Yeah, this isn't about a tractor. But, I have my big diesel trucks partly because of tractor hauling. And, I bought this van because the big trucks are now getting too expensive to drive, etc. &c. I bought a 1998 Dodge AWD Grand Caravan as a "light duty" truck. With diesel over $5 a gallon, I'm only using my Ford and Dodge diesel trucks when absolutely necessary - just trailer towing and firewood hauling. So, I got this van for lighter work that still requires some hauling - or - pulling a small trailer.
I'm trying to fix the parking brakes. This leads to my question.
The foot-pedal lock mechanism doesn't hold. Seems the rachet inside of it is worn. Push it down, it might lock at first, but later release all on its own. It also appears to be overly complicated since it's "self adjusting." Okay - so I ordered a new one. Got it, opened the box. Saw a little rod sticking out of it - and like a little monkey - I grabbed and pulled on it. Something sprung. Then, I put on my reading glasses and saw a red warning sticker that reads "do not remove temporary lock-out rod until mechanism is installed."
So - it seems I did something stupid - not a rare event. I then looked in my Dodge factory service manual and it says nothing - except - "do not remove lockup rod" until installed with cable hooked up.
What did I do, and how do I undo it? I asked one local guy that loves these vans - and he says he'd send the part back to Dodge and ask for another with the rod in-place.
Seems I ought to be able to reset this thing. Anybody ever had any experience with this device?
I'm trying to fix the parking brakes. This leads to my question.
The foot-pedal lock mechanism doesn't hold. Seems the rachet inside of it is worn. Push it down, it might lock at first, but later release all on its own. It also appears to be overly complicated since it's "self adjusting." Okay - so I ordered a new one. Got it, opened the box. Saw a little rod sticking out of it - and like a little monkey - I grabbed and pulled on it. Something sprung. Then, I put on my reading glasses and saw a red warning sticker that reads "do not remove temporary lock-out rod until mechanism is installed."
So - it seems I did something stupid - not a rare event. I then looked in my Dodge factory service manual and it says nothing - except - "do not remove lockup rod" until installed with cable hooked up.
What did I do, and how do I undo it? I asked one local guy that loves these vans - and he says he'd send the part back to Dodge and ask for another with the rod in-place.
Seems I ought to be able to reset this thing. Anybody ever had any experience with this device?
