Tune Up

[greg9034]

I'm heading out on a 2,000 mile trip, and I wanted to perform a tune up! I have a 04 dodge grant caravan. I was wondering how you get to the 3 spark plugs on the rear side of the engine? I can't figure out how to get in there!

Thanks

[GTP Dad]

How many miles on your vehicle? If you have less than 50K you really don't need a tune-up other than changing the air cleaner and insuring all the fluids are in good shape. You may want to change oil as well but other than that the van should be good to go. If you insist on changing the plugs then you can do it one of three ways, put it on a lift and do it from underneath, remove the intake phlenum or have someone else do it for you. These plugs are hard to get to and there is really no easy way to change them.

[greg9034]

It has 20k! So just change the air filter and fluids?.. It looks difficult to get to those plugs.. Why the hell would dodge do that? lol...

Thanks

[sandokana]

All the minivans with V6 and front wheel drive have the same design problem, there is not much room to work at the firewall area. That is why they are using platinum plugs in the engines. The plugs should be ok for 100000miles.

[vamc]

sandokana, Im going to have to disagree with you on the 100,000 part about the plugs. i would say about 30,000 for the plugs. I thought the engine came with chanpions?!

1.Check fluids
2.Change plugs if needed.
3.Wires
4.Check trie pressure when cold
5. 36 psi cold on tires, or check the inside of door.
My thoughts.

[sandokana]

My 2005 Caravan owner’s manual recommends changing the plugs every 75000miles. I will change them before that may be at 50000miles. I was only trying to point out to greg9034, that he doesn’t need to worry about he’s plugs at 20000miles.

[vamc]

ok..sounds good

[greg9034]

anyone actually change the plugs with the limited space issue?

[evictor]

Originally Posted by greg9034

anyone actually change the plugs with the limited space issue?

Try coming from under the car, and/or remove the alternator to gain access. Sears carries a HUSKY Rachet with a micro touch and twist handle. It works great for the #4 plug on the 3.0l.

Remember, it is all about the tool you use. :-)

[RESTREC]

I'M POSTING THIS SAME ANSWER IN ANOTHER THREAD WITH A SIMILAR Q.:

My 88 Caravan haynes manual also says the back spark plugs have to be accessed from underneath. It is pure BS. After a little thought what I did was to take out the air filter compartment, which took me 8 minutes and right there in front of your eyes you can see and access the back spark plugs. It's probably the same for other models but will not put my hands in the fire for it !!