🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Model Years Covered: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Codes Platform: NS (Second Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Minivan / Family Vehicle Key Selling Point: Versatility, practicality, passenger and cargo capacity, family-oriented features. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport, Ford Windstar, Honda Odyssey (early models), Toyota Previa. Key Features Chassis Design: Unibody construction, front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. Body Styles: Standard wheelbase and Long wheelbase (Grand Caravan) variants available. Door Configuration: Standard swing-out rear doors and optional power sliding side door (particularly on higher trims or later models). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Service Manual (WSM) / Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital Download (likely PDF) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1500 pages (typical for a full WSM of this era) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics. Transmission: Automatic Transmission (e.g., 41TE/42LE) repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, torque converter, shift control systems. Chassis: Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (torsion beam axle, leaf springs), steering system (power steering, steering column), brake system (front discs, rear drums, ABS, parking brake), wheel bearings, hub assemblies. Electrical: Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems, ignition switch, power distribution, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, body control modules (BCM), power windows, power locks, power sliding door (if equipped), remote keyless entry. Body: Exterior body panels (doors, fenders, hood, liftgate), interior trim, seats, seat belts, airbags, body sealing, weatherstripping, glass, mirrors, body repair procedures, corrosion protection. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, drive belts, coolant flushes), fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, battery testing. Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) troubleshooting, fault code retrieval and interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagram analysis. Repair: Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, manifold gaskets), transmission service, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repairs. Overhaul Rebuild: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, part replacement, assembly, and initial setup. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive professional level, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content for easy information retrieval. Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution, clear images, diagrams, and schematics. Diagram Clarity: Detailed, easy-to-understand wiring diagrams, exploded views, and assembly illustrations. Binding Type Binding Method: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.4L 16-valve 4-cylinder (DOHC I4) and 3.0L 12-valve V6 (SOHC V6) (Mitsubishi-sourced for early models), 3.3L 12-valve V6 (OHV V6) and 3.8L 12-valve V6 (OHV V6) (Chrysler-sourced). Engine Code Common V6: EPE (3.0L), EGD (3.3L), EGH (3.8L) Performance Horsepower Range: Approx. 150 hp (2.4L I4) to 180 hp (3.8L V6) Torque Range: Approx. 170 lb-ft (2.4L I4) to 240 lb-ft (3.8L V6) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for all engines. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended). Maintenance Timing Belt Chain: Timing belt for 2.4L I4 and 3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi). Timing chain for 3.3L and 3.8L V6 (Chrysler). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Common: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., Chrysler 41TE/42LE) Optional Transmission Options: Manual transmission was generally not offered on US market Caravans during this period, focus is on automatics. Features Transmission Control: Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) for enhanced shift quality and diagnostics. Fluid Specs Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (or equivalent for earlier models, check specific manual/owner's guide for exact spec like ATF+3). Fluid Capacity Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx: Approx. 6-8 quarts (dry fill) / 4-5 quarts (drain and fill). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Standard Wheelbase Approx: 177.7 inches (4514 mm) Length Long Wheelbase Approx: 191.7 inches (4869 mm) Width Approx: 72.0 inches (1829 mm) Height Approx: 68.0 inches (1727 mm) Interior Seating Capacity: 7 passengers (typical 2-2-3 configuration) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row Approx: 30-35 cubic feet (standard wheelbase), 40-45 cubic feet (long wheelbase) Cargo Volume Max Approx: 140-150 cubic feet (standard wheelbase), 150-160 cubic feet (long wheelbase) with seats removed/folded. Weights Curb Weight Range Approx: 3,500 - 4,000 lbs (1588 - 1814 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx: 5,000 - 5,500 lbs (2268 - 2495 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating: Likely 4-star ratings for driver and passenger in frontal impact (based on contemporary testing for this class). Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models. Traction Control: Traction control system (TCS) was an optional feature on some higher trim levels and later model years. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were not typically available on...