2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
At a glance
Engine oil6 qt
Lug nuts96 lb-ft (130 N·m)
Tire pressure36 psi front and rear
Brake fluidDOT 3 / DOT 4
- Oil grade is printed on your oil filler cap.
On Amazon: Engine oil Oil filter Drain plug washer Socket set with ratchet
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Oil and filter change
Parts
Tools
First time? Watch for these
- Hot oil burns. After a drive, let the engine cool before you open the drain plug.
- Check that the old filter’s rubber ring came off with it. Two rings stacked on the new filter make a big leak.
- Snug the drain plug with a new washer; don’t force it. A stripped oil pan is the costly first-timer mistake.
- After filling, run the engine a minute, shut it off, wait, then check the dipstick and look for drips.
Front brake pads
Parts
- 1 setFront brake padsBoth wheels on the axleAmazon
Tools
- 1Floor jackAmazon
- 2Jack standsNever get under a car held up by a jack alone.Amazon
- 2Wheel chocksAmazon
- 1Breaker bar or lug wrenchAmazon
- 1Torque wrenchLug nuts: 96 lb-ft (130 N·m)Tighten the lug nuts to this, in a star pattern.Amazon
- 1 setSocket setAmazon
- 1Large C-clampPushes the caliper piston back for the new pads.Amazon
First time? Watch for these
- Do one side at a time, so the other side shows you how the clips and pads go back.
- Pushing the piston back raises the brake fluid: watch the reservoir so it doesn’t spill. Brake fluid eats paint; wipe drips right away.
- Before you drive, pump the brake pedal until it’s firm. The first push after new pads can go all the way down.
Rear brake pads
Parts
- 1 setRear brake padsBoth wheels on the axleAmazon
Tools
- 1Floor jackAmazon
- 2Jack standsNever get under a car held up by a jack alone.Amazon
- 2Wheel chocksAmazon
- 1Breaker bar or lug wrenchAmazon
- 1Torque wrenchLug nuts: 96 lb-ft (130 N·m)Tighten the lug nuts to this, in a star pattern.Amazon
- 1 setSocket setAmazon
- 1Large C-clampSome rear calipers turn the piston back instead: check yours first.Amazon
First time? Watch for these
- Do one side at a time, so the other side shows you how the clips and pads go back.
- Pushing the piston back raises the brake fluid: watch the reservoir so it doesn’t spill. Brake fluid eats paint; wipe drips right away.
- Before you drive, pump the brake pedal until it’s firm. The first push after new pads can go all the way down.
- With an electric parking brake, put it in service mode first (owner’s manual or a scan tool). Forcing the piston breaks the motor.
Battery replacement
Parts
- 112-volt batterySame group size as the old one (on its label)Amazon
Supplies
- 1 boxNitrile glovesNegative (−) off first, back on last.Amazon
First time? Watch for these
- Don’t let a wrench touch both posts, or a post and the car body, at the same time: it sparks.
- Tighten the hold-down so the new battery can’t move.
- Take the old battery back to the store. Most charge a core fee until you do.
- Some cars need the radio code or the power windows reset after. Your owner’s manual says how.
Engine air filter
Parts
- 1Engine air filterAmazon
Tools
- 1Screwdriver setMany filter boxes open with clips; some have screws.Amazon
Supplies
- 1 rollShop towelsAmazon
First time? Watch for these
- Note which side of the old filter faces up before you take it out.
- Wipe leaves and dirt out of the box before the new filter goes in.
- Make sure every clip closes and the lid sits flat. A gap lets dirt into the engine.
Cabin air filter
Parts
- 1Cabin air filterNot the engine air filter. The arrow on its edge shows airflow.Amazon
Tools
- No tools on most cars
First time? Watch for these
- On many cars it sits behind the glove box: empty the glove box, then unhook its stops so it swings down.
- Put the new filter in with its arrow pointing the same way as the old one’s.
Wiper blades
Parts
- 1 pairWiper bladesDriver and passenger sizes differ on most carsAmazon
Tools
- No tools needed
First time? Watch for these
- Lay a towel on the glass. A bare wiper arm can snap back and crack the windshield.
- Listen for the click when the new blade locks onto the arm, then run the wipers once to check.
Spark plugs
Parts
- Spark plugsOne per cylinderAmazon
First time? Watch for these
- Work on a cold engine. Threads in a hot aluminum head strip easily.
- Change one plug at a time so each coil or wire goes back on its own cylinder.
- Start each plug by hand for a few turns before the ratchet. A cross-threaded plug ruins the head.
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