How to Remove Spark Plugs on a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

Last Updated: January 5, 2018

Spark plugs are an essential component for the operation of gasoline engines. Their function is to produce a spark in the engine's combustion chamber to ignite the compressed mix of air and gas, in turn, forcing a piston down and rotate the crankshaft. In order to have your engine running properly, the spark plugs must be free of corrosion and dirt deposits and also be wired correctly to the ignition coil. These instructions will guide you to take out and inspect the spark plugs of a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.3L V6 engine.

Steps

1
Make sure you have the following tools: 3/8" drive ratchet, 5/8" spark plug socket, and a 6" extension.
2
Release the hood latch and open hood.
- The hood release is under the steering wheel.
- Be sure the van is off and engine has cooled down if it were driven recently.
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3
Locate the spark plugs.
- There are 6 plugs in total.
- Cylinders 2,4 and 6 are in sight as soon as you look under the hood. Cylinder 1,3 and 5 are behind the engine when looking from the front of the vehicle. They are difficult to see so some of the work taking them out will require only your sense of touch. If you have not done this sort of work before try removing the spark plugs from cylinders 2,4 and 6 so you get a better feel for what you are doing.
4
Pull out the ignition coil wires.
- Make sure to remember the way the wires are arranged because the timing of spark will change if they are not installed at the correct cylinder.
- Gently twist and pull the ignition coil wires to remove.
5
Remove spark plugs.
- Fit the 5/8" spark plug socket on the spark plug and loosen it using a ratchet with extension. There is rubber in the socket to hold the spark plug when it unscrews, but still be careful to not hit against something and damage it.
- Keep track of which cylinder each spark plug came from. If one spark plug appears with worse condition then you will know what cylinder it belongs to and check for problems there.
6
Check the quality of each spark plug.
- First make sure they are all the correct brand and design. The manufacturer recommends Champion RE14PLP5 (7440) Double Platinum Spark Plugs.
- Look for damage such as cracks and inspect the electrodes that produce the spark for corrosion, excess dirt, and wear.
- For the best performance over the life of a spark plug, the gap between the electrodes should be as close to specification as possible. Gap Specification: 1.27mm (0.05"). Place an appropriate size feeler gauge in between the gap and adjust by slightly bending the outer electrode.
7
Reuse or replace the spark plugs.
- Depending on how old your plugs are and their condition you may or may not want to replace them. It is important to consider that while modern spark plugs can stay operational for longer, there are many possible causes to obstruct a spark plugs operation. As well, the time it takes to swap out your plugs and the cost if you do it yourself is moderately low for something that could benefit your vehicle's performance.
8
Reinstall plugs into engine.
- Put the spark plug in the hole it came from using the 5/8" socket and an extension. Hand tighten it until threaded all the way in to reduce the possibility of cross-threading the plug in the engine block.
- If you own a torque wrench then torque the spark plug to 13 ft-lbs (17.5 N.m).
- Without a torque wrench tighten by hand then add 1/4 of a full turn with the ratchet.
9
Attach the ignition coil wires to the proper spark plug.
- On the ignition coil you will see numbers expressing what cylinder each wire goes to.
- Simply push the wires on and you will hear and feel a click when they are connected.
10
Start the vehicle.
- Make sure the engine sounds like it is running smoothly and the check engine light does not appear.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I start a spark plug on a 2010 Dodge caravan?

Jeffrey Kalinowski

Community Answer

If you are asking how to remove the spark plugs, the first thing you want to do is disconnect your battery, and remove your airbox and snorkel tube as this will make your life easier when changing them.
Question

I just had my 2010 caravan with 83,000 miles tuned up at my local garage. A week later I returned because engine was running with a miss. Tech said new plugs were loaded with carbon. What? Why?

Guy Under The Hood

Community Answer

A possible reason for the carbon in the plugs is too much fuel going to the cylinders. Check the O2 sensor and make sure it is within specs.

Warnings

Spark plugs are delicate, if one falls or hits something do not use it because it will likely misfire quickly since they are so fragile.

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Do not remove spark plugs while the engine is running.

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