Spark Plugs and Plug Wires on a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- In this video the guys show you how to replace the Spark Plugs and Plug Wires on a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport with a 3.3L engine. Although this video was done on a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport the process should be similar for other models. This procdure is almost identical to the Ford Windstar and probably other mini-vans.
Thanks, guys for the detailed steps. I am an experienced mechanic but still needed the extra info you provided to avoid dumb mistakes. Appreciated Jim
Glad we could help -Greg
@@GregorysGarage One specific subject does need attention in your great video I learned. It is the idle speed adjustment method. On my 2002 caravan 3.3 after plugs replacement, the idle speed is really low and the engine dies unless I manually race the engine a bit while and press its brake pedal also. Pain in the Butt to say the least. So the ultimate question is how do I adjust the idle speed? Thanks, Guys, Jim
@@JamesJohnson-fr1wv I no longer have access to that vehicle but I will look into it. Also make sure you didn't knock something loose like a vacuum line. -Greg
@@GregorysGarage Hmm vacuum line might be, I'll look. tks, Jim
Thank you SOOOOOOOO much for posting this!!! Van has been sputtering for quite a while. Sounds like a new engine is in it now.
I really appreciate how your instructions (and video) are obviously for folks not super comfortable with repairing their own car.
**Couple things for people still nervous about doing this:
1. For people saying they can change out the rear plugs without removing the wiper assembly, you either have arms like ET The Extraterrestrial, or you are lying. EVEN with the cowling (sp?) removed, you still gotta do the rear three by feel to a certain extent, but... you can do it. (a bright flashlight positioned properly helps a great deal)
2. RE: "wiper removal tool" - you can also grab a small "gear remover" that is basically the same thing, for about 6 bucks at the auto parts store. (they said they had never heard of a wiper removal tool... and "why did I need that" and "he'd never had any problems doing it so why was I" and yeah, I probably won't be going there anymore)
3. The little cover you lift to get to the wiper nut.... only lift it when the wiper is down against the windshield or you'll break the cover off. ....guess how I know this.
4. Go ahead and invest in a small, $2.99 tube of dielectric grease. That packet isn't really enough. At least, I didn't think so.
That's all I got.
Again, thanks so much for posting this. For those of us out here that don't have much money but still need to get it fixed, folks like you are a blessing.
-Kirby
Awesome glad we could help and thank you for the suggestions.. -Greg
Great instruction. If I may add, use compressed air into the spark plug well before removing the old spark plug. The aim is to force any debris out of the spark plug well so that it may not fall into the cylinder well when exposed by the removal of the plug. It would also minimize introducing debris while installing the new spark plugs. Be sure to wear eye protection while blowing compressed air.
Tony Lopez Thanks for the good advice. We really Appreciate it. -Greg
I just wanted to say if you have small arms you can reach around the right side of the engine near the cruse control solenoid to get to the back plugs. I did mine that way without removing the wiper tray 6 plugs done in 20 minutes.
Wow.. Your better than me.. Thanks for the feedback. -Greg
This is what I hope to do, my arms are kinda small so maybe I can reach them
Same here David.
Speaking from hind sight. I should have replaced the valve cover seal. Thank you once again. I'm so excited I actually did the spark plugs step by step without any problems. I wish you guys were in California teaching!
just wanted to say thanks!!!!!all your info was perfect!!!did all the plugs and wires in about 90 minutes taking my time....great vid...
Some genius designed these vans that makes a simple routine task a PITA. It's just too much work to replace the plugs in the back.
The local mechanic where I went 3 years ago, charged me close to $ 300 dollar's for a tune up. And watching your video the confidence to do this myself, and I can use some of the saved money, to get better parts. Hope you also have one on changing the water pump.
Wonka luvs mother earth and saving money.
Thank you, this will help me take care of my 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan without having to spend a fortune at repair shops!
I hope so too. Let us know how it goes..
Greg
This was a great video!!! I have never done anything like this by myself before and the step by step directions were spot on. Thank you so much, it is greatly appreciated.
I was asked to do this on one of my coworkers vehicles and saw that there was no room to reach the back. You're video was very descriptive, thanks!
heyjessayy Glad we could help..-Greg
Great video, this procedure works on the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8L.
One tip is to twist the spark plug wire booth from left to right to break it free from the spark plug before pulling it off the plug. I made the mistake of pulling on the wire and the wire came out of the rubber booth. Pull it from the bottom of the booth. Thanks for posting this video.
Terry - Thanks for the tip and I apologize if I didn't make that clear in the video.
