2006 DODGE CARAVAN brake light

PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch on, the brake light in the instrument cluster will
turn on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
Park position. To release the parking brake, pull out on
the parking brake release located on the left side of the
instrument panel.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As an
Parking Brake Release
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5

by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Lamp.
Anti-Lock Brake System—If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically“pumps”the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

When the vehicle is driven over approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h), you may also hear a slight clicking sound as
well as some related motor noises. These noises are the
system performing its self check cycle to ensure that the
ABS system is working properly. This self check occurs
each time the vehicle is started and accelerated past
approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•brake pedal pulsations,
•and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements—Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

▫Steering Shaft Seal....................413
▫Steering Linkage......................413
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............413
▫Body Lubrication.....................413
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................414
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....414
▫Exhaust System......................415
▫Cooling System.......................416
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......421
▫Brakes.............................421
▫Master Cylinder—Brake Fluid Level Check . . 423
▫Fuel System Hoses....................424
▫Automatic Transmission................424▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........428
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................428
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................432

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............434

Vehicle Storage........................436

Replacement Light Bulbs.................437

Bulb Replacement......................438
▫Headlights..........................438
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights.............................439
▫Front Fog Light......................440
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder—Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL”mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423
7

INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
An Integrated Power Module is located in the engine
compartment near the battery. This center contains maxi
fuses, mini fuses and relays. A label that identifies each
component is printed on the inside of the cover.
Cavity Maxi Fuse Description
F4 30 Amp Pink Front Wipers
F9 40 Amp Green Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) Pump
F10 40 Amp Green Front Blower
F13 40 Amp Green Electronic Back Light (EBL)
F19 40 Amp Green Body Control Module
(BCM) Feed 1
F20 30 Amp Pink Central Amplifier
F22 30 Amp Pink Seats
F27 40 Amp Green Radiator Fan
F28 40 Amp Green Power Windows
F30 40 Amp Green Headlight Washers (Export
Only)
F31 40 Amp Green Power Sliding Door
F32 40 Amp Green Power Liftgate
Integrated Power module (IPM)
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Mini Fuse Description
F1 20 Amp Yellow Fog Lights
F2 15 Amp Blue Left Park/Tail Light
F3 15 Amp Blue Right Park/Tail Light
F5 20 Amp Yellow RDO/IP Ignition
F6 20 Amp Yellow 12 Volt Out Ignition or
Battery
F8 20 Amp Yellow Horn
F11 20 Amp Yellow EWD/ Rear Wiper
F12 25 Amp Natural Rear Blower
F14 20 Amp Yellow Ignition Off Draw (IOD)
F15 20 Amp Yellow Electronic Automatic
Transaxle (EATX) Battery
F15 25 Amp Natural ASD
F17 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
F18 15 Amp Blue A/C ClutchCavity Mini Fuse Description
F21 25 Amp Natural Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) Module
F23 10 Amp Red Ignition Switch
F24 20 Amp Yellow Hazard
F26 20 Amp Yellow Stop Lamp
F33 15 Amp Blue Front/Rear Washer
20 Amp Yellow Spare (IOD)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
7