How do I Replace the Radiator Drain Plug in a Dodge Caravan?

The radiator drain plug, also known as a petcock, on the Dodge Caravan has a small rubber gasket between the exterior portion of the plug and the mating connection of the radiator. Over time, the rubber gasket can weaken and cause the plug to leak. Replacing the drain plug is fairly inexpensive and a relatively simple task to perform, although it can be a bit messy. Be aware the engine coolant is highly toxic, but it has a sweet smell and taste that can attract pets or young children.

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Two jack stands
• Coolant drain pan with handles and fill spout
• Radiator drain plug
• Shop rags

1. Lift the hood to the Dodge Caravan and prop it open

Lift the hood to the Dodge Caravan and prop it open. Remove the radiator cap by turning it counterclockwise. If the engine is hot or warm, allow sufficient time for it to cool down (an hour or so if warm, a couple hours or more if hot) before attempting to remove the radiator cap. Pressure builds up inside the radiator, so remove the cap carefully and allow the air to escape slowly before loosening the cap all the way.

2. Lift each front side of the Caravan (one side at a time) with the jack

Lift each front side of the Caravan (one side at a time) with the jack. Place a jack stand under the pinch-panel of each of the front frame rails.

3. Align the coolant drain pan beneath the radiator

Align the coolant drain pan beneath the radiator in the location of the drain plug. It is located on the bottom of the radiator closest to the passenger side (near the lower radiator hose).

4. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise all the way until it stops

Turn the drain plug counterclockwise all the way until it stops. Be aware that coolant will begin to drain from the radiator so move the drain pan if necessary.

5. Allow the radiator to drain fully

Allow the radiator to drain fully. This should take 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Remove the drain pan carefully

Remove the drain pan carefully. Place a shop rag under the plug hole to catch any small drips of engine coolant.

7. Twist the radiator plug 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn clockwise

Twist the radiator plug 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn clockwise to align the release notches on the plug to the locking tabs on the radiator. Pull the plug from the radiator.

8. Install the new radiator plug

Install the new radiator plug by aligning the grooves and tabs and tightening the plug snugly by hand.

9. Raise the Caravan above the jack stands

Raise the Caravan above the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Pour the coolant from the drain bucket back into the radiator. Replace the radiator cap.

10. Start the Caravan and run until it reaches operating temperature

Start the Caravan and run until it reaches operating temperature. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on the instrument panel to ensure it does not overheat.

Video showing how to replace coolant in a Dodge Caravan:

Helpful comments on this video:

• Good info, thanks!. At 1:36, I think you could attach a piece of old vacuum hose/brake line hose to the n_i__pple. And if you don't have that, then take 1-2 feet of old garden hose and hold it over the n---i--pple and loosen the drain screw. That will at least direct the coolant over the cross member , into a bucket, and not make such a mess.

And while your process works fine if the coolant has been regularly replaced, but for say a vehicle with dirty coolant and lack of service history, I would run a garden hose through the radiator with the drain open. Let it drain, close drain and fill with distilled water (varies by area, but hard water is very bad for cooling system) start vehicle, run for say 20 minutes, turn HEATER on hot and medium fan. Press and hold gas to 2500 rpms and hold for minute. Stop vehicle and let cool. Drain and see if coolant is dirty. Repeat as needed. Then put in full strength coolant as the system will have approx 1 gallon of water left in it, and when you add 1 gallon of full strength that gets you to 50/50 mix. * Thank you for pointing out the danger of coolant to pets! Very responsible!