How to Change the Oil in a Dodge Caravan

Changing the oil in a Dodge Caravan requires an oil filter wrench and socket wrench to complete the oil change. The Caravan has the dipstick and oil filler cap front and center on the minivan, making this vehicle one of the easiest to check and fill. The manufacturer recommendation for an oil change is every 7,500 miles for regular driving, or 3,000 miles for stop-and-go type driving.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car jack
• Jack stands or wheel ramps
• Oil pan
• Socket wrench
• Oil filter wrench
• Cleaning cloths
• New filter
• Oil

Prepare Your Caravan for an Oil Change

1. Lift your Dodge Caravan using a jack and then place the minivan on jack stands. If you don't have jack stands, drive the van onto a set of wheel ramps. Pop the hood and remove the dipstick and oil filler cap. Gather an oil drip pan, socket wrench, oil filter wrench, cleaning cloths and a new oil filter. Slide under your Caravan.

2. Locate the oil filter and oil drain plug underneath the Caravan. The oil drain plug is near the front of the engine block, with the filter right in front of the oil pan.

3. Remove the oil drain plug using the socket wrench. Pull the plug out quickly and let the oil drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the gasket and threads for damage.

4. Take off the oil filter using a banded oil filter wrench. Dump the old oil into the oil drip pan and put on the new oil filter. Tighten the oil filter by hand, and then replace the oil drain plug using the wrench. Clean off the excess oil.

5. Go under the hood and add oil. Turn on the engine and check the oil pressure gauge to make sure it rises. If it doesn't, turn the car off quickly and add more oil.

6. Lower your Dodge Caravan and turn off the engine. Take an oil reading on the dipstick. If the oil level isn't at full, add a bit more oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the used oil into old plastic containers and take it to an auto parts store or gas station. Most of these places have oil disposal containers for customers.