Dodge announced that the Grand Caravan will be discontinued and replaced by the Chrysler Voyager. Many people enjoy the Grand Caravan because of its practical, family-friendly design. If you want to keep riding around in your Dodge minivan, you will need to maintain it. Fortunately, a few Dodge Grand Caravan auto parts and some knowhow will help you do exactly that.
Dodge Grand Caravan Oil Components
Like other vehicles, the Grand Caravan’s engine is protected by an oil system. This lubricates all the moving parts. These are the major components of the oil system:
- Sump: The sump or oil pan is the reservoir that holds oil that isn’t currently in the engine. It sits below the crankcase and collects any oil that drips down.
- Pump: The pump keeps the oil in motion. It is the beating heart of the system.
- Filter: Cleaning is a major role of the oil system. The filter plays a big role in this by straining our contaminants.
- Lines and Galleries: A system of lines and galleries bring oil to all the moving parts of the engine. They ensure that nothing runs dry.
- Cooler: Oil gets very hot while in use. The cooler helps extract heat from the oil (also cooling the engine).
How To Install an Oil Filter on a Dodge Grand Caravan
You should install the new oil filter in your Grand Caravan while also doing an oil change. The first steps of installing the filter are to drain the oil from the pan to prevent leaking.
Once you have removed as much oil as will drain, it is time to change the filter. Start by removing the existing one. Dodge Grand Caravan oil filters are retained by an oil filter cap that needs to be unscrewed. Then, remove the filter from the spindle. Then, remove the old O-rings from the assembly.
Place the new O-rings in the appropriate grooves. Add a little oil to the rings to help them form a tight seal. Insert the new filter over the spindle. Reconnect the assembly to the oil system by screwing the cap in place.
Where To Find a Coil Pack
Dodge Grand Caravans use a coil pack for ignition. Changing these is part of a good engine tune-up. You can find coil packs at most auto parts stores such as AutoZone.
If you are unsure whether the coil pack needs replacing, follow the steps for how to test a coil pack. All you need is a multimeter and a few tools to disconnect the pack.
- Disconnect the battery’s negative terminal.
- Remove the coil pack from the engine.
- Using the multimeter, test each coil.
- Check your owner’s manual for the optimal readings.
- Reconnect or replace the coil pack.
Learn More
The more you learn about maintaining your Dodge Grand Caravan, the more you can do to keep it running well. Additionally, taking care of your own vehicle is a fun and rewarding experience. Get started working on your minivan with some basic tools and parts from your local store. Consider an oil change or an engine tune-up as a starting point.
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