1997 Caravan V6 Spark Plug Replacemnt

I just replaced the plugs on my V6 caravan @ 80k miles. They were pretty
worn. I recently noticed a thread on a multitude of theories on how to
replace the plugs - including removing the manifold.

Heres how I did it:

The drivers side rear and the middle rear can be removed from beneath. Not
the easiest reach - but no big deal at all. For the Passenger side rear - I
wound up pushing the alternator back & removing the alternator brackets.
You can then pretty easily reach that plug as well. ( the tensioner belt
also goes through one of the brackets.

My serpentine belt tensioner was shot again- seized solid ! - so you may as
well plan for replacement as well. ( $50, napa ) The belt system is so much
quieter now


Mark

 

How's the transmission shifting at 80k miles?

 

No problems with the transmission, shifts better than the day I got it (
really - see below ) - smooth as silk. I change the fluid & filter every
30k on the dot.

The thing had me worried from the day I brought it home. It would shudder
when shifting from 1st to 2nd so bad the mirror would shake a bit. Had it
to four different """"5 star """"" Chrysler/dodge dealers many many times.
( have a whole folder just for it ) The claimed either the prob did not
exist " could not duplicate problem " or replace the TCM (3x) this went on
for around 50k miles. While on vacation in Maine, I brought it to Lee Dodge
in Westbrook. They fixed it along with my clockspring while I waited on
memorial day weekend. - told me not to bother with my extended wty - $35 to
reflash the TCM

I think the New York dealers were all milking the warranty & wasting my
time. Got the clockspring done at the same time, phoned ahead, Lee had the
parts waiting. ( to make a long story short - I had originally tried to get
the repair done before the trip to Maine, here in NY, researched the
problem, made my appt. with my NY dealer to get the clockspring replaced &
and also have an inspection - (I did not even bother trying to explain the
shudder problem -ha ha) I got there, had to leave the van, when I went to
pick it up, I was told they did not have the part in stock & that they did
not do the inspection because the airbag light was on !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I
drove up to Maine with expired inspection, airbag INOP

Its all in the dealer - I don't have any good dealers here in LI, NY - so I
need to travel to Maine - very very sad......

Mark