2009 DODGE CARAVAN brake light

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP on 2WD
vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESP system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most
driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for
specific reasons as noted below.
ESP Partial OFF
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch (located in the center switch bank, next to the
hazard flasher switch).
When in Partial OFF mode, the TCS portion of
ESP, except for the “limited slip” feature de-
scribed in the TCS section, has been disabled
and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illu-
minated. All other stability features of the ESP function
normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle
is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more
wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
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•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin or a
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
STARTING AND OPERATING 403
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▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 449
▫Cooling System...................... 450
▫Brakes............................ 456
▫Automatic Transaxle.................. 458
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 460
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel Cupholders . . 466
Fuses.............................. 467
▫Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).... 467
Vehicle Storage....................... 474
Replacement Light Bulbs................. 474
Bulb Replacement..................... 475▫Headlights......................... 475
▫Front Park/Turn Signal Lights........... 476
▫Fog Lights......................... 476
▫Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lights................... 477
▫Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . 478
▫License Light....................... 478
Fluids And Capacities................... 479
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts....... 480
▫Engine............................ 480
▫Chassis............................ 481
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also 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.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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.
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.
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
J18 20 Amp
Yellow— Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) Trans
Range
J19 60 Amp
Yellow— Radiator Fan
J20 30 Amp
Pink— Front Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp
Yellow— Front/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp
Natural— Sunroof Module
M1 — 15 Amp
BlueCenter High Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
M2 — 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Lighting
M3 — 20 Amp
Yellow—
FUSES/TIPM
CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M4 — 10 Amp
RedTrailer Tow
M5 — 25 Amp
NaturalInverter
M6 — 20 Amp
Yellow—
M7 — 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SELECT)
M8 — 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seat (If
Equipped)
M9 — 20 Amp
YellowRear Heated Seat (If
Equipped)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469
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•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
486 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Automatic Headlights.................... 174
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 310
Automatic Transaxle...................... 327
Adding Fluid......................... 459
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Interlock System....................... 328
Selection Of Lubricant................458,481
Shifting............................. 329
Special Additives...................... 460
Automatic Transmission................458,460
Adding Fluid......................459,460
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 460
Fluid Change......................... 460
Fluid Level Check...................... 459
Fluid Type........................458,481
Battery............................... 444
Gas Caution.......................... 445
Jump Starting......................... 424Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 177
Blind Spot Monitoring.................... 106
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 448
B-Pillar Location........................ 354
Brake Assist System...................... 346
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 344
Brake Fluid............................ 481
Brake, Parking.......................... 339
Brake System........................343,456
Fluid Check.......................... 456
Warning Light........................ 238
Brakes.............................343,456
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 328
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 93
Bulb Replacement....................... 475
Bulbs, Light............................ 474
Calibration, Compass..................251,257
INDEX 513
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Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 454
Engine Oil........................... 441
Domelight............................. 173
Door Locks............................. 31
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 34
Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 448
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 334
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 335
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 297
E-85 Fuel............................. 383
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 104
Electrical Power Outlets................... 206
Electronic Brake Control System............. 344
Brake Assist System.................... 346Electronic Stability Program............... 347
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 183
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 347
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................192,252
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 410
Jacking...........................412,415
Jump Starting......................... 424
Overheating.......................... 410
Emission Control System Maintenance......436,484
Engine............................433,434
Air Cleaner.......................... 441
Block Heater......................... 327
Break-In Recommendations................ 93
Checking Oil Level..................... 438
Compartment......................433,434
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 480
Cooling............................. 450
516 INDEX
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