2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA brake fluid

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81
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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 turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
7. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, there
is a low brake fluid level or there is a problem with the
anit-lock brake system.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system isindicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

25. Liftgate Ajar — If Equipped
This light turns on if the liftgate is not com-
pletely closed.
26. Door Ajar Light — If Equipped
This light turns on if a door is not completely
closed.
27. Washer Fluid Light — If Equipped
This light turns on when the washer fluid level
falls below approximately 1/4 filled. The light will
remain on until fluid is added.
28. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light/Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light — If
Equipped
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is com-
bined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
“ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” and the yellow“ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster both
come on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position. They should both go out with the engine
running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in either the ESP or BAS system, or both. If
this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as
soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
The “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp”:
— The “ESP Indicator Light” and the “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
— Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
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•SET INHIBITED DUE TO MOTION (with a single chime)
•FOB LINKED (with a single chime)
•FOB UNLINKED (with a single chime)
•PARK BRAKE ENGAGED (with a single chime)
•LOW BRAKE FLUID (with a single chime)
•LOW FUEL (with a single chime)
•MENU IN PARK ONLY
•LIST # ALERT MESSAGES
•UNLOCK TO OPEN LIFTGATE (with a single chime)
•PUT IN PARK FOR LIFTGATE (with a single chime)
•TOO COLD FOR PWR LIFTGATE (with a single chime)
•TOO HOT FOR PWR LIFTGATE (with a single chime)
•PERFORM SERVICE (with a single chime)
•LEFT/RIGHT FRONT DOOR AJAR (one or more,
with a single chime if speed is above 1 mph)
•LEFT/RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (one or more, with
a single chime if speed is above 1 mph)
•DOOR(S) AJAR (with a single chime)
•DOOR(S) AND GATE AJAR (with a single chime)
•LIFT GATE AJAR (with a single chime if speed is
above 1 mph)
•WASHER FLUID LOW (with a single chime)
•PEDAL ADJUST DISABLED CRUISE ENGAGED
•PEDAL ADJUST DISABLED VEHICLE IN REVERSE
•CHANNEL 1, 2, OR 3 TRANSMIT (with a single chime)
•CHANNEL 1, 2, OR 3 TRAINING (with a single chime)
•CHANNEL 1, 2, OR 3 TRAINED (with a single chime)
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures
NOTE:
•The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
•Extended heavy use of Traction Control may cause the
system to deactivate and turn on the traction control
indicator located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and
is a normal condition. The system will remain disabled
for about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The
system will automatically reactivate and turn off the
traction control indicator.
•If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow,
turn the Traction Control System OFF before at-
tempting to “rock” the vehicle free.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........380
▫Steering Shaft Seal....................380
▫Steering Linkage......................380
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............380
▫Body Lubrication.....................381
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................381
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....382
▫Exhaust System......................382
▫Cooling System.......................383
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......388
▫Brakes.............................389
▫Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 390
▫Fuel System Hoses....................391▫Automatic Transmission................392
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....395
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........396
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................396
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 401

Fuses (Integrated Power Module)...........402

Vehicle Storage........................405

Replacement Light Bulbs.................406

Bulb Replacement......................406
▫Standard Quad Headlights...............406
▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) —
If Equipped.........................407
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and couplings
to make sure they are secure and no leaks are present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at 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 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.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE