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Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule

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#1 of 22 Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule by motoringmama Dec 12, 2006 (11:56 am)
I keep hearing about a maintainance schedule. Well I bought my '01 Grand Caravan used and never received the schedule. Today I took it in for a hose replacement to my power steering, and the service advisor begins to tell me that at 68,000 miles I need my radiator flushed, spark plugs changed, throttle body cleaned, the power steering fluid changed, etc. It was up to over $1,000 which I don't have. Are these things really necessary? The van is running fine. Every time I take it in for one thing, they find a half dozen other things I need done. Also, can I have my radiator flushed and refilled at like say a Firestone, whcih is much cheaper, or does Chrysler vehicles require a certain brand? Thanks for any insight into this matter. Replies to this message: 97xpresso (Dec 14, 2006 10:05 am) masterpaul1 (Dec 14, 2006 6:49 pm) kayode65 (Feb 06, 2007 6:31 am) motoringmama (Feb 06, 2007 10:59 am) 97xpresso (Feb 06, 2007 5:14 pm)
#2 of 22 Re: Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule [motoringmama] by 97xpresso Dec 14, 2006 (10:05 am)
Replying to: motoringmama (Dec 12, 2006 11:56 am) If your 01 is running fine, you don't need to change the plugs or clean the throttle body. (schedule for plugs is 100,000 miles, some go longer if vehicle runs well) Your anti-freeze is a 5 year long life fluid. So that needs to be changed. The fluid is Chrysler specific, any brand of HOAT antifreeze will do (Mopar, Motorcraft, Zerex, BUT NOT GM Dex-cool) I just drained and re-filled, no flush. For best life and performance, your transmission fluid should have been changed twice already, 30 + 60 thousand miles. I changed mine for the first time at 60,000 miles. It is a MUST TO USE ATF+4 ONLY!! I would get this done at the dealer, because other places will most likely use the wrong fluid. Again, a flush is not necessary, just drain, filter and re-fill.
#3 of 22 Re: Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule [motoringmama] by masterpaul1 Dec 14, 2006 (6:49 pm)
Replying to: motoringmama (Dec 12, 2006 11:56 am) We have a 01 DGC EX and they told me at the last oil change, back in Oct., that the plugs were cracking. They gave me a price over $300 to replace the plugs and wires. I asked them why did the plugs need changing, since we only had 78K. I was told since the wires needed changing, the plugs should be changed too. Well, I looked at all the plugs and really didn't see any cracks. But, I got the instructions as to how to remove the wiper crawl to get at the back three plugs. I replaced the plugs and wires myself with no problem. Only cost me about 2 hrs and about $100 bucks. Replies to this message: kayode65 (Feb 06, 2007 6:31 am) motoringmama (Feb 06, 2007 10:59 am) 97xpresso (Feb 06, 2007 5:14 pm)
#4 of 22 Re: Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule [masterpaul1] by kayode65 Feb 06, 2007 (6:31 am)
Replying to: masterpaul1 (Dec 14, 2006 6:49 pm) I have an 01 town and country LXI and had transmission replaced at dealer in November. Now have 75k miles on it. It runs fine except occasional idle misses at red lights. Engineer at dealer said it is backfiring real bad, Now I don't know how he came to that conclusion, Did he run it through a computer or by ear. He said the plugs and wires need changing at $300. A mechanic friend said he will help change the plugs and wires. What plugs do people normnally use Bosch, NGK etc. What wires should I get Duralast or Bosch. At this mileage, should I go on and change the fuel filter as well. What else should I be looking for maintenance wise as well. Motoringmama can you direct me to where you got the instructions on changing the spark plugs.   Thank for any response Replies to this message: motoringmama (Feb 06, 2007 10:59 am) 97xpresso (Feb 06, 2007 5:14 pm)
#5 of 22 Re: Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule [kayode65] by motoringmama Feb 06, 2007 (10:59 am)
Replying to: kayode65 (Feb 06, 2007 6:31 am) I opted out of changing my plugs for now, so I can't help you there. But I do recall someone posting on how to do a spark plug and wire change somewhere on this forum. I do believe it might have been in the Dodge/Chrysler problems and solutions forum. You may have to do a little searching, but I'm sure you will find it. Good Luck
#6 of 22 Re: Dodge Caravan Maintainance schedule [kayode65] by 97xpresso Feb 06, 2007 (5:14 pm)
Replying to: kayode65 (Feb 06, 2007 6:31 am) Use the plugs that came with the van. Under hood emmission sticker has make/model of spark plug. I would purchase Mopar wires at the dealer parts counter. Use anti-sieze on plug threads (careful to keep off electrode) and di-electric grease in plug wire boots.
#7 of 22 Do Dealers have to provide 2 keys on used vehicles? by doright822 Mar 24, 2007 (10:47 pm)
Just bought "06 Grand Caravan this week. Before we left dealer we asked for second key. could not find the key. Next day we were told it only came with one key, and that we would have to buy the second key which will cost around $150.00 trying to fight it. Is it a law or common curtsy to provide us with another key. They claim that 1/2 of the used cars only come with one key. I got a new car lease. Do i have grounds to have them pay for a key?? Replies to this message: motoringmama (Mar 25, 2007 11:13 am) masterpaul1 (Mar 26, 2007 4:35 pm)
#8 of 22 Re: Do Dealers have to provide 2 keys on used vehicles? [doright822] by motoringmama Mar 25, 2007 (11:13 am)
Replying to: doright822 (Mar 24, 2007 10:47 pm) I have never heard of them only providing one key. I bought a used '01 caravan, and they provided not only 2 keys but 2 remote keyless entry devices. And I also bought an older used car last year a '95, and they even had 2 keys and remotes. Sounds like they lost your 2nd set. I would argue that they provide you with the 2nd one at no additional cost. Replies to this message: masterpaul1 (Mar 26, 2007 4:35 pm)
#9 of 22 Re: Do Dealers have to provide 2 keys on used vehicles? [motoringmama] by masterpaul1 Mar 26, 2007 (4:35 pm)
Replying to: motoringmama (Mar 25, 2007 11:13 am) I would fight it too. We bought a used 01 DGC EX and it only had one key and keyfob. We ask them for a second key, to witch we got. The keyfob we had to pay for, $12.00, because they didn't have any used ones.
#10 of 22 "Routine" Maintenance by ajputman Oct 27, 2007 (5:38 pm)
I have a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan with 21000 miles and have been following the maintenance logbook. The dealer is recommending a "fuel service" and four wheel alignment (neither of which appear in the log). Are these useful as routine maintenance (or a way for the service department to make some extra money)? Replies to this message: shipo (Oct 27, 2007 5:57 pm)

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