2006 DODGE CARAVAN brakes

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
422 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

Interlock System....................... 310
Reset Mode.......................... 311
Selection Of Lubricant................425,445
Shifting............................. 311
Special Additives...................... 427
Automatic Transmission................... 424
Adding Fluid......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 427
Fluid Change......................... 427
Fluid Level Check...................... 426
Fluid Type........................425,445
Ball Joints............................. 412
Battery............................... 409
Gas Caution.......................... 409
Jump Starting......................... 387
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Bearings.............................. 428Belts, Drive............................ 405
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 413
B-Pillar Location........................ 324
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake, Parking.......................... 313
Brake System........................314,421
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 315
Fluid Check.......................... 423
Hoses.............................. 422
Warning Light........................ 205
Brakes.............................314,421
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 310
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 82
Bulb Replacement....................... 438
Bulbs, Light............................ 437
Calibration, Compass..................... 159
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
INDEX 483
10

Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 313
Parking On Hill......................... 313
Passing Light........................... 148
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 153
Pets, Transporting........................ 78
Phone, Cellular.......................... 94
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............. 94
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 324
Power
Brakes.............................. 314
Distribution Center..................... 434
Door Locks........................... 18
Lift Gate............................. 35
Mirrors.............................. 92
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 175
Seats............................... 118
Sliding Door.......................... 30
Steering............................. 317Steering, Checking..................... 412
Sunroof............................. 173
Windows............................. 41
Power Steering Fluid..................... 445
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 53
Preparation for Jacking.................369,381
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 51
Programmable Electronic Features......164,169,172
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............23,169,172
Radial Ply Tires......................... 331
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......416,418
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 212
Radio Operation...................234,252,274
Radio Remote Controls.................258,270
Radio, Satellite.......................... 266
Radio (Sound Systems).........214,224,234,244,251
INDEX 493
10