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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
‘00
Chrysler Town & Country, Unnatural Operation
Q:
I have a question about my ‘00 Chrysler Town &
Country mini van. For some reason the park brake indicator
light comes on when I turn left, and I don't even have to
touch the brakes for this to happen. Any ideas why it would
do this? Another weird thing is it occasionally will go
from drive to neutral while I'm driving, and of course this
has only happened to me, so my husband doesn't know what
to think about it. If you have any ideas I'd love to hear
them.
- Brooke
A:
As for
the brake warning light coming on I would suggest checking
the fluid level in the brake master. Many vehicles have
a brake fluid level sensor in the brake fluid reservoir.
Of course this is to alert you that the fluid is getting
low. The fun thing about these level sensors is they will
cause the warning light to randomly turn on and off when
the fluid level is not quite low enough, but just on the
edge. Turning, stopping even the time of day can make the
warning light flash when the level is not, but just low
enough. If the level is found to be down a top off should
correct the light-flashing problem. That does not fix the
real cause for the problem though. If the level is down/low
it is because the brake pads are worn and may need replacement
soon or there is a system leak. Flashing light equals, brake
inspection. As for the transmission going into neutral?
It won’t happen when I ride with you, too. The next
time that occurs stop by a transmission shop and have them
ask the transmission computer if there are any codes. It
may lend a clue to the cause. Oh yes, be sure to check the
transmission fluid level. Low fluid can cause the same condition.
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