Engine Compression

1999 Dodge and Ram Grand Caravan ES, 3.8 L, FWDSECTION Engine Compression

Ensure battery is fully charged. Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Disconnect wire at ignition coil to prevent engine from starting. Check engine compression with all spark plugs removed and throttle wide open.

COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Application Specification
Compression Ratio
Caravan
2.4L 9.4:1
3.0L 8.9:1
3.3L 8.9:1
3.8L 9.6:1
Dakota & Durango 9.1:1
Ram Pickup
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L (Gasoline) 9.1:1
5.9L (Diesel) 17.5:1
8.0L 8.4:1
Ram Van & Ram Wagon 9.1:1
Town & Country
3.3L 8.9:1
3.8L 9.6:1
Voyager
2.4L 9.4:1
3.0L 8.9:1
3.3L 8.9:1
Normal Compression Pressure
Caravan
2.4L 170-225 psi (11.9-15.7 kg/cm2 )
3.0L 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 )
3.3L & 3.8L (1)
Dakota
2.5L 120-150 psi (8.4-10.5 kg/cm2 )
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L (1)
Durango (1)
Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon (1)
Town & Country (1)
Voyager
2.4L 170-225 psi (11.9-15.7 kg/cm2 )
3.0L 178 psi (12.5 kg/cm2 )
3.3L (1)
Minimum Compression Pressure
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm2 )
Dakota
2.5L (1)
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm2 )
Durango 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm2 )
Ram Pickup
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L (Gasoline) & 8.0L 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm2 )
5.9L (Diesel) (1)
Ram Van & Ram Wagon 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm2 )
Maximum Variation Between Cylinders
Caravan, Town & Country, & Voyager 25 Percent
Dakota
2.5L 30 psi (2.1 kg/cm2 )
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L (1)
Durango, Ram Pickup, Ram Van & Ram Wagon (1)
(1) Information is not available from manufacturer.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.