To locate it:
* Consult a repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual specific to your 1997 Dodge Caravan year and engine size is your best bet. These manuals will have diagrams showing the exact location.
* Look underneath the engine: Get under your van (safely supported on jack stands) and carefully inspect the engine block. Look for a bolt or plug at the very bottom of the engine, near the radiator hoses. It may be a slightly different size or shape than other bolts in the area. It might have a square or hex head.
* Check near the thermostat housing: In some vehicles, the drain is integrated into the thermostat housing. However, this is less common on a Dodge Caravan than a separate drain plug.
* Be cautious: Coolant is hot when the engine is warm or even recently running. Allow it to cool completely before attempting any drain.
Without a repair manual, pinpointing the exact location is difficult and risky. Using a repair manual ensures you find the correct plug and avoid damaging other components.