Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2011 Dodge Grand-Caravan has a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

it could potentially be because its old or if you dont get oil changes that is most possible

From va6yag:

Actually, it could be a few things. One cause of black smoke could be that you're "running rich"- in other words, the fuel/air mixture that is being burnt in the cylinders is not correct- there's more fuel than air. This could be caused by incorrect timing, a faulty EGR, damaged valves or your computer not mixing the fuel/air in the correct ratio. Another cause may be faulty spark plug leads, or fouled spark plugs. Your best bet is to get a tune up done on the van, along with an oil change and a radiator flush. That will eliminate the spark plugs, leads, air/fuel mixture and the timing as possible causes of the black smoke.

If that doesn't solve the issue, you could be looking at something far more serious. Get the van looked at by a competant mechanic.

Place vehicle on ramps to gain acess to underside. Set Park brake and chock rear tires to prevent rolling off ramps. Get a large pan (3-4 gallon capacity) and place under tranny. Remove MOST of pan bolts. Leave one on each corner. loosen lowest two corner bolts. Gently pry pan loose and allow fluid to drain. Remove pan and replace filter. Clean pan (PUT MAGNET BACK WHERE IT WAS IN PAN) then re install using appropriate gasket. Do not over tighten bolts as they can strip out. I believe 14-16 ft lbs torque is correct Please note this will not remove old fluid from torque converter. You must go to a shop and have it flushed for this degree of completion.

The transmission is kaput. Time for a rebuild.

Should have an automatic belt tensioner -perhaps it is defective

I don't think there is a belt tensioner. Belt tension is adjusted at the power steering pump bracket and idler pulley assembly.

Dodge doesn't use inertia switches. The fuel pump is controlled via a relay by the computer.
Dodge does not use inertia/reset switches

This seems to ba a fairly common problem for this car. I have this car and I am learning more about the problem. First, if the "Air Bag" light is on, DO NOT drive the car. Any time this light is on, you stand the chance of finding out what happens when you shift the car into low gear at highway speeds. Not fun. The car randomly shifts down into low gear which is abit unnerving. Second, although I have not been able to track down a firm answer to this problem. The most common procedure that I have found is to take the car to an "Auto Zone" where they will hook your car up to a "Diagnostic Computer" which then tells you what may be going on.

Some posts that I have read suggest replacing the main computer ($300+). While others suggest sensors and or "reprogramming" the computer. While still others suggest that simply disconnecting the battery serves some good. The lack of good "I got it" posts on the internet is either a bad sign(no fix) or the contrary(no need to go back to the computer because I fixed it. I am going to try some of these steps myself later so I do not have all the answers yet either... Hope this helps

Large pipe wrech...unscrew and screw new one on!

All fuses are under the hood, next to the battery. The lid has a diagram of locations.

examples are

It was a Mitsubishi design, but I believe Chrysler built them.

It was a Mitsubishi design, but I believe Chrysler built them.

It's not a job for a novice, you didn't say you were upgrading, so I assume you are simply replacing. First if you determine bottom end of engine is worn out and needs a rebuild or replacement, get a few estimates for each, You can either rebuild the existing or replace it with a lower mileage junkyard motor and have it done by a small shop or you can try to do it yourself, but still need to decide which route to go to refresh engine.

The engine is removed out the bottom on 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan.

No, it uses a ph 16.

your airflow is uneven

check the airflow sensor wire/ sensor

This is how I did it.

Disconnect the battery negative terminal.

I removed the right drive shaft. This made it possible to reach the starter from under the vehicle.

Then I removed the brace that bolts to the block and intake manifold.

Then remove the electrical connections on the starter, one with a 12mm wrench from under the car, the other is a plug you can reach from the top (if your arm is skinny enough!).

Then remove the starter top bolt from above. It threads into the starter from the transmission side.

Then, from under the car, remove the starter bottom bolt.

The starter can then be removed from under the car.

As many a repair manual has advised: "Assemble in reverse order of removal."

Good luck!

they used to be on the front wheels?

On the throttle body.

It means the computer has detected a problem in the airbag system. Usually this will cause the computer to deactivate the airbag system. (Meaning the airbags will not work in an accident) The dealer can tell you what needs repaired.

Hi firts remove the serpentine bealt. the alternator have 3 screws .

remove the 2 conector ground and voltaje.

1 upper remove this with 15mm .

2 screws lower. this is very easy I removed this yesterday.

The 2007 Dodge Grand-Caravan has a drag coefficient of 0.35 Cd.

DOT 3

Low coolant? Cooling system airbound?

If the transmission solenoid pack is leaking it must be replaced. It can not be repaired. You replace the solenoid by removing the cooler hoses, the input speed sensor and the three bolts that hold the solenoid. remove the solenoid, clean gasket surface and reverse previous steps. Final step is to top off transmission fluid.