Description & Operation

NOTE: For Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) information not covered in this article, see appropriate ANTI-LOCK article.

NOTE: Optional four-wheel disc brake system is available on some models. On models equipped with four-wheel disc brake system, see DISC - GRAND CARAVAN & TOWN & COUNTRY article.

Standard brake system is a front disc and rear drum brake type system. Disc/drum brake system consists of following components:

Automatic adjusting rear drum brakes.
Brake fluid level sensor.
BRAKE warning light.
Double-pin floating caliper front disc brakes.
Height-sensing proportioning valve (models without ABS).
Master cylinder.
Power brake booster.

A diagonal-split, hydraulic brake system is used. One master cylinder circuit supplies pressure to right front and left rear brakes, and the other master cylinder circuit supplies pressure to left front and right rear brakes. Parking brake uses service brake shoes operated by parking brake cables.

A Red BRAKE warning light is located on instrument panel. When ignition is first turned on, BRAKE warning light will come on as a bulb check, and then go off. Application of parking brake or a signal from brake fluid level sensor may cause BRAKE warning light to remain on steady. Brake fluid level sensor is located in master cylinder fluid reservoir.

On models without Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), a height-sensing proportioning valve is used for the rear brakes. Height-sensing proportioning valve limits the pressure to the rear brakes to improve front-to-rear brake balance during normal braking, depending on the vehicle load and vehicle height.