brake fluid DODGE CARAVAN 2010 Owners Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including 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.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
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 if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
104 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 Warning LightThis 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 that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (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.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229
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Driving Through Water ................. 333
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 333
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 333
 Power Steering ....................... 335
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 335
 Parking Brake ........................ 336
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 338
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .......... 340
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 341
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 341
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 342
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 343
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ............... 344 
Tire Safety Information ................. 345
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 345
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 349
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 350
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 351
 Tires — General Information ............. 355
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 355
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 356
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 357
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 358
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 358
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 359
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 360
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CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.
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Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 385
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▫Cooling System ..................... 449
▫ Brakes ............................ 454
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 456
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 459
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel Cupholders . . 464
 Fuses .............................. 465
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) . . . 465
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 472
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 473 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 474
▫ Headlamps ........................ 474
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal Lamps ........... 474
▫ Fog Lamps ......................... 474
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lamps ................... 475
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 476
▫ License Lamp ....................... 476
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 477
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 478
▫ Engine ............................ 478
▫ Chassis ........................... 479
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.3/3.8L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (3.3L Only) 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.0L
1 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Air Cleaner Filter 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
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•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, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•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 “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance 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 would not 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.
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