How Do I Change the Water Pump in a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan?

The water pump is responsible for sending the engine coolant to the engine. Removing and changing the water pump on a 2000 Grand Caravan should only be done if your van has a 3.3 liter or 3.8 liter V6 engine. On any other engine types, including four-cylinder engines, you must remove the timing belt from the engine to access the water pump, which is a dangerous task that can mess up the engine if attempted by an amateur.

Things You'll Need

• Large container
• Allen wrench
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Rag
• Acetone
• O-ring
• Antifreeze

Instructions

Removal

1. Disconnect the van's negative battery cable.

2. Drain the engine coolant, twisting and removing the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and letting the fluid drain into a large container.

3. Unbolt and remove the splash shield at the front right fender with an Allen or Torx wrench to reach the pump's bolts.

4. Loosen the clamps to the water pump hoses with pliers and disconnect the hoses.

5. Remove the drive belt, loosening the dynamic tensioner with a wrench on the bolt and taking the belt off its pulleys.

6. Unbolt and remove the water pump pulley with your wrench.

7. Remove the bolts for the water pump with the wrench and detach the pump from the front engine cover.

8. Remove the O-ring from the mating surface and discard it, then clean the surface with acetone or lacquer thinner. Make sure you don't scratch or gouge the surfaces and be sure to dry it thoroughly.

Installation

1. Install a new O-ring in the mating surface groove, followed by the new water pump and the water pump pulley. Tighten the pump and pulley bolts to 21 foot-pounds.

2. Install the drive belt, slipping it over the pulleys, loosening the tensioner to fit the belt over it and slowly letting go of the tensioner.

3. Reconnect the hoses to the pump with their clamps.

4. Reinstall the fender splash shield with its bolts.

5. Refill the engine coolant, using the old coolant only if it is still in good condition. If not, use a fresh mix of half water and half antifreeze.

6. Reconnect the battery cable.

References

• "Chilton Chrysler Caravan/Voyager/Town & Country Repair Manual"; Matthew Frederick; Haynes North America; 2002