Tools Needed:
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 15mm socket
- Ratchet
- Extension
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Pliers
- Funnel
- Coolant (type specified in your owner's manual)
- Shop rags
Instructions:
1. Drain the Coolant:
- Pull the hood release lever from inside the vehicle and open the hood.
- Locate the coolant drain plug on the bottom of the radiator.
- Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
- Loosen the drain plug and allow the coolant to drain.
- Close the drain plug when the coolant has finished draining.
2. Disconnect the Radiator Hoses:
- Locate the upper and lower radiator hoses connected to the water pump.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps on both hoses.
- Pull the upper radiator hose off the radiator and the lower radiator hose off the water pump.
- Secure the upper radiator hose to the side of the engine to avoid it from draining coolant.
- Plug the lower radiator hose with a shop rag to prevent coolant from spilling.
3. Remove the Serpentine Belt:
- Locate the serpentine belt on the front of the engine.
- Use a 13mm socket and wrench to loosen the tensioner pulley bolt to loosen the belt.
- Remove the serpentine belt.
4. Remove the Water Pump Bolts:
- Locate the four bolts that hold the water pump in place on the front of the engine.
- Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts and remove them.
5. Remove the Water Pump:
- Carefully pry the water pump away from the engine using the flathead screwdriver as a pry bar.
- Be careful not to break the seal between the water pump and the engine.
- Remove the old water pump.
6. Clean the Mounting Surface:
- Use a rag and some degreaser to clean the mounting surface of the water pump.
- Ensure all old gasket material has been removed.
7. Install the New Water Pump:
- Apply a thin bead of gasket sealant to the new water pump's mounting surface.
- Position the new water pump against the mounting surface.
- Insert the four water pump bolts and hand-tighten them until snug.
- Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, tighten the water pump bolts in a star pattern to 25 ft-lb.
8. Reinstall the Radiator Hoses:
- Slide the upper radiator hose onto the water pump and radiator nipples.
- Insert and tighten hose clamps using pliers to secure the hoses in place.
- Repeat for the lower radiator hose.
9. Reinstall the Serpentine Belt:
- Place the serpentine belt around all the pulleys, aligning it correctly.
- Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to loosen the tensioner pulley, apply tension to the belt, and then tighten the bolt to lock the tensioner.
10. Refill the Coolant:
- Open the radiator cap.
- Use the funnel to pour the coolant into the radiator.
- Stop pouring when the coolant reaches the "Full" mark on the reservoir.
- Secure the radiator cap and fill the coolant reservoir to the "Full" mark.
11. Test the System:
- Close the hood of the vehicle and start the engine.
- Allow it to run for a few minutes and check for leaks. If there are any, retighten the bolts or hose clamps.
- Drive the vehicle around to full operating temperature, shut it off and check the coolant level again.
Once you have completed these steps, the water pump on your 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L will be successfully replaced.
