2007 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
440 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 441
7

Reset Mode.......................... 317
Selection Of Lubricant ................443,463
Shifting ............................. 317
Special Additives ...................... 445
Automatic Transmission ................... 442
Adding Fluid ......................... 444
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 445
Fluid Change ......................... 445
Fluid Level Check ...................... 444
Fluid Type ........................ 443,463
Ball Joints ............................. 430
Battery ............................... 427
Gas Caution .......................... 427
Jump Starting ......................... 405
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 153
Bearings .............................. 446
Belts, Drive ............................ 423 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 431
B-Pillar Location ........................ 332
Brake Fluid ............................ 463
Brake, Parking .......................... 319
Brake System ........................ 321,439
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 321
Fluid Check .......................... 441
Hoses .............................. 440
Warning Light ........................ 213
Brakes ............................. 321,439
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 316
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 88
Bulb Replacement ....................... 456
Bulbs, Light ............................ 455
Calibration, Compass ..................... 169
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 461
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 357
INDEX 497
10

Filter............................ 423,462
Filter Disposal ........................ 423
Identification Logo ..................... 422
Materials Added to ..................... 423
Recommendation ................... 421,461
Synthetic ............................ 423
Viscosity .......................... 422,461
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............416,417
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 177
Outside Rearview Mirrors ................96,97
Overdrive ............................. 318
Overhead Console ....................... 167
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 167
Overheating, Engine ................... 216,385
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 490
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 159
Parking Brake .......................... 319 Parking On Hill
......................... 320
Passing Light ........................... 156
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 163
Pets, Transporting ........................ 83
Phone, Cellular ......................... 100
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 100
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 332
Power Brakes .............................. 321
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 452
Door Locks ........................... 28
Lift Gate ............................. 41
Mirrors .............................. 98
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 185
Seats ............................... 124
Sliding Door .......................... 35
Steering ............................. 325
Steering, Checking ..................... 430
Sunroof ............................. 183
INDEX 507
10