several tune up questions for a '97 T&C AWD

I just purchased this vehicle and it has 193,xxx miles on it. Due to it have many miles on it, I wanted to do a complete "tune up" on it and want to make sure WHAT I use for this vehicle is correct and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Transmission fluid change, oil change, replace spark plugs (what preferred brand and type)? Thanks

you should use atf+4 from chrysler and the plugs should be champion
RN14PMP5 and a quality engine oil and filter i'm assuming you have a3.3 or3.8l
engine as you said it was an awd and these engines are normally in them

While you are at it I would also change the spark plug wires (changing the back plugs is a PITA so do the wires while you are back in the cave). Also, I would, to be safe, change the fuel filter (sits above the fuel tank) and the PCV Valve and air filter.

All that plus since you live in a high moisture area you might want to consider replacing the brake fluid. Brake fluid traps moisture and promotes corrosion leading to binding pistons and blockages. Good brakes are a must for everyone but especially for your area.

How about a coolant system backflush including new hoses (don't forget the heater hoses), thermostat, and rad cap. A new drivebelt(s) should be high on your list.

This is just something to think about. I've got 191K miles on my 96 GC. I am kicking around the idea of changing the timing chain at 200K. Why 200? Just an arbitrary number based on the fact it's that transition mileage for those that keep vehicles 10 years. Decision time. I've decided to keep mine. It's paid for and it's too versitile to get rid of. I've been doing some reading on it and so far there's two trains of thought. One camp says normally when a timing chain starts to go, they stretch, get slop in the length and start to whine. It's best to wait till that happens. Changing it beforehand is a waste of money because it could last forever. The other camp says it's money well spent. If the timing chain snaps you can kiss your engine goodby and probably the van considering the mileage. I'm still on the fence. The engine has to be removed to do it so you're looking at $1K minimum. Just one of the joys of owning a vehicle 10+ years. The 3.3 and 3.8 ltr engines use a timing chain. If by chance you have the 3.0 Ltr it uses a timing belt. Mandatory mileage interval change on those but, easier and much less costly. Cheers!

hey rip good thought about brake fluid and coolant flush and maybe a power steering flush this helps stiff steering and reduces pump noise and prolongs seals and rack life also Just a little info for your van i guess the engine is a 3.3 3.8 you dont have to remove the engine to replace the chain you can access it by raising and lowering it with the mounts disconnected but in all the years these engines have been out we at our dealership and all the other local dealers have never had a chain failure and when we do our training we are whith many groups of techs from different areas in the province and never was an issue eaven with high mileage and also these are not interferen ce fit engines as the valves will not hit the pistons if the chain does jump now this is not to deter you or to disagree with your dicission or thought but stricly information that i thought may be infomative to you

Could have sworn a tech at my local dealership said you had to pull the engine. Course that discussion wasn't yesterday. I do recall he was in the don't worry about it camp. Wish I could remember where I got the idea it was an interference engine. Thanks for all the good news. Was I correct about the warning sign? Course if you've never seen one go bad you may not know. Seems like I read somewhere some engines have an indicator that lets you know the chain is on it's way out. Something the chain rubs on to make a noise when it gets too much slop in it . Does the 3.8 ltr have this?

Besides maybe the daylight headlights on earlier Canadian models are there any substantial differences between a Canadian and American T&C, GC, GVs. Mine was built in Missouri. They build them in Canada too right?

trainp01 - As you can read here, the timing chain issue I brought up isn't as weighty an issue as I thought. Seems to be a fairly bullet proof component. Regular oil changes should keep it that way.

thank you all for your great advise. I will go ahead and make the necessary tune up. After owning it for almost 2 weeks now, it sure drives great and I want to make sure I keep it that way. However, and it's a BIG however, I've noticed something that concerns me. Occastionally, when I reverse only, I hear and feel a BIG "thump". Is it the transmission? Again, driving is smooth and great but just in reverse and only on occassion, the big thump would happen. Any advise with this issue? I'm hoping after I flush the trans fluid, it would stop? My father-in-law was a passenger when it happened once and he thought maybe it was some sort of bearings or something but not the trans. Thanks again for all your help.

it's very hard to try to figure out a noise without hearing it when you hear this thump does the van jump or do you feel it in the steering or seat also on awd vans it's very crucial to have all the same size and same brand tires and with all the same amount of wear should not have half worn in front and new at rear or visa versa as this will make noises ans also takes out the power transfer unit
Rip no there isn't any difference between Canadian & American vans yes we do have a plant in c Canada but i believe there is only one engine plant and as you said proper maintenance does make a difference

Hi, 1 thunder, the car actually jerks with a loud thump noise. It actually feels/sound like you hit something backing up. Let's just say if you were a passenger, you will be like "wow, what the hell was that?" I plan to take my vehicle to Sears next weekend to put new tires/balance/alignment/brakes/calipers/transmission fluid change. Thanks all for your assistance.

Are you having a problem with a brake caliper? These are changed when they fail and usually not for preventative maintenance. You could save a few bucks, especially considering you're going to Sears. It's certainly not going to hurt anything to change them but, your wallet will pay the price - pun intended.

If you're comfortable with Sears then disregard this dribble. If you want to save some bucks check with Costco or Americas Tire for tires and alignments. Not sure they do brakes. I think you can compare prices on their websites, or you can always call them.

I've always have great experience w/ Sears but I will check Americas Tire online for prices. I've checked Costco but find there prices are pretty steep. As far as calipers, I don't know if anything is wrong with them but I wanted them to check them anyways. I've notice when I brake, the pedal seems to move up and down.

I still like COSTCO. I bought my last set from them, B.F. Goodrich Traction T/A in 16" size and with all the amenities (road hazard,rotation,balance) tough to beat.

If your not getting an intermittent ABS light, your pulsing brake pedal is probably warped front disc brake rotors. Sometimes they can be resurfaced on a lathe if they aren't too badly warped. Saves buying new rotors.

Seems in recent years I've been alternating between Americas tire, Costco, Sams Club, and a military base store. Bought my last ties at Costco. My van has 16 inch rims and until recent years, only a few makers made tires for this van. It appears now there are many. Opens up many sources. 4/5 years ago Sears prices for my tires were way out of line. Maybe that has changed.