2007 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN brakes

Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits. Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).378 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances. 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. STARTING AND OPERATING 379
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▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............430
▫ Steering Shaft Seal ....................431
▫ Steering Linkage ......................431
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............431
▫ Body Lubrication .....................431
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................432
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....432
▫ Exhaust System ......................433
▫ Cooling System .......................434
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......439
▫ Brakes .............................439
▫ Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 441
▫ Fuel System Hoses ....................442 ▫ Automatic Transmission ................442
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........446
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................446
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders ........................450

Fuses — Integrated Power Module ..........452

Vehicle Storage ........................455

Replacement Light Bulbs .................455

Bulb Replacement ......................456
▫ Headlights ..........................456
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights .............................458
▫ Fog Lights ..........................459412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

• Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
• Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
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.
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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
7

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 be440 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
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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
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