Soft pedal

1997 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
213 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
When i step on the pedal it goes to the floor but it does stop. i just half to push on a little harder.
Dec 19, 2017 at 9:08 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
I assume the brake pressure warning light is also coming on when you press down on the brake pedal.
The first thing you want to do is make sure the master cylinder is full of brake fluid and if it is not, you have a leak, first place to look is down the center of the brake booster under the master cylinder. If it is leaking there the rear seal in the master cylinder is leaking. If not there check at each wheel first for a leak from the brake lines, hoses, wheel cylinders (if equipped) or calipers and then all the metal brake lines.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I have proportion valve back by the left rear tire i checked it after i stepped on the pedal and it was dripping.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
That could be it, stop the leak, check the master cylinder fluid level and check the brake operation afterward. You may have to bleed out some air if the brake pressure warning light still comes on.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
The proportion has a rubber seal on inside but the outside one does not have one
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
Try tightening up the brake line at it, unless of course it is not leaking from the brake line.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
It drips from off the seal after push the brake pedal it leaves a wet spot on the driveway.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
If the seal cannot be replaced and it is part of that proportioning valve, then you will have to replace the proportioning valve.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Would that cause the pedal to get soft?
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
Anything within that brake system that has a leak could cause a soft pedal.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
If re-bleed the the brake line on the right front would that make a difference?
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
Why would you want to bleed the front again?
Did you recently have some work done to the front brakes?
No matter what you do, you are going to have to fix any brake fluid leak.
Then after you fix the leak, you may have to bleed afterward.
Note: if and when you go to replace that proportioning valve, press the brake pedal down at least a few inches, then place a stick on the pedal and seat cushion, that way the master cylinder ports will be closed so you do not drain the master cylinder when replacing that proportioning valve.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Would the master cylinder cause the brake to go to the floor
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
It could if not leaking from the rear seal which would be visible, then leaking from in between the 2 pistons inside which you would not see, but nonetheless, you are going to have to fix that leak at that proportioning valve first, then bleed.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Avatar
BRIAN POWELL2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
My van wont start what would cause it not to start
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM
Avatar
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 1,853 POSTS
Numerous things, did you run down the battery?
If not, does the fuel pump run for a few seconds after you first turn the key to run?
Are there any security or check engine lights remaining on or flashing?
Is a security light is on try a spare key or clean the area where the pellet is on that one and try again.
If the fuel pump isn't running, see if you blew the fuse.
Is the engine isn't cranking over and the battery is ok, make sure you are in neutral and/or park.
If the battery has run down, charge it back up or try a jump start.
If all this is ok, check the fuses for the ignition, fuel injection and ecm/pcm.
Then check for a spark or see if the engine will start and run for a few seconds after spraying a couple of shots of starting fluid into the throttle body.
Mar 15, 2021 at 12:48 PM