1996 Dodge Caravan Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.5 quarts)
The 1996 Dodge Caravan takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.5 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.4 B | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.0 3 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.3 R | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| ES, 3.3 R | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| ES, 3.8 L | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| LE, 3.3 R | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| LE, 3.8 L | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| SE, 2.4 B | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| SE, 3.0 3 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| SE, 3.3 R | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Caravan
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Coolant capacity
11.23 quarts (10.62 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. Includes: coolant recovery tank filled to max level.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1996 Dodge Caravan take?
The 1996 Dodge Caravan takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1996 Dodge Caravan?
The 1996 Dodge Caravan oil capacity is 4.5 quarts with a filter change, or 4.0 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1996 Dodge Caravan?
Most 1996 Dodge Caravan owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Dodge recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1996 Dodge Caravan?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1996 Dodge Caravan. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.