🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Caravan Codes Platform: Chrysler NS Platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Dodge Caravan pioneered the minivan segment, offering unparalleled versatility and family-friendly utility. This manual caters to owners and technicians needing to maintain and repair these foundational vehicles. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro/Voyager, Plymouth Voyager (shared platform), later Honda Odyssey. Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Front-wheel drive architecture, spacious interior, sliding rear doors (on some models), flexible seating arrangements. Manual Value Benefit To Owner: Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform repairs, reduce labor costs, and ensure proper maintenance, thereby extending the vehicle's lifespan and maintaining its value. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 2.2L Turbo I4, 2.5L I4, 3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi) Transmission: 3-speed automatic (A604 FWD), 4-speed automatic (A670 FWD) Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Brakes: Front disc, rear drum (ABS optional on later models) Suspension: Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), Torsion beam rear axle with trailing arms Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion Electrical: Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks/mirrors (if equipped) HVAC: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnosis and repair Fuel: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injection system (EFI) Exhaust: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes Body: Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seat mechanisms Chassis: Frame, subframes, body-to-chassis mounting Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement Engine Repair: Engine overhaul, piston and ring replacement, cylinder head repair, timing belt/chain service Transmission Repair: Transmission overhaul, clutch replacement (if manual), torque converter service, solenoid replacement Brake Service: Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, bleeding Suspension And Steering: Strut/shock absorber replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack replacement Electrical Diagnostics: Troubleshooting wiring diagrams, component testing, common electrical faults HVAC Service: Refrigerant system service, blower motor replacement, heater core replacement, A/C compressor replacement Fuel System Repair: Fuel injector cleaning/replacement, fuel pump replacement, fuel pressure testing Exhaust System Repair: Muffler/catalytic converter replacement, gasket replacement, leak repair Body And Interior: Door panel removal, window regulator repair, seat adjustment mechanism repair, minor body panel repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting Specifications: Torque specifications, fluid capacities, engine clearances, electrical values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Printability: High-resolution for clear printing of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Downloadable Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Recommendation: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.2L Turbo I4, 2.5L Naturally Aspirated I4, 3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72) Performance Horsepower Range: Approx. 96 hp (2.5L NA) to 146 hp (2.2L Turbo/3.0L V6) Torque Range: Approx. 130 lb-ft (2.5L NA) to 160 lb-ft (2.2L Turbo/3.0L V6) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all engine variants. Cooling System Cooling Type: Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan, and water pump. Ignition System Ignition Type: Electronic Ignition (Distributorless ignition on some later models). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: 3-speed Torqueflite automatic (A604) was standard on many early models. 4-speed automatic (A670) became more common later. Optional Manual Transmission Availability: Manual transmissions were generally not offered or were exceedingly rare in North American market Caravans of this generation. Features Automatic Transmission Features: Electronic controls, lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent recommended for the specific transmission model). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 176-177 inches (standard wheelbase). Width: Approximately 67-68 inches. Height: Approximately 64-65 inches. Interior Seating Capacity: Typically 5-7 passengers, depending on configuration. Cargo Cargo Volume: Highly configurable, with significant cargo space when rear seats are removed or folded. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,000 - 3,400 lbs depending on engine and options. Towing Capacity: Limited; typically not designed for heavy towing without specific towing packages. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Performance: Early models had less stringent safety standards. Later models saw improvements. Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for these early years are less detailed than modern standards. Active Features Active Safety: Power brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on later models. Passive Features Passive Safety: Seat belts (three-point front, lap rear), padded interior surfaces, collapsible steering column. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional premium sound systems with graphic equalizers. Controls: Manual climate controls, basic dashboard instrumentation. Driver Assistance Driver Aids: Cruise control (optional), intermittent wipers. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A (No modern digital connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles...
The Dodge Caravan pioneered the minivan segment, offering unparalleled versatility and family-friendly utility. This manual caters to owners and technicians needing to maintain and repair these foundational vehicles.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro/Voyager, Plymouth Voyager (shared platform), later Honda Odyssey.
Key Features
Vehicle Highlights:
Front-wheel drive architecture, spacious interior, sliding rear doors (on some models), flexible seating arrangements.
Manual Value
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform repairs, reduce labor costs, and ensure proper maintenance, thereby extending the vehicle's lifespan and maintaining its value.
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Printability:
High-resolution for clear printing of text and diagrams.
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all engine variants.
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator, fan, and water pump.
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless ignition on some later models).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
3-speed Torqueflite automatic (A604) was standard on many early models. 4-speed automatic (A670) became more common later.
Optional
Manual Transmission Availability:
Manual transmissions were generally not offered or were exceedingly rare in North American market Caravans of this generation.
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic controls, lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent recommended for the specific transmission model).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 176-177 inches (standard wheelbase).
Width:
Approximately 67-68 inches.
Height:
Approximately 64-65 inches.
Interior
Seating Capacity:
Typically 5-7 passengers, depending on configuration.
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Highly configurable, with significant cargo space when rear seats are removed or folded.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,000 - 3,400 lbs depending on engine and options.
Towing Capacity:
Limited; typically not designed for heavy towing without specific towing packages.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Performance:
Early models had less stringent safety standards. Later models saw improvements. Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for these early years are less detailed than modern standards.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Power brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on later models.
Transmission issues (especially early automatics), head gasket leaks (on certain engine variants), rust (especially in salt-belt regions), aging electrical components, dashboard warp/cracking, suspension wear.
Tune Up Components
Spark Plugs:
Spark plug part numbers vary by engine. Consult manual or parts catalog. Typical replacement interval: 30,000-60,000 miles.
Filters
Air Filter Part Number:
Varies by engine; example for 2.5L might be Wix 42140 or equivalent. Consult manual/catalog.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Varies by engine; example for 2.2/2.5L might be Wix 51515 or equivalent. Consult manual/catalog.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, as part of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of innovation in automotive design and engineering, particularly with the introduction of the minivan.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The 1984 Dodge Caravan, along with its Plymouth Voyager counterpart, revolutionized the automotive market by creating the modern minivan segment. This first generation ran from 1984 to 1990.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Production Years:
1984-1990 (First Generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Impact:
Credited with creating and dominating the minivan segment, earning numerous accolades for its practicality and innovation in its debut years.
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