You need your fifth-generation Dodge/Chrysler minivans, including Grand Caravan, Town & Country, and Caravan Cargo to be reliable. In that case, you need to carry out regular maintenance, so here's our quick guide taken directly from Haynes manual 30014.
Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Oil Change
| Oil Type | API “Certified for gasoline engines” |
| Oil Viscosity | |
| 3.3L and 3.8L engines | SAE 5W-20 |
| 4.0L engines | SAE 10W-30 |
| 3.6L engines | SAE 5W-30 |
| Oil Capacity (including filter) | |
| 3.3L and 3.8L engines | 5.0 quarts |
| 3.6L engines | 6.0 quarts |
| 4.0L engines | 5.5 quarts |
| Recommended Fastener Torque | |
| Engine oil drain plug | 20 ft-lbs |
| Engine oil filter cap (3.6L engine) | 18 ft-lbs |
Transmission Fluid Change
| Automatic Transaxle Fluid Type | Mopar ATF +4 fluid or equivalent |
| Automatic Transaxle (drain and refill)** | |
| 42TE (4-speed) | 4.0 quarts |
| 62TE (6-speed) | 5.5 quarts |
| **The best way to determine the amount of fluid to add during a routine fluid change is to measure the amount drained. It’s important to not overfill the transaxle | |
| Recommended Fastener Torque | |
| Automatic Transaxle Oil Pan Mounting Bolts | |
| 41TE (4-speed) | 165 in-lbs |
| 62TE (6-speed) | 105 in-lbs |
| Transaxle Filter Mounting Nuts | |
| 62TE (6-speed) only | 40 in-lbs |
Cooling System Flush and Fill
| Coolant Type | Mopar 5yr/100k mile Formula coolant with H.O.A.T. (Hybrid Organic Additive Tech) mixed 50/50 with water |
| Cooling System Capacity*** | |
| 3.3L and 3.6L engines | 13.4 quarts |
| 3.8L and 4.0L engines | 16.3 quarts |
| ***Includes heater and coolant reservoir. |
Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types
| Power steering fluid | Mopar® ATF +4 automatic transmission fluid or equivalent |
| Brake fluid | DOT type 3 brake fluid |
Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs
| Drivebelt tensioner mounting bolt | |
| 3.3L and 3.8L engines | 21 Ft-lbs |
| 3.6L engine | 41 Ft-lbs |
| 4.0L engine | 45 Ft-lbs |
| Spark plugs | |
| 3.3L and 3.8L enginest | 156 in-lbs |
| 3.6L engine | 168 in-lbs |
| 4.0L engine | 20 Ft-lbs |
| Wheel lug nuts | 100 Ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Guide Pin Bolts | 26 Ft-lbs |
| Caliper Bracket Bolts | |
| Front | |
| 2012 and earlier models | 125 Ft-lbs |
| 2013 and later models | 150 Ft-lbs |
| Rear | 74 Ft-lbs |
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the engine coolant level
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check the brake fluid level
- Check the power steering fluid level
- Check the tires and tire pressures
- Check the operation of all lights
- Check the horn operation
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Change the engine oil and filter
- Check and replace, if necessary, the air filter element
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check the wiper blade condition
- Check and clean the battery and terminals
- Rotate the tires
- Check the seatbelts
- Check the condition of all underhood hoses and connections
- Check the cooling system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
- Check and replace, if necessary, the air filter element
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check the automatic transaxle fluid level
- Check the brake system
- Check the suspension components and driveaxle boots
- Check the exhaust pipes and hangers
- Check the fuel system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
- Replace the cabin air filter
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check the drivebelts
- Replace the air filter element*
- Replace the brake fluid
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve*
Every 60 months (regardless of mileage)
- Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)
Every 100,000 miles
- Replace the spark plugs
- Replace the spark plug wires (3.3L and 3.8L engines)
- Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter*
Every 120,000 miles or 120 months, whichever comes first
- Replace the timing belt (4.0L engine only)
* If operated in "severe conditions" perform these procedures at these recommended intervals:
- 3,000 miles - Check and replace, if necessary, the air filter element
- 60,000 miles - Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter