2009 DODGE CARAVAN brake
[x] Cancel search: brakePage 184 of 534
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward, or away, from the driver to provideimproved position with the steering wheel. The adjust-
able pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of
driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat positions.
The switch is located on the left side of the steering
column.
Tilt Steering Column Lever
1 — Closed
2 — Opened
Adjustable Pedal Switch
182 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
ProCarManuals.com
Page 187 of 534
Deactivating Electronic Speed Control
A soft tap on the brake pedal or pulling the Electronic
Speed Control lever (CANCEL) toward you will deacti-
vate the Electronic Speed Control without erasing the set
speed memory. Pushing the ON/OFF button to the OFF
position or turning OFF the ignition erases the set speed
memory.
Resuming Speed
To resume a previously set speed, raise the Electronic
Speed Control lever (RESUME/ACCEL) upward, and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Varying The Speed Setting
When the Electronic Speed Control is SET, speed can be
increased by raising and holding the RESUME/ACCEL
lever upwards. When released, a new set speed will be
established.Raising the RESUME/ACCEL lever upward, once, will
result in a 1 mph (1 km/h) speed increase. Each time the
lever is tapped upward speed increases, so tapping the
Electronic Speed Control lever three times will increase
speed by 3 mph (5 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is set, press the
SET/DECEL lever downward, and hold. Release the
Electronic Speed Control lever when the desired speed is
reached, and the new speed will be set.
Tapping the SET/DECEL lever downward, once, will
result in a 1 mph (1 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the
Electronic Speed Control lever is tapped downward,
speed decreases.
NOTE:In order to ensure proper operation the Elec-
tronic Speed Control system has been designed to shut
down if multiple speed control switch functions are
operated simultaneously. If this occurs, the Electronic
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
3
ProCarManuals.com
Page 227 of 534
WARNING!
Do not install the load-leveling system on vehicles
that are not equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes. Ve-
hicles without Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) have a height-
sensing proportioning valve. Installing a leveling
system will render this system ineffective, inappro-
priately reducing rear brake pressure, resulting in
increased stopping distances. You could have a seri-
ous accident.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
The crossbars and side rails are designed to carry the
weight on vehicles equipped with a luggage rack. The
load must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and should be
uniformly distributed over the luggage rack crossbars.
Distribute cargo weight evenly on the roof rack crossbars.
The roof rack does not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total load of cargoinside the vehicle plus that on the external rack does not
exceed the maximum vehicle load capacity.
To move the crossbars, loosen the thumb screws located
at the upper edge of each crossbar approximately six
turns, then move the crossbar to the desired position,
keeping the crossbars parallel to the rack frame. Once the
crossbar is in place, retighten the thumb screws to lock
the crossbar into position.
Attempt to move the crossbar again to ensure that it has
properly locked into position.
NOTE:To help control wind noise when installing the
crossbars make sure the arrows marked on the underside
of the crossbars are facing the front of the vehicle. When
the crossbars are not in use, the front crossbar should be
fastened just forward of the middle support and the rear
crossbar should be fastened at the rearmost position of
the side rails. This will help reduce the amount of wind
noise when the crossbars are not in use.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 225
3
ProCarManuals.com
Page 239 of 534
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer if
your vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under
the hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual.
Follow the warnings under the Cooling System Pres-
sure Cap paragraph.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, acontinuous chime will sound to alert you to turn the
signals off. If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that the headlights are on
high beam. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
7. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn 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 turns 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
4
ProCarManuals.com
Page 240 of 534
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.
8. 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, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock BrakeSystem (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated 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, and
the brake fluid level checked.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ProCarManuals.com
Page 241 of 534
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. 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.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unlessthe parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
9.Tachometer — Premium Instrument Cluster Only
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
10. Shift Lever Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
shift lever selection.
NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4
ProCarManuals.com
Page 249 of 534
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light
The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on when the ignitionswitch is turned to the “ON” position. They should 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 the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/
kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
27. Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) Reset
Button
Press the reset button to scroll through sub menus (i.e.,
Outside Temperature, Trip Functions: AVG Fuel
Economy, DTE, Elapsed Time, and Units. Press and hold
the reset button for approximately two seconds to reset
the display shown.
NOTE:For more detailed operation, refer to “Compass
Mini-Trip Computer” later in this section.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247
4
ProCarManuals.com
Page 323 of 534
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 324
▫Automatic Transaxle.................. 324
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped......... 327
Automatic Transaxle.................... 327
▫Brake/Transaxle Interlock System......... 328
▫Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transaxle.......................... 329
▫Reset Mode - Electronic Transaxle......... 334
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 334▫Acceleration........................ 334
▫Traction........................... 335
Driving Through Water.................. 335
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 336
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 336
Power Steering........................ 338
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 338
Parking Brake........................ 339
5
ProCarManuals.com