This is a continuation of the linked thread, which started out regarding our search for an affordable used minivan, but morphed into a thread about maintenance and repair on the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan we bought.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/checking-out-older-minivans.330390/
The van has just under 200,000 km on it, and the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is based on a complete cycle of 200,000 km, so I thought I'd change out all the fluids and consumables (spark plugs, air filter, and cabin filter) and then continue on from there, following Schedule "B" (severe operating conditions).
Maintenance done so far:
- Spark plugs - Replaced NGK G-Power with NGK Iridium plugs.
- Coolant - Drained the rad and topped it up with approx. 6 litres of OEM Orange II.
- Brake fluid - Syringed a couple of fills out of the master cylinder and refilled with new DOT-3.
- Air filter - NAPA replaced with WIX.
Repairs done so far:
- Flaky spare tire winch - Replaced.
- Squawk on startup and loud hum thereafter - Replaced PSF reservoir. (This was a tip off the Chrysler minivans forum - sure enough, it worked. I can see that the screen in the old reservoir is badly torn.)
I think that's about it - to be continued!
Remaining maintenance to be done soon:
- Oil & filter (Mobil 1, likely 5W-30, and WIX filter)
- Transmission - Replace oil pan with new one with a drain plug. Do a couple of drain-and-fills with Castrol ATF+4.
- Bleed brakes at calipers.
- Change cabin filter.
- Lube ball joints. (Looks like the LCAs have been changed out at some point. I doubt the factory ones have Zerks.)
- Oil spray to protect against rust.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/checking-out-older-minivans.330390/
The van has just under 200,000 km on it, and the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is based on a complete cycle of 200,000 km, so I thought I'd change out all the fluids and consumables (spark plugs, air filter, and cabin filter) and then continue on from there, following Schedule "B" (severe operating conditions).
Maintenance done so far:
- Spark plugs - Replaced NGK G-Power with NGK Iridium plugs.
- Coolant - Drained the rad and topped it up with approx. 6 litres of OEM Orange II.
- Brake fluid - Syringed a couple of fills out of the master cylinder and refilled with new DOT-3.
- Air filter - NAPA replaced with WIX.
Repairs done so far:
- Flaky spare tire winch - Replaced.
- Squawk on startup and loud hum thereafter - Replaced PSF reservoir. (This was a tip off the Chrysler minivans forum - sure enough, it worked. I can see that the screen in the old reservoir is badly torn.)
I think that's about it - to be continued!
Remaining maintenance to be done soon:
- Oil & filter (Mobil 1, likely 5W-30, and WIX filter)
- Transmission - Replace oil pan with new one with a drain plug. Do a couple of drain-and-fills with Castrol ATF+4.
- Bleed brakes at calipers.
- Change cabin filter.
- Lube ball joints. (Looks like the LCAs have been changed out at some point. I doubt the factory ones have Zerks.)
- Oil spray to protect against rust.