Greg
Thanks for making this video! I would never have figured out how to get to the back plugs without it. Our 2001 has over 170K miles on it, and the back ones had never been changed. Runs a whole lot better now!
Awesome. Glad we could help. -Greg
this is the best way to do this as a DIY I see tons of other ways but they are not as easy as this. it is worth the time to remove wiper cowl. great video guys!!!!!!
Thank u for mentioning the size motor, exactly what I have. Thank u also for taking time to show tools u used. Great video!
I hope it helps - Greg
Great video my daughter has a dodge wheelchair van I changed the plugs and wires once on her old one from below I believe it was a 89 it was so hard this van she has 90k on and running poorly bad gas mileage I think I can do it your way much easier thank you so much Jim
Some people say they can do it from below or reach around without removing the wiper tray but I couldn't. I recently changed the plugs and coils on my 2015 Town and Country. I need to do a video on that. -Greg
Watched video today and every helpful video. Glad I found it about 2.5hrs for someone not a mechanic.
Glad we could help. -Greg
Best Video for preparation, removing and installing spark plugs and wires on Dodge Grand Caravan 2002.
Thank you , just changed the plugs and wires today. You were a big help.
Any plugs in it I have also brand new wires on it is it getting far do you think it's getting far it just turned over but it won't crank just won't start
Can I check to see if it's getting fired or not
I changed my plugs and wires without removing anything. I just reached around the engine from the right hand side and used a regular ratchet sparkplug socket and medium extension, took 15-20 minutes to do all six. If your a big guy you might not be able to get your arm around the engine but I would say most guys could reach those plugs without removing anything.
davidbrennan5 From the feedback we have received most guys can't reach around the engine but if you can then great. I have also heard of some guys being able to reach the rear plugs from underneath the vehicle.-Greg
Excellent video. I have to perform this and replace a power steering pump in the morning for my aunt and you just helped me out big time. Thanks
You're very welcome and it's great you're helping out your aunt..
-Greg
Greg Cook thanks for the video, it really helped. I have a problem and hopefully you might be able to help me out. Since replacing the power steering pump, we found out the actual cause of the first one burning out. The high pressure hose and return line are leaking because of old age. Is wondering if you have any experience in replacing them on the grand caravan and if you have any helpful tips... And I know our depends on the person doing it, but roughly how long do you think it'll take to do... Because I'm out a garage this time and it's cold out here in Michigan. Haha. So I'm doing it in the driveway. Thanks
Sean Carter I have never replaced the lines on a Caravan but I have replaced the lines on other vehicles, most recently my 92 Mustang GT. I can't say how long it will take as I have never done the but a lot will depend on how easy it is to access the lines, especially the ends. You will probably need to use line wrenches. Here is a video we did on a 2001 Dodge Durango ruclips.net/video/nSqvYkSwBiA/видео.html.
-Greg
Greg Cook thanks for replying back. Yeah I figured I'd ask. I'm probably going to have to remove the wiper assembly again which isn't too hard. I've done power steering pumps and hoses before, but those were on rwd vehicles. I'll figure it out. This is the first minivan I've ever worked on and the garage was going to charge my aunt $360 to replace 2 lines. She had to go because after I was done with her van I rotated her tires and her weight balance fell off so I told her to get it rebalanced and they mentioned to her that her bottom lines were leaking... The part is only $35... But that's a reason I'm a diy'er because I can't afford the professional touch. Thank God the weather is getting warmer. I'll be wrenching on it Sunday where it's to be in the 40s. Thanks Greg, I'll let you know how it goes. And if you still have the can and ever have to replace the power steering pump is advise changing the lines as well, Haag's. Because you don't want to end up in this situation like me. Take care
Gotta say i was dreading the back 3 plugs as well as the O2 sensor i needed to replace that was back there as well on my 2004 GC. Had a P0302 code and P0032 code. Misfire and emissions to tackle. The removal of the tray is a must. I thank you for the clear video on how its done. Took me more time to take off my pretty seized wiper arms with a 2 jaw puller than it did to R&R all 3 plugs and the 02 sensor. Once the wiper arms were off, it was less than 5 minutes removal with my mini impact. 15 mins to do the R&R of the 3 plugs and O2 sensor and then another 10 to get it all back together again. All codes cleared and ready to drive. thanks very much for the vid. Saved myself $300 for sure.
I am really glad we could help. -Greg
Thanks guys , i thought i was going to have to get the van in a pit or a lift in order to go in through the bottom. Much easier this way. Thanks for the info!!!
***** Glad we could help..
-Greg
Showing the difference in the spark plugs. Great job. Need a close up for that but I don’t need to see the top of the piston when you put the plug in.
