Although “sportiness” isn’t a term usually associated with minivans, Dodge attempted to set it’s Caravan and Grand Caravan apart from its competitors by offering revamped styling packages. While three engines were available for the 1999 Grand Caravan, the 3.3-liter V-6 was the most popular choice. It didn't offer stump-pulling power, but the engine had enough low-end torque to give it a faint, truck-like appeal. Like other minivans with limited engine compartment space, seemingly simple maintenance or repair tasks like changing spark plugs can be a frustrating and time consuming affair, but replacing the starter isn't as difficult by comparison.
Allow the engine to cool, if necessary. Connect a memory saver device to the Grand Caravan, according to the device’s specific instructions. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable, using a socket and ratchet. Apply the parking brake and chock the rear tires.
Lift the front of the van with a jack, then secure the vehicle on jack stands placed underneath the subframe rails. Position your head between the bottom of the radiator and the front exhaust manifold to gain visual access to the starter, mounted on the side of the transmission bell housing, near the engine mount. Disconnect the wiring connector for the starter solenoid.
Remove the nut securing the positive cable to the starter, then pull the cable from the stud. Remove the three bolts that secure the starter to the bell housing; hold the starter firmly before removing the last bolt. Pull the starter from the vehicle, then remove the thin, sheet metal spacer from the bell housing.
Clean both sides of the spacer with a paper towel or rag, then apply a small bead of gasket sealant to the outer perimeter of the spacer’s bolt holes. Affix the the spacer to the replacement starter or bell housing, with the bolt holes aligned. While the use of sealant isn’t critical to the repair job, it will help keep the spacer in place while securing the new starter.
Carefully fit the new starter to the bell housing and secure it with the bolts. After threading all three bolts, tighten them to 50 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the positive cable to the starter and tighten the nut to 90 inch-pounds; do not over-tighten the nut. Connect the wiring connector to the solenoid.
Lower the Grand Caravan to the ground and remove the wheel chocks. Connect the negative battery cable and disconnect the memory saver. Test the starter.
