Families, people needing flexible cargo and passenger space
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 1996 1997:
Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager
Key Features Vehicle
Features:
Front-wheel drive, spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, sliding rear doors (on some trims), front-engine layout, advanced for its time integrated powertrain management.
Complete vehicle repair and overhaul for 1996-1997 Dodge Caravan
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
All engine variants, internal components, cylinder heads, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, ignition timing.
Transmission Automatic:
A604/41TE 4-speed automatic transmission overhaul, valve body diagnosis, electronic control module (TCM) integration, fluid type and capacity, torque converter service.
Transmission Manual:
N/A for this specific generation's common configurations, but manual transmission repair (if applicable to specific trims) would be covered.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant charging, climate control panel.
Interior:
Seats, seat belts, dashboard, instrument cluster, door panels, headliner, audio system installation/removal.
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-up procedures, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine tune-up, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing belt/chain service, oil pump replacement, complete engine overhaul.
Transmission Repair:
Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid testing and replacement, valve body repair, torque converter replacement, transmission removal and installation.
Brake Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, drum shoe replacement, wheel cylinder service, brake line replacement, ABS component testing.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump replacement, steering rack overhaul.
Dent repair, panel replacement, welding procedures, rust repair, door hinge adjustment, lock mechanism service.
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant system evacuation and charging, A/C compressor clutch service, blower motor replacement, heater core flush.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical problems, and mechanical failures.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, alignment angles, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage readings.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if originally digitized from a printed source with OCR. May vary depending on the source scan quality.
Print Quality
Quality:
Variable, depending on the original source. Expect clear diagrams and text, but some older scans may have minor imperfections.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
2.4L (148 ci) Inline-4 (ID: EDZ)
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 150 HP @ 5,200 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Optional Engine
Engine 2:
3.0L (181 ci) V6 (ID: EAE/6G72)
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 162 HP @ 4,800 RPM
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 180 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Management
ECM:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (A604/41TE)
Optional
Type:
N/A (4-speed automatic was standard for most configurations)
ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 7176D or equivalent)
Fluid Capacities
Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 quarts (1600-1775 cc) for fluid change, ~10 quarts (2400 cc) for complete refill.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Inches:
112.1
Length Inches:
179.4 - 192.8 (depending on long/short wheelbase variants)
Width Inches:
72.1
Height Inches:
68.2
Cargo
Cargo Volume Cu Ft:
Variable based on seating configuration, often exceeding 140 cu. ft. with rear seats removed.
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 3,400 - 3,800 lbs (depending on engine and options)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
Typically around 2,000 lbs with proper towing package
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver Star Rating:
4 stars (for 1996 models tested)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger Star Rating:
4 stars (for 1996 models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some models/trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, rear lap and shoulder belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player standard; CD player optional on higher trims.
Navigation:
Not available in this era.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
ABS:
Optional; when equipped, it provides enhanced braking control.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Miles:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual for specific recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles for the 2.4L EDZ engine (critical replacement interval)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature, check manual)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler Type 1 or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 or specific power steering fluid (check manual)
Known Issues
Engine 2.4L Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (leading to catastrophic engine damage).
Engine 3.0L V6 Common Issues:
Oil leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, potential for head gasket issues.
Transmission Common Issues:
Harsh shifting, slipping, failure of solenoids, torque converter shudder, coolant leaks into transmission cooler (if equipped with integrated cooler).
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, premature strut/shock absorber failure, clunking noises over bumps.
Electrical Common Issues:
Faulty window regulators, power door lock issues, dashboard indicator light problems, alternator failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing practical and value-oriented vehicles.
Model Evolution
Caravan Lineage:
The Dodge Caravan (and its Plymouth Voyager sibling) pioneered the minivan segment in the early 1980s. The 1996-1997 models represent the second generation (NS), a significant redesign from the first generation.
The Caravan platform historically received numerous awards and accolades for its practicality, innovation, and value, often appearing on 'Best Family Cars' lists.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Typical Rating:
Generally rated average to above average for predicted reliability in its class during its production run, with specific model years and powertrains having varying results.
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