Great video. I did a 2007 3.8L today. I did not remove the wiper assembly but it was hard reaching around to the back and doing 1, 3 and 5. I can see why the first 6 minutes of the video go through that ... you either do that and have easier access to the back, or you do like I did and have patience and do a lot of reaching and feeling with your hands (and I used a mirror and flashlight for help). Wires from longest to shortest are 2, 1, 3, 4, 6, 5.
Wow good job. I can't imagine doing that job without removing the wiper assembly. You must have more patience than me. -Greg
Wow! I can't imagine changing the rear plugs without disassembling something. Your arms must be triple jointed! lol.
Thanks a bunch. Just did plugs and wires on my 2001. Good stuff, much appreciated.
Glad we could help. -Greg
We did this on a 3.3L. The 2002 and 1999 are the same body style. We didn't have much room either but it was a lot better with the wiper assembly removed. I have heard of others able to change the plugs by coming in underneath.
Nice, very informative. I skipped doing this years ago because it was a pain...Now I'm going to tackle it! Cheers!
bigeyejim Yes it can be a pain if you don't remove the wiper motor. Good luck and let us know how it goes..
-Greg
antiseize is not needed on todays plugs, they are made with a coating/plating on them. worked at a dealership and received notices that stated reasons why to discontinue use on plugs. plus it make torque values wrong.
Great video! Thanks so much for the info! No more bruises from going from the underside!
Thanks Guys!!!! Took about 1 hour!!! EXCELLENT Instructions!!!!
+jay valentine You're welcome. Glad we could help. -Greg
Thank you guys! You guys made the job a breeze. 🙂
I am not sure if it's the spark plugs or the plug wires your having a hard time getting off. If it's the spark plug wires you should be able to twist the boot back and forth in order to break it loose. Just be sure not to pull on the wire itself. There are also special pliers made to remove the wires. If you can get the socket on the spark plug you should be able to remove it.. I am no Mr. Fantastic.. All that being said this was done on a 3.3L and not a 3.8L.
Thank you for the instruction. Perfect for the 2001 Caravan.
Joe Rizzo You're very welcome..
-Greg
Thanks, great help. I jumped right on it and your instructions were right on.
I am glad we could help..
Greg
Thanks guys your are really good on this. You made my problem to little.
fix my problems I can do it myself...
thx for this vid i have been wanting to change mine for awile but stay an hours drive from our closest automotive shop
im not sure which is more difficult. I have the grand caravan and my wife has the buick century where you have to tilt the engine forward.
Well that's definitely one way to do it I seriously doubt that is easier and not everyone has access to an engine hoist. But I am glad it worked for you..
Greg
thanks for this video I will be doing my 06 carvan in the morning
Let us know how it goes. -Greg
Ok, I understand why you remove the wiper assembly for access. I have never had the need to. The only item I remove is the pcv valve hose. I guarantee I can remove and replace all 3 rear plugs and wires in the same amount of time as removing the wipers.
you guys are good ! what a clear video and the explanatory of all aspects of this job Thanks !
Beautifully done ... very detailed ... you left no stone unturned beginning to end ... I checked this out though I have a Dodge Caravan 1993 ... I wonder if you could do a video for that model ...
I don't have access to a 1993 model sorry and I am not as familiar with that model to compare it to a 2002, sorry..
-Greg
Great video. Just wondering how much different is a '93 Grand Voyager?
Use a rubber hose to remove or install all six plugs, a handheld mirror will help with the rear plugs.
Since they are basically the same body style I would think they would be very similar if not exactly the same. That being said we did the video on a 3.3L version and if yours has a different engine thing could be a little different.
Thanks
Greg
You guys are my favorite. I did it and it was smooth and simple. Thank you so muchm
Awesome.. So glad we could help. -Greg
1:28 to 1:35 people Unless you are really short ( like 5 foot even) with a short arm length and without a stool to stand on..and/or you have Popeye the sailor's arms in physical size...you don't have to remove the w/w arms and that cowel. You can reach the back of the engine reaching around from the drivers side with your right arm/hand.
I'm 5 foot 9 and am not a skinny guy and and had no problem doing this by feeling.
Great easy to follow and understand video,thanks!
You are welcome. -Greg
You guys just made my life easier !! Hands on !! Thank you !
12:17 to 12:26 That's why ALWAYS insert them gentle and slowly by hand only and begin turning them into the female threads of their insertion holes until you feel them going easily in...until they begin to get reasonably difficult to turn by hand...THEN you put the torque wrench and socket with extension on it. ;)
Hi!
