How to Replace the Oil Pan on a Caravan

The Dodge Caravan minivan was introduced into the Chrysler line in 1984, but most of that type of vehicles on the road today are fourth-generation. Those who need to replace the oil pans in those popular vehicles will find the project fairly easy to accomplish.

Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Jack
Wrench
Jack stands
Oil drip pan

Step 1
Let the engine of the Caravan run for 15 minutes. Run until engine warms. Shut off engine. Put the Dodge Caravan on a safe surface. Use the jack stand to raise the Dodge. Heed manufacturer instructions for the jack to avoid injury.
Step 2
Locate the oil pan underneath the vehicle. Slide under the vehicle and position yourself under the engine. The oil pan is rectangular and will have a small plug on it that's easily visible.
Step 3
Take an oil drip pan and place it underneath the oil pan. Remove the plug. Let the oil in the pan drain until the flow stops. Go back to a standing position.
Step 4
Look on the far right under the hood of the car. Find the car battery. Remove the negative battery cable utilizing the wrench. There is a bolt securing the battery cable. Take the bolt off.
Step 5
Return to your position underneath the vehicle. There is a structural collar on the oil pan. Use the wrench to loosen the bolts. Take the collar off. Next, take out the air-conditioning compressor bracket next to the oil-pan bolt. Use a wrench to take off the last few bolts and replace after cleaning each of them. After replacing the oil pan, return all bolts and cables to their previous positions and reattach.