brakes DODGE CARAVAN 2010 User Guide

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, move the shift
lever into third gear (with four-speed transmission) or
fifth gear (with six-speed transmission).
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
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STARTING AND OPERATING 401
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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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•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.
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. Using the wrong type of brake fluid can
severely damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake fluid for
your vehicle is also labeled on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
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CAUTION!
•When installing the Totally Integrated Power
Module cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure to
do so may allow water to get into the Integrated
Power Module, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
The numbers inside the TIPM cover correspond to the
following table.
FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
J1 40 Amp Green — Power Folding Seat
J2 30 Amp Pink — Power Liftgate
Module
J3 30 Amp Pink — Rear Door Module
(RR Door Node)
J4 25 Amp Natural — Driver Door Node
J5 25 Amp Natural — Passenger Door
Node
J6 40 Amp Green — Antilock Brakes
Pump/Stability
Control System
J7 30 Amp Pink — Antilock Brakes
Valve/Stability
Control System
466 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FUSES/TIPM
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
M35 — 10 Amp RedHeated Mirrors
M36 — 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #3
M37 — 10 Amp RedAntilock Brakes,
Stability Control
System, Stop Lamp
Switch, Fuel Pump
Rly Hi Control
M38 — 25 Amp NaturalDoor Lock/Unlock
Motors, Liftgate
Lock/Unlock
Motors
The heated mirrors, lower instrument panel power outlet
and removable floor console, when in the front position are fused with self-resetting fuses that are only service-
able by an authorized dealer. The power seats are fused
by a 30 Amp circuit breaker located under the driver’s
seat. The power windows are fused by a 25 Amp circuit
breaker located under the instrument panel near the
steering column. If you experience temporary or perma-
nent loss of these systems, see your authorized dealer for
service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than
21 days, you may want to take steps to protect your
battery. You may do the following:
•Remove the 20 Amp mini-fuse in the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (TIPM) labeled Ignition-Off
Draw (IOD).
•Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
472 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Automatic Transaxle...................... 324
Adding Fluid ......................... 458
Fluid Level Check ..................... 458
Interlock System ....................... 325
Selection Of Lubricant ................456,479
Shifting ............................. 326
Special Additives ...................... 458
Automatic Transmission ................456,458
Adding Fluid ...................... 457,458
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 458
Fluid Change ......................... 458
Fluid Level Check ..................... 457
Fluid Type ........................ 456,479
Battery ............................... 443
Jump Starting ......................... 421
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 160
Belts, Seat ............................. 101 Blind Spot Monitoring
.................... 114
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 447
B-Pillar Location ........................ 351
Brake Assist System ...................... 342
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 341
Brake Fluid ............................ 479
Brake, Parking .......................... 336
Brake System ........................... 454
Fluid Check .......................... 454
Warning Light ........................ 229
Brakes ............................... 454
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 325
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 99
Bulb Replacement ....................... 474
Bulbs, Light ......................... 104,473
Calibration, Compass .................. 244,250
Camera, Rear ........................... 181
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 477
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INDEX 511
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