I really wish you'd show HOW to replace a coil on that same type vehicle. I have a bad misfire, #1 spot.
Need a video from someone we can understand clearly.
Thanks for this video.
great job!!
I am about to replace a coil in a 2003 Ford Taurus. My daughter's car has a misfire on cylinder #1. I already replaced the plugs and plug wires. -Greg
+Gregory's Garage How similar would a 2002 Dodge van be?
Thanks.
Should be very similar. I don't have the caravan anymore. I plan to just either unbolt the old coil then install the new one. The transfer the plug wires.
+Gregory's Garage Great....I'll be sure to watch. Thanks!
Yes especially if it's one of the ones on front. If you need to replace one on the rear of the motor then some of your time will be spent removing and reinstalling the wiper assembly.
This si a great vidio, however, ihave a 2000 Plymouth Voyager SL and there were 6 bolts attaching the wiper assembly to the fire wall. One on each end behind the hood hinges and two in the center with the other two in between.
I followed the instructions on removing the top nuts and the firewall bolts.
The assembly unit will not budge.
The only thing I see is the center bolt holes have thick rubber washers still over where the bolts go and the holes appear as thougth you have to lift the assembly to wherew the holes are larger in ordere to lift it off. This alsodoesn't work.
I wish this vehicle was asw simple as the 2002 Dodge.
Could you give me any advice as to what to try next?
A gain your video is great and very informative, there's just enough difference in the two vehicles to stump me.
Respectfully,
John
OK, I got it off. It just took a little more forceful elbow grease. I guess ~I was a little shy of getting more forceful. However, there is not enough room to get to these plugs in the back with out dismantling a bunch more stuff.
My next move will be to find a rack.
John
There isn't a lot of room and I did most of the job by feel. what size engine do you have?
very good information thanks
Glad we could help..
-Greg
I really don't know as I don't have access to a 93 Voyager. I would assume it's quite a bit. That being said I would look to see if the wiper cowl can be removed as it would definitely make acess to the rear plugs easier
antiseize is not to be used, especially on Champion pluds, they are already plated to prevent the issue on why many think they need to do so.
Man I wish I thought about taking off the windshield cowl cover (whatever you wanna call it) when I did mine! Couldn't fit my arms behind the engine anywhere I tried. Front three couldn't be easier lol, the back.... let's just say I'm glad I won't have the van long enough to worry about most likely.
Sheridantank Taking the cowl out was a must for us. Some people have said they can reach the plugs from the bottom. -Greg
Excellent, saved me $300.
Awesome.. Glad we could help
-Greg
Does putting the anti seize on the spark plug threads change the torque specifications?
No it shouldn't. - Greg
Great tutorial video. Thanks for sharing.
I like to use a length of fuel line to start the spark plugs.
yeah, unless you have the power of mr.fantastic, changing them from the back still a pain, i removed the wiper housing off, and only had enough access to get to the rear sides, not the center, and even from the bottom there is a bunch of stuff on the way, still gonna have to dish out a couple of bucks to have the rear ones changed.
amigos me ahorraron 300 de gastos mecanicos, mil gracias for sharing your knowledge and experience
Very good video
also good to know to replace rear rocker arm cover to replace gasket and seals.
Thanks, very useful video !
Great video !
Thank You and God Bless You !
You're very welcome. God bless you and yours..
Greg
it was mostly the wires, the spark plugs were no problem, the wires got so much dirt on them from last weeks tornadoes and storms (i live in OK) that got stuck.
REALLY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR U HELP WITH THESE VIDEO GOD BLESS US
Thank you so much. Very few videos show the rear plug removal. I like your calm and steady work style. Question, do you normally remove the PCV valve at 75,000 miles and do you clean the EGR as well?
Thank you for the compliments. As far as the PVC and EGR valves I usually replace and clean as needed not at any certain mileage. But I think it's a good idea to. Better safe than sorry. -Greg
Great work thank’s….
I have a 2000 dodge grand caravan and the negative battery cables are corroded from battery powered dust and it broke them ,How would you replace the negative cable? It seems impossible....Please let me know.
I have to change the valve cover's gasket, do you think that I should have enough room to access that following the first few minutes of the video ?
Thx for your time.
It probably took us 3 to 4 hours but that's with videoing and making sure we get good shots. I would think it would be possible to do in 2 to 3 hours.
Glad we could help..
