The 2000 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a one-piece engine starter and solenoid. It propels the flywheel, which is connected to the transmission. The starter is located near the firewall on the driver's side, between the oil filter and the transmission. Before taking the time and the expense to replace a possible faulty starter, do a bench test at a local auto parts store to determine if it is the starter that is going bad.
Disconnect the negative battery cable using a socket wrench. It will prevent accidental power to the starter during removal. Place blocks behind the rear tires to prevent the vehicle from moving during starter replacement.
Locate the starter harness attached to one side of the starter solenoid. The starter is located near the firewall on the driver's side of the vehicle. Using a socket wrench, remove the solenoid nut from the solenoid. Pull of the wires from the solenoid bolt.
Remove the bolt on each side of the starter using a socket wrench. Pull the starter straight out of the starter bracket.
Place the new starter into position between the starter bracket. Torque the two new starter bolts to 40 foot-pounds.
Reconnect the existing wiring harness to the new starter solenoid attached to the new starter. Tighten the solenoid nut to 90 inch-pounds using a torque wrench.
Wipe down the negative battery terminal and cable with a cloth, trying to get rid of any extra corrosion. Reconnect the negative battery cable using a socket wrench.
