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Details: Likely PDF; searchable text is highly probable for digital downloads from reputable sources. Print Quality Print Quality Considerations: Digital format allows for printing on demand, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Quality depends on original source and conversion process. Binding Type Binding Type Considerations: N/A for digital download. If a printed version were sourced, expect spiral-bound or perfect-bound depending on the publisher. Paper Type Paper Type Considerations: N/A for digital download. Original manuals typically used durable paper stock for workshop environments. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 2.4L SOHC I4 (Engine Code: EDZ) Displacement: 2429 cc Bore X Stroke: 90.0 mm x 95.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.3:1 Horsepower Peak: 150 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.) Torque Peak: 180 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended) Performance Engine Design: Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Valvetrain: 2 valves per cylinder Emission Control: Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Engine Block Material: Cast Iron Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum Timing Mechanism: Timing Belt Optional Engine Engine Code: 3.0L SOHC V6 (Engine Code: EGE / 6G72) Displacement: 2972 cc Horsepower Peak: 158 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.) Torque Peak: 181 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.) Timing Mechanism: Timing Belt 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., A604/41TE) Optional Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (Less Common) Features Automatic Transmission Features: Electronically controlled, torque converter clutch, adaptive shift logic. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (or equivalent) Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific application) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 112.1 inches (2847 mm) Length: 189.7 inches (4818 mm) Width: 72.1 inches (1831 mm) Height: 68.4 inches (1737 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3700 - 4100 lbs (1678 - 1860 kg) depending on configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 5300 - 5700 lbs (2404 - 2585 kg) Towing Capacity: Typically up to 2000 lbs (check specific configuration and towing package). Cargo Cargo Volume Behind First Row: Up to 140+ cubic feet (depending on seat configuration) Cargo Volume Behind Second Row: Approx. 70-80 cubic feet 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating: 4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1998 model year - varies slightly by specific test parameters) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, including shoulder belts for front and second row. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH system (or equivalent anchor points for child safety seats) may be present. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims. Traction Control: Traction control system (TCS) was an optional feature on certain configurations. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. CD player was an optional upgrade. Speaker configurations varied. Navigation: No factory navigation system available for this model year. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims or widely available. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to factory-installed audio system; no...
Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio systems, HVAC controls, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, seating systems, bumpers, body repair procedures.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation and balancing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for various systems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth component overhaul and advanced diagnostics, including torque specifications, clearances, and procedures for specialized tools.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format Details:
Likely PDF; searchable text is highly probable for digital downloads from reputable sources.
Print Quality
Print Quality Considerations:
Digital format allows for printing on demand, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Quality depends on original source and conversion process.
Binding Type
Binding Type Considerations:
N/A for digital download. If a printed version were sourced, expect spiral-bound or perfect-bound depending on the publisher.
Paper Type
Paper Type Considerations:
N/A for digital download. Original manuals typically used durable paper stock for workshop environments.
GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific application)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
112.1 inches (2847 mm)
Length:
189.7 inches (4818 mm)
Width:
72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
68.4 inches (1737 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700 - 4100 lbs (1678 - 1860 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5300 - 5700 lbs (2404 - 2585 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically up to 2000 lbs (check specific configuration and towing package).
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind First Row:
Up to 140+ cubic feet (depending on seat configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
Approx. 70-80 cubic feet
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1998 model year - varies slightly by specific test parameters)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, including shoulder belts for front and second row.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (or equivalent anchor points for child safety seats) may be present.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) was an optional feature on certain configurations.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. CD player was an optional upgrade. Speaker configurations varied.
Navigation:
No factory navigation system available for this model year.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims or widely available.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory-installed audio system; no Bluetooth or external media ports standard.
Comfort Features
HVAC:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control, optional rear HVAC unit.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 3-6 months), depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on severe service recommendations).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles for both engines. Critical due to interference design.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual or manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.4L I4; Approx. 4.7 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 3.0L V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5/100 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially in early 41TE), ignition coil failures, power window regulator failures, rear evaporator leaks (AC), timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (critical for V6).
Potential Maintenance Concerns:
Regular inspection of suspension components for wear, checking for coolant leaks, timely replacement of the timing belt is paramount.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing practical and affordable vehicles, with the Caravan pioneering the minivan segment.
Model Evolution
Caravan Introduction:
The Caravan was first introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the family vehicle market.
Generation Timeline:
1996-2000 (NS Generation). The 1998 model is part of the second generation, which received a facelift and significant mechanical updates.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Sales Significance:
The Dodge Caravan was a consistently strong seller, a dominant force in the minivan market throughout the 1990s.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best Months Best:
The Dodge Caravan and its Plymouth Voyager sibling were frequently recognized by automotive publications for their innovation and practicality during their tenure.
Segment Leadership:
Consistently a top seller and benchmark in the minivan segment throughout the 1990s.