Questions and Answers

Dodge Caravan ABS Working Properly? Q. The ABS Brakes on my 1996 Dodge Caravan have never seemed right. It has new pads in front and all new shoes and cylinders and springs in back. The brakes seem adequate in normal driving but twice in a panic stop they did not stop quickly. You can't lock up the wheels, you push as hard as you can and the car slows to a stop, it is scary and dangerous.

The master cylinder is full and seems okay. I don't really know about ABS, is there a part that might have failed or what??? I appreciate you answer.

Thanks,
Charlie

A. Here is what the ABS system is and how it's supposed to work.

PURPOSE:
The ITT Teves Mark IVg Anti-Lock Brake System is designed to prevent wheel lock-up on any road surface when brakes are applied.

OPERATION:
It is composed of a complex network of electrical and hydraulic components but should usually function much the same as a standard, non-ABS braking system. The hydraulic circuits to each wheel are diagonally split for safety in the event of pressure loss, and conventional vacuum assist is provided on all models.

The anti-lock brake system operates when brakes are applied while traveling at a speed greater than three to five mph.

NOTE: It is normal for slight wheel lock-up to be noted at the end of an ABS stop. In addition, brake pedal vibration and noises such as ticking, popping and groaning are normal when hard braking causes the system to operate.

The anti-lock brake system is comprised of several interactive components not found on vehicles without ABS. These include a Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), certain fuses and relays, wheel speed sensors, an ABS warning lamp and the Controller Anti-Lock Brake (CAB).

So, as you can see, the brakes are not supposed to lock up, hence the Anti-Lock in ABS.

Without driving your vehicle I can't determine if your brakes are operating properly. I would suggest swinging by a Chrysler dealer and have a technician take it for a ride and let him determine if they are operating properly.