Greg
thanks for the awesome video i helped a lot
thank you for doing this video, i knew how to do the front ones not sure how to get to the back ones. NOw im wondering do you have a video on how to remove a driver seat from 2002 dodge grand caravan sport, just got the van cheap and the seat is in lay down position and wont move and got a replacement
You're welcome. Sorry we don't have a video for removing the front drivers seat. -Greg
Hi Greg - I'm going to take a shot at doing the replacement. A friend suggested accessing the back plugs by removing the airbox. Any pros/cons?
Jay - I don't currently have access to the van so I am not sure. The only two ways I know of are to remove the wiper assembly or by coming up from the bottom. We decided to remove the wiper assembly. Now we did this on a 3.3 litter so if you have another size engine the process might be a little different.
Good luck
Greg
Great video! Reading through the comments, I know you don't have the van anymore. Do you recall the valve cover being accessible with the wiper cowl off? I know it's right above the plugs on the front and is the the same on the back. I do not want to take the manifold, linkage, and everything else off to get to it. I was hoping there was enough room with this method, because the front valve cover, like the plugs and wires can be changed in minutes. Thanks!
I would think it would be as the plugs are very accessible with the cowl removed. I don't remember anything being in the way of removing it. -Greg
Yes, you can get the back valve cover off this way. Remove the power steering hose at the pump and add a spare heater hose there pulled to the left to stop the leaks while you work. You will need a wobble or u joint on a 7 mm for the two bolts under the intake. Cleaning the surfaces was not bad since the gasket comes off cleanly. I did remove the throttle body (3 bolts) and set aside with wires still attached.
I took the wiper assembly off my 99 Grand Caravan, and Oh boy, still no room.
My service manual says plugs should be torqued to 13 ft lbs. Not 20. Just fyi. Thanks for the video.
Fantastic video!!!!!
thanks guys great video.
Excellent video, thanks!
do you think is the same process for 2000 town and country 3.8 nice video and very good explain details
I believe it would be exactly the same. Let us know if you find any differences. -Greg
Thank you for the info..
Greg
Hi Greg...I'm replacing my spark plugs in my 2002 Town and Country LX in a couple days...it has the 3.3 litre as well.So it would be the same process in my model/year van as the one your doing right?
I believe they will be exactly the same. I don't think there are any differences between the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country except for cosmetic changes. Let us know how it goes.
Greg
OK....and you suggest that i use the 3/8" torque wrench in your opinion?I will have to buy one just for this one job and i'm on a budget.What is the cheapest wrench available at Auto Zone for example?
DrUmRbOy67 You can use whatever size you have as long as the spark plug socket fits or can be adapted. If you don't have a torque wrench a lot of auto parts stores will loan out tools.
Greg
I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport With the 3.8 L v6 and just got a tune up 3 days ago. it had a very bad missfire and everytime you would accelerate it would go put put put. anyways when in drive it has a faint rotary like noise at idle. Is that normal? they had to only replace the spark plug and everything else that goes along with it on cylinder #3. cost around 240.00 for the whole job.
For $240 they should of replaced more than one spark plug. You have a plug and wire for each cylinder and that's it. As far as the noise it could be a pulley or belt. -Greg
the alternator decoupler pulley on the caravans makes noise after some miles very common mine did for 3 years.
little different question regarding the actual spark. we are getting too much fuel for sure and this has ruined the plugs. have canged the plugs and noticed that they spark in time with compression but also spark again between compression. is this normal? could the crankshaft position sensor be bad?
+Jonathan Ellis Sorry for the late reply but I really don't know what would cause this. It could be the crankshaft position sensor but I wouldn't think it would make it spark twice. -Greg
6 plugs, 3 coils. Each coil fires once per crank revolution so two plugs fire at once- one before TDC on the compression stroke, the other BTDC on the exhaust stroke. Interesting that one plug is always firing ground to center and the other center electrode to ground. ( this stuff is taught in Canadian schools)
America
This van has one coil not 3. That being said it may operate as you suggest. Thanks for the information. -Greg
You're welcome.
Greg
Thanks for posting..
Thanks you
And that's replacing all six plugs...I bet if you just had to replace one it would take much less time.
What is the gap distance
From what I can tell it should be .050
@@GregorysGarage THANKS
Glad we could help.. :-)
Greg
does this work on a 2001 town and country LX?
Listen we know what it looks like when a socket backs a bolt out. How about stepping back and give a clear view of where you are bc the year I’m working on is a little different. Same thing trying to change the map sensor I had no idea where it was because the camera was on the tip of the screwdriver and then after the thing was changed he says and that’s it and it was over I had no idea where he was and where the map sensor is everybody wants to be a cameraman but nobody wants to learn how to do it
Wow that is